Estimated threshold of 7 thousand. the number of conscripts, which allows for the actual introduction of universal conscription, is expected to be reached within five years, says the Minister of National Defense.
“Of course, it won’t happen immediately. The beginning will be moderate. (…) To reach 7 thousand conscripts, we think we could do it in five years,” Laurynas Kasčiūnas told BNS on Tuesday.
According to him, 4-5 thousand people are going to be called up for compulsory military service next year. young people.
On Monday, the Ministry of National Defense announced that it had prepared a draft amendment to the Law on the Basic Structure of the Army and Limiting Number of Soldiers, so that the total maximum number of soldiers would increase from 20,000. 840 to 29 thousand. 380, and the limit number of conscripts is from 4240 to 7040.
“We are taking a larger sample, it is related to the conscription reform. The aim is to increase the number of conscripts. 7-8 thousand is already when we talk about universal calling. It would be a universal convocation without fact,” said L. Kasčiūnas.
According to him, the more trained people there will be, the more the active reserve will grow, the more power Lithuania will have to deter the opponent and, if necessary, defend the state.
This year, it is planned to invite about 3.8 thousand people to the service. conscripts.
The reform of mandatory initial military service submitted by the Government last year is currently being considered in the Seimas.
Under the new model, 18-21-year-olds who have left school would be called up to serve. At the moment, 18-23-year-old guys are being drafted.
The changes also provide for the differentiation of regular service according to the duration – young people would have the opportunity to serve for six or nine months.
KAM seeks to ensure that studying at a higher education institution is no longer treated as an exception to deferring service.
Tags: Minister scope universal convocation expected reached years
