Military Service

General provisions

Almost all of the countries of the world have their national armed forces of various scopes to protect and defend nations. Each country settles the size and character of its national armed forces. Likewise, each country suits to its needs the mode of conscription - the basic compulsory or the professional voluntary.

At the moment Lithuanian Armed Forces recruit only professional war service soldiers.

Compulsory basic conscription was terminated by the 15 September 2008 resolution of the Minister of National Defence. Service of already called up conscripts will last till 1 July 2009.

"Constitutional responsibility of all the citizens of the country to defend their motherland remains just like record of conscripts. We invite young citizens of Lithuania to join National Defence Volunteer Force or professional armed forces and to make a direct contribution to the security of our country," says Head of Military Enrolment Administration service under MoND Tomas Pilvinis.

Military Enrolment Administration Service under MoND searches for candidates, conducts selection for professional military service, and administers record of conscripts.

Ministry of National Defence enhances patriotic and civilian education in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, Lithuanian Riflemen's Union and by organising days of national defence for elder pupils in divisions of the Armed Forces to familiarise them with national armed forces and defence.

Modes of service:

PMS - all untried citizens of the Republic of Lithuania with basic education under 35 years of age may become members of professional military service. They are allowed to join Land, Air, or Naval Force. Upon becoming professional soldiers they acquire over 22 social guarantees. Contract made between a would-be soldiers and the State covers the period of four years. It may be renewed upon the soldiers wish.

NDVF - two modes of service in NDVF are available: combatant volunteers may be persons from 18 to 42 years of age, non-combatant volunteers may be persons from 18 to 52.

During the course of service volunteers master a military profession, are sent to exercises and international missions. Volunteers annually spent the average of 20 days and nights on exercise.

Wage paid during service depends on the volunteer's military rank or on the average wage in the institution of employment. The contract is made for 3 to 5 years.