Poland’s Ministry of Defence is to spend seven million zloty (1.8 million euro) on ridding the armed forces of alcoholism, drug addiction and violent bullying.

A strategy document, seen by the Rzeczpospolita daily, says that socially dysfunctional behaviour has long been associated with the armed forces.

The document acknowledges that there are significant problems associated with discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, religion, age and sexual orientation.

Military experts also draw attention to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affecting soldiers on missions overseas and military operations. The document requires commanders to ensure that sufficient psychological treatment and counselling be given to the men and families returning to Poland from abroad. (pg)