Personnel

The modern military is not only soldiers in military terms. As a member of society, they have the right training, speak foreign languages, have a knowledge of international politics, and are true professionals. In developing the Lithuanian Armed Forces, much attention is paid to our personnel.

Though advanced military technology has a crucial role to play in operations, the military and civilian personnel employed in the Armed Forces remain our highest priority. Without the devotion, the strong sense of duty and the professional preparedness of our personnel, it would be difficult to succeed and implement the tasks assigned.

In the spring of 2008, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania accepted that it would be expedient to move from conscription to solely professional armed forces, as until 2008 the Lithuanian Armed Forces had consisted of mandatory initial military servicemen.

Recruitment and retention

In the process of transition to fully professional armed forces, the recruitment, motivation and retention of the most qualified personnel face a demanding challenge. A variety of financial incentives, including pay and pensions, compensatory allowances for living accommodation, etc, have been established to improve the retention of personnel. The provision of medical care services and social-cultural incentives ensure the quality of life of personnel and also help to retain the most qualified and skilled personnel in the military.

Much attention is also paid to the improvement of career, planning and rotation policy. Individual career models and a variety of possibilities to attain high-level military qualifications are being developed.
The morale of the military personnel deployed on operations abroad is an extremely important component of fighting power.

Military education

The intensity and complexity of modern operations demand personnel with special skills and capacities to fight in the international and joint environment. The education of personnel has always been a priority.
Recruited personnel undergo three-month initial military training in the Rukla Training Regiment, except for individuals with university degrees, who complete a shorter six-week initial military training. Specialised service training is pursued on a single service or unit basis. The General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania is the main source officers for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Its aim is to prepare commanders-leaders. The academy also has international courses for giving officers other possibilities to improve their military qualifications at Lithuanian and foreign military education institutions. Personnel for highly demanding specialities, such as information technologies, in the Armed Forces are recruited from graduates of universities or other civilian education institutions. Sergeant and NCO training is carried out at the Lithuanian Armed Forces NCO School. The NCO School provides a wide spectrum of training capabilities, of which the most important are training programmes for sergeants and NCO commanders, specialists and instructors.

High-quality individual training is essential for ensuring fighting capabilities and the morale of military personnel. Education at all levels and areas addresses the attitudes, knowledge and skills which help accomplish the needs of the Lithuanian military today and in the future.