NATO allies discuss reserve forces at first Vilnius committee meeting

NATO allies and partner countries discussed how to strengthen reserve forces and integrate them into collective defence plans at the first meeting of the NATO Reserve Committee in Vilnius, LRT reported on Saturday, citing Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence.

Lithuania presented a reform of its national reserve system aimed at meeting the growing personnel needs of its armed forces and preparing for the country’s defence.

Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa briefed participants on Lithuania’s security situation, defence priorities and plans to expand military personnel. He said stronger reserve forces were essential to NATO’s readiness for collective defence.

“Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and growing threats on NATO’s eastern flank require us to fundamentally strengthen our defence preparedness,” Aleksa said. “We are investing in modern weapons, developing a national division and receiving a German brigade, but properly trained people are the foundation of all these capabilities.”

He said reservists must be ready to reinforce regular forces from the first days of a crisis or war and carry out assigned tasks. Lithuania is increasing the number of reserve soldiers, strengthening their training and integrating them into the armed forces’ defence plans, he added.

Aleksa also highlighted the value of civilian expertise in the military. Reservists bring skills in fields including medicine, engineering, logistics, technology and communications, which can help the armed forces carry out complex tasks and strengthen the country’s resilience, the ministry said.

About 50 representatives of NATO commands, member states and partner countries attended the meeting, including participants from Ukraine, Australia and Switzerland. They shared national experience and discussed challenges and possible solutions for developing reserve forces and improving allies’ ability to mobilise and deploy them in a crisis or war.

The NATO Reserve Committee is a permanent advisory body to the NATO Military Committee and provides recommendations on reserve forces policy.