The Ministry of National Defence and the chief of defence have emphasised that first they expect people to join the service voluntarily. Based on the draft law, the number of soldiers in 2015 is projected to stand between 16,840 and 22,000.
If the sufficient number of volunteers does not turn up, then mandatory conscription of men aged 19-26 years and university graduates of up to 38 years (inclusive) will be announced.
The proposal to reintroduce mandatory military service was announced by the State Defence Council. President Dalia Grybauskaitė said this was a temporary move made due to geopolitical circumstances. The first draftees are expected to be called in autumn, most probably September, if the decision finds approval in the Government and parliament.
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