of National Defence who acts on the commander-in-chief's behalf in peacetime; Marshal of Poland, the highest rank in the Polish army (no living holders since 1989); and the Chief of the General Staff. Navy The war ensign and the naval jack symbolize traditions of the Polish Navy dating back to Polish privateer fleet of the 15th–17th centuries. They are also symbols of a navy ship crew's courage, honor, unbreakable fighting spirit and readiness to defend Poland and its maritime rights. Naval Service Regulations define when, where and how the flags should be raised and lowered on board a navy ship. Rank flags Rank pennants Air Force Other branches of the Armed Forces Flags of the commanders of the units of the Ministry of National Defence Flags of other uniformed services Naval flags Special state service vessels Special state service flags are used by state-employed civil special-purpose ships while on duty. These flags all follow the same basic design; a white flag with a horizontal stripe whose width is 1/5 of the flag's width. In the middle, each flag is emblazoned with the national coat of arms superimposed on a golden or yellow anchor whose height is 3/5 of the flag's width. The middle stripe is broken in the middle and does not touch the anchor or the arms. The type of special service performed by the ship is indicated by the color of the middle stripe. Subdivisions flags Current voivodeship flags Historical voivodeship flags Historical flags Political flags Organizations flags Religious flags Ethnic groups flags Regional flags House flags See also Flag terminology Coat of arms of Poland Mazurek Dąbrowskiego References External links Poland