Pragmatism, not patriotism, pushes young Lithuanians to military service
Lithuania has expanded its military draft policy to include all 18- to 22-year-old men who pass a health check, with the number of draftees increasing from 3,500 to 5,000 this year. Many young men are volunteering for military service, but cite pragmatism rather than patriotism as their motivation.
Lithuania has expanded its military draft policy to make all 18- to 22-year-old men eligible for service. The policy change aims to deter aggression from neighboring Russia. The number of draftees has increased from 3,500 to 5,000 this year. Many young men are volunteering, but say they are motivated by practical considerations rather than patriotism. Some see military service as a way to gain structure and direction before pursuing further education or career plans. The Lithuanian government and public support the policy, with 63% of Lithuanians backing universal conscription in a 2024 poll.
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