Lithuania Reports a Record Number of Volunteers for Military Service

This year, Lithuania has recorded a record number of people willing to undergo mandatory initial military service—more than 8,100.

Delfi reported on this.

According to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, nearly 4,400 young people expressed a desire to begin their service even before being included on the draft lists.

Another 3,700 volunteered to serve on a priority basis after the lists were made public.

Arūnas Balčiūnas, Director of the Military Service and Recruitment Service, stated that the record number of young people who voluntarily chose to serve indicates that an increasing number are eager to contribute to strengthening national security and to understand their role in the national defense system.

At the same time, he noted that due to the limited number of positions in the military, it will not be possible to enlist all applicants this year.

It was previously reported that the Lithuanian Armed Forces plan to draft 5,000 people from January 2 to December 31, 2026.

In Lithuania, students subject to conscription for mandatory initial military service may take an academic leave of absence for the duration of their service and return to their studies upon completion of their service.

In 2024, the Lithuanian parliament passed a military service reform that provides for conscription immediately after high school graduation.

Upon turning 17, young people must contact the National Defense System authorities and provide their personal information. If deemed fit for service based on the results of a medical examination, they will be drafted upon turning 18.