 Administratively a part of the Grodno-based III Military Corps Area and under Józef Olszyna-Wilczyński, it was also an important garrison and mobilization centre.In the pre-war period, the city housed the entire Polish 1st Legions' Infantry Division, as well as the headquarters and the 4th Uhlan Regiment of the Wileńska Cavalry Brigade.Air cover was provided by the majority of the Polish 5th Air Regiment stationed at the nearby airfield of Porubanek (modern Kirtimai).