Lithuanian military chief warns poor conditions hinder professional service recruitment

Improving living and training conditions is critical to motivating soldiers to become professional service specialists, Lithuania’s Chief of Defence Raimundas Vaikšnoras has warned, politika.lt reports.

“If conditions do not improve, we will struggle to motivate soldiers to sign contracts and join the professional military service—it will be too uncomfortable for them,” Vaikšnoras said.

He highlighted plans to relocate the entire Žemaitija Brigade to the Kairiai training ground by 2028–2029, where modern infrastructure—including a swimming pool and leisure zones—will be built for both military personnel and the local community.

“We are adopting Western standards to ensure a proper environment for young people, as the environment directly shapes character. This principle applies in both family and military life,” he added, rejecting claims that soldiers preparing for war should spend extended periods in poor field conditions.

Vaikšnoras acknowledged long-standing funding gaps in Lithuania’s armed forces, which have forced prioritisation of critical infrastructure protection, such as reception points, seaports, and airports in Šiauliai and Klaipėda. However, he noted that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine—targeting both military and civilian infrastructure—has shifted priorities.

“Last year’s drone incursion into our airspace made it clear that even distant conflicts directly affect Lithuania. We must now ensure the safety of all residents, not just strategic objects,” he said.

The defence budget has since been increased, with an additional €0.5 billion allocated for low-altitude and short-range air defence capabilities. Vaikšnoras also referenced the establishment of the Universal Defence Association, led by former national security advisor Tomas Godliauskas, which aims to foster a shared understanding that both citizens and the state must participate in national defence.