Vaikšnoras sees no need for universal conscription for now

Lithuanian Army Commander R. Vaikšnoras stated that there is currently no need for universal conscription, as the number of conscript-age men and volunteers is sufficient to meet the military's needs. He highlighted that a significant portion of young men beginning their service are volunteers.

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In my assessment as the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the current number of conscript-age men is sufficient to meet the army's needs. Moreover, a significant portion of the young men starting their service are volunteers.

Vaikšnoras explained that in recent years, training for non-commissioned officers has been expanded, as they form the majority of instructors for conscripts. Additionally, reserve officer courses have been launched at the Lithuanian Military Academy, and training for military specialties has been broadened to include drone operators, electronic warfare specialists, and artillery crews. The military is also expanding infrastructure and accumulating necessary training resources, enabling the annual training of approximately one thousand more soldiers than before, reaching nearly 6,000 soldiers per year through various forms of training.

However, Vaikšnoras acknowledged that the country is approaching the limit of what universal conscription would entail. A major challenge is the health condition of conscript-age youth, with statistics showing that nearly half are deemed unfit for service due to health reasons. The commander is exploring solutions to involve more motivated citizens in national defense.

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The result of these decisions is the ability to train about a thousand more soldiers annually than before. Today, through various forms, we train almost 6,000 soldiers per year.

One proposed solution is allowing individuals who do not meet all health requirements but can perform specific tasks to voluntarily serve. This is particularly relevant for specialists in fields like information technology, engineering, electronics, communications, and cybersecurity, whose competencies are often as crucial as physical fitness in a modern military. Vaikšnoras also stressed the importance of considering the number of trained individuals available in a crisis or war, noting that soldier training extends beyond the initial nine months, with soldiers becoming part of the active reserve for about 15 years, periodically participating in training exercises.

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According to recent statistics, nearly half of conscripts are deemed unfit for service due to health reasons.

Regarding mandatory service for women, Vaikšnoras pointed out that opportunities for women to serve in the Lithuanian Armed Forces already exist. They can voluntarily undertake initial compulsory military service, join the National Defence Volunteer Forces, participate in reserve officer training, or opt for professional military service.

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One of them is the possibility for individuals who do not meet all the established health requirements, but can perform specific tasks, to serve voluntarily.