German Brigade in Lithuania Recruits Only 10% of Personnel

Only around 10% of the required personnel have volunteered to serve in the Bundeswehr’s 45th Panzer Brigade, which is being created for permanent deployment in Lithuania.

According to the German outlet RND, the initial plan was to staff the unit with 1,971 soldiers during the first phase. However, only 209 troops agreed to join voluntarily. This low number raises concerns about the brigade’s deployment speed on NATO’s eastern flank.

Thomas Röwekamp, the head of the Bundestag’s Defense Committee, noted that if the situation does not change, service members may begin to be assigned to Lithuania on a mandatory basis.

In an interview with RND, he emphasized that Germany’s responsibility for the peace and security of its allies extends beyond its own territory to places where deterrence ensures stability, including Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Ministry of Defense confirms that the brigade’s formation is proceeding according to plan.

The Bundeswehr is also considering reducing the minimum service term in Lithuania from two years to one to increase interest among service members.

To motivate personnel, enhanced financial bonuses are being offered.
For its part, Lithuania has committed to providing housing and employment opportunities for service members’ families, as well as access to kindergartens and schools.

Meanwhile, as RND notes, if the personnel shortage continues, the government may resort to a mechanism of compulsory assignments.

By 2027, the 45th Lithuania Armored Brigade is expected to number 4,800 service members and around 200 civilian employees.

Currently, 1,700–1,800 German troops are stationed in Lithuania, and their number is planned to increase to 2,000 by the end of the year.

The core of the brigade comprises the 203rd Tank Battalion and the 122nd Mechanized Battalion, equipped with Leopard 2A6 tanks and Puma infantry fighting vehicles.