“Reintroduction of permanent mandatory initial military service is an important and significant step towards boosting state contingency. We believe that people of Lithuania are active citizens and are determined to defend their Homeland. Currently, ensuring national security is our key priority,” Grybauskaitė said in a press release circulated by the President’s Office.
Under the law, up to 3,500 young men should be conscripted this year, with the first of them to be recruited this fall.
The general marginal numbers of troops will range from 16,840 to 21,960, compared to the previously approved range of 14,340-18,460, reads the law.
Young men between ages of 19 and 26 will be recruited for mandatory military service, with a priority for young men and women volunteering to join the army. After completing the nine-month service, young people will be provided state guarantees for university education and employment.
Lithuania’s State Defence Council had proposed reintroducing conscription for five years in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Lithuania ended conscription in 2008.
Be the first to comment