Lithuania has approved the drafting of young men for nine-month fixed-term army service after graduation from school. For the innovation voted 85 deputies, 3 were against, 14 people abstained.
Now, future conscripts at the age of 17 must apply to recruitment offices, providing their contact details, and undergo a medical examination. After reaching the age of 18, they can be drafted into the army.
Under the new system, conscription for compulsory military service is going to be increased from 4 thousand to 7 thousand.
Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas said that these changes do not mean a complete transition to universal conscription, but they are a step in that direction.
Earlier it was reported that in December 2023, the Parliament in the first reading approved the reform of the mandatory service of the Ministry of Defense, its purpose is to increase the number of conscripts and accelerate the training of the reserve. Under the new rules, there will be no deferment for university students. However, students can choose to serve on young officers' courses or on weekends in the Defense Ministry's volunteer forces. Students will have the opportunity to postpone the time of study for 9 months and serve in the army.
Recall that one of the main changes in the reform of conscription is the possibility to reduce the time of service. The period of service will be 9 months. However, taking into account the needs of the Lithuanian Army, the service time may be reduced to 6 months, and in some cases - to 3 months.
