Lithuania is preparing to introduce universal conscription — Ministry of Defense
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that the country is gradually moving toward the introduction of universal military conscription. At the same time, he emphasized that proper preparation of the system is necessary to implement such a measure.
The statement by the head of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry was reported by LRT.
According to the minister, the number of conscripts is growing every year, and the army is capable of training more and more people.
"We are moving toward universal conscription at a good pace, maintaining quality and responding to new threats. Military commissariats, riflemen, and the Lithuanian Army are all involved in this, so our overall training is aimed at teaching the entire society how to act and defend itself in the event of war," he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene noted that universal conscription is a matter for future discussion.
"Undoubtedly, we will get there, but for now, given the changing geopolitical situation and new threats, the priority is to fulfill basic tasks so that we can then move forward step by step," said the head of government.
Currently, universal conscription has not been introduced in Lithuania.
Conscripts in Lithuania serve for nine months, but this year the option to shorten the term of mandatory military service has been introduced—conditions have been created to allow for service lasting three, six, or nine months.
School graduates aged 18–22 are also being drafted, and plans are in place to draft an increasing number of young people each year. A number of politicians believe that this brings the country closer to universal conscription.
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