Some of the grades trace their name back to the Middle Ages, for instance the rank of chorąży literally means a flag bearer or an Ensign.
These include the rank of kapral, which is a derivative of the Italian caporale - much like the English equivalent of corporal.
This is similar to the German army calling a cavalry officer which is equivalent to Hauptmann a Rittmeister Modern Polish military practices were heavily influenced by Prussian/German and Russian traditions, as most founding officers after 1918 independence were veterans of those respective armies.
The Polish language requires the use of a prior honorific before stating the addressee's rank e.g. 'Panie Kapitanie...' (Sir Captain...).
This is directly equivalent to French practice where the possessive Mon is pre-pended to the addressee's rank.