he Polish state, through the system of organs, together with the assigned competences and interrelationships, established the national security system, and within it, the operating subsystem of the executive system. This system consists of forces and resources provided for for the implementation of statutory tasks in the field of security, remaining at the disposal of the safety control authorities. An element of both systems is the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, in which the Territorial Defense Forces have operated since 2017. Tasks for the operating subsystem emerge from the mission, goals and functions of the state in the area of ​​security, the component of which is ecological safety. So what is the state of the theory and practice of the operation of the Territorial Defense Forces? in the ecological safety system? Are the Territorial Defense Forces, taking into account the attributes assigned to them, an element of the operational subsystem of the State? What model of operation of the Territorial Defense Forces will ensure the optimal functioning of the Armed Forces and the state in the area of ​​ecological security? Undoubtedly, the Territorial Defense Forces, given their role in ensuring security for local communities, are an element of the operating subsystem of the national security system. An element, as it seems, in the current security environment and state resources, indispensable. However, the mere fact of their existence does not guarantee the fulfillment of their obligations. The areas requiring redevelopment include, among others, the task and competence area. It was decided that the awareness, knowledge and experience of the participants of the decision-making process should correspond to the mission set for the Territorial Defense Forces.