News analysis: soldiers at heart of Lithuanian army modernization efforts

While joining NATO allies to increase its defense capabilities, Lithuania also turns to its own national resources amid changing geopolitical situation in the region.

It's been less than a year since Lithuania, now notably one of the most concerned countries in the European Union on its security, decided to increase its defense spending.

Lithuanian youth is required to be capable to operate the new military hardware, weaponry and ready to defend the country.

Lithuania now puts emphasis on a soldier, at the heart of the country's defense system, after reintroducing five years mandatory military conscription which was abolished in 2008.

CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY

The officials of Lithuania's national defense insist Lithuania is happy and ready to host the forces from NATO allies, attending joint military exercises in the country, meanwhile admitting that national forces must be capable to ensure a proper engagement of its own soldiers.

Lithuania cannot rely only on NATO allies' backing without putting its own efforts to national defense, say the country's senior officials.

Dalia Grybauskaite, president of Lithuania, said Lithuania must take care of its defense primarily, before asking for help from NATO allies.

"How can we address the Danish or the German citizens for example to come and defend Lithuania in case of threat if we by ourselves don't want to do this? This is our constitutional duty," argued Grybauskaite after the law on military conscription had been approved by the government.

AT HEART OF MODERNIZATION

The decision to reintroduce mandatory military conscription was made in order to improve the manning of the army, since some of its units are manned only at 13 percent, and to form a reserve.

Juozas Olekas, minister of National Defense, told Xinhua that increased defense budget allows the country to address modernization and manning issues at the same time.

"For the next five years we will have a mixed model, consisting both of professionals and conscripts which will help solve the manning problems," said Olekas.

After reintroducing military conscription, this year the total number of professional troops, conscripts, volunteers and soldiers from the active reserve in Lithuanian army will range from 16,840 to 21,960 compared to the current range of 14,340 to 18,460. Around 3,000 to 3,500 conscripts of the ages of 19 to 26 will be drafted to the mandatory nine-month military service every year.

ACTIVE RESPONSE

The call to defend the country didn't come unanswered. According to minister of national defense, volunteers are actively registering for mandatory military service.

According to the defense ministry, up to 400 volunteers have expressed their willingness to be drafted to nine-month military service, since registration started three weeks ago. The ministry says the conscription will be based on volunteers with drafts to mandatory service to be held if the number of volunteers is not sufficient to achieve the annual goal of 3,000 to 3,500 soldiers.

People realise security of the country depends not only on the army alone, but also on the readiness and unity of the country as a whole, says colonel lieutenant Liudas Gumbinas, head of the paramilitary organization, to Xinhua in an interview.

"I've set myself a goal that the number of the members would exceed 10,000 in two years," Gumbinas said.

CONTINUED EFFORTS

The reintroduction of mandatory military service and particular attention to the manning of the armed forces don't seem to finalize Lithuania's defense strengthening efforts.

"There is a strong political will as well as public support to do more for national defense," said Olekas, mentioning that reintroduction of conscription is only among many other efforts.

"Efforts are also being made to enhance cyber security and information security," he added.

Lithuanian Dalia Grybauskaite said that the Baltic country was obliged to implement rapid and unexpected decisions, since geopolitical situation in the region has rapidly changed, and these decisions might be needed in coming years as well.

"These times, informational field becomes much as important as conventional or military fields," she added. Endit