More than 280 young people begin compulsory military service

More than 280 young people have begun compulsory initial military service, including the first recruits in the Special Operations Forces, LRT reported, citing the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The recruits began service on Monday in two Lithuanian military units: the Vytautas the Great Jaeger Battalion and the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytenis General Support Logistics Battalion.

Most volunteered to complete the compulsory service. The remainder were included on conscription lists and requested to serve as a priority.

The call-up is notable because compulsory service soldiers have returned to the Vytautas the Great Jaeger Battalion after a 20-year break. They served there during the first decades after the restoration of Lithuania’s armed forces and made up a significant part of the battalion’s personnel.

As the unit’s role changed and its training became more specialised, compulsory service soldiers were phased out. In 2005, the battalion became the first Lithuanian military unit to be staffed entirely by professional service soldiers.

Only conscripts who successfully pass the selection process can begin service in the Special Operations Forces. In addition to basic military training, they will receive specialised training, including parachuting, drone operation and activities in inland waters.

After completing nine months of service, the soldiers will be able to take part in selection for the Special Operations Forces. Those who pass will be able to continue in professional military service.

At the Vytenis Logistics Battalion, the recruits will be introduced to logistics support, which ensures that military units are supplied, can move, carry out tasks and maintain their combat capability. They will gain practical skills in organising support, supplies and other tasks essential to military operations.

During their first days, recruits in both battalions will learn about internal procedures, service organisation and daily activities. They will receive the necessary equipment, meet their commanders and begin an adaptation and initial training period.

For the first three months, they will complete a basic soldier’s course covering military knowledge and practical skills, including tactics, weapons handling, topography, first aid, communications procedures and other essential disciplines.

After the basic course, they will continue specialised training in their units. Training at the Vytautas the Great Jaeger Battalion will focus on the work of the Special Operations Forces, while the Vytenis Battalion will focus on logistics support and the military supply chain.