More than 8,100 applications for voluntary initial mandatory military service have been submitted in Lithuania so far this year, the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Military Command Board said Tuesday.
According to the military, nearly 4,400 people volunteered to begin their service before the annual draft lists were compiled, while about 3,700 applied for priority enlistment after the lists were published.
The Military Command Board said the record number of volunteers reflects growing awareness among young people of the importance of national security and their role in Lithuania’s system of universal defence.
Because the number of available service positions is limited, however, not all applicants will be able to serve, the military said.
The Military Command Board also urged recent high school graduates and prospective university students not to postpone their education plans because of possible military service.
