Lithuanian Government backed a bill drafted by the Ministry of Defence to restore conscription. The plan will now go to the Parliament for further consideration. The reform was initiated by the State Defence Council last week.
Lithuanian Government backed a bill drafted by the Ministry of Defence to restore conscription. The plan will now go to the Parliament for further consideration. The reform was initiated by the State Defence Council last week.
The plan is to draft 3,500 men every year to compulsory military service. Based on the draft law, the total number of soldiers in 2015 is projected to stand between 16,840 and 22,000.
The Ministry of Defence has emphasized that first they expect people to join the service voluntarily.
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 temporarily, for five years, to reintroduce mandatory military service last week was announced by the State Defence Council, composed of the highest government officials.
The main reason was named a change in the geopolitical situation.
State and army leaders believe that conscripts are needed to fill military units and train a reserve.
The first draftees are expected to be called in autumn, most probably September, if the decision finds approval in the Parliament.
Conscription was suspended in 2008 when Lithuania chose fully professional army.
SHOTLIST
Archive of conscripts before 2008
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
ALGIRDAS BUTKEVIČIUS, Prime Minister of Lithuania:
The decision is to call in for 9-month compulsory military service. It is also suggested to call every year from 3000 to 3500 soldiers.
Cutaway
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
ALGIRDAS BUTKEVIČIUS, Prime Minister of Lithuania:
Everything should be done mindfully, based on common sense, and for sure, as you know volunteers will be accepted first.
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
