Lithuania's professional military service has grown by 1,000 soldiers in the past year, achieving the largest increase in two decades according to Defense Minister R. Kaunas.
Defense Minister R. Kaunas announced that Lithuania's professional military service (PKT) added 1,000 soldiers over the last year, marking an 8% growth, the largest increase in 20 years. He stated that the current number of PKT soldiers is 13,400. This increase is seen as a significant achievement for the country's military structure.
Kaunas highlighted that 60% of the new recruits come from citizens who completed mandatory initial military service, while 24% are from the reserves. Additionally, 6% joined from the volunteer forces, and 5% are graduates of the Lithuanian Military Academy. This diverse recruitment strategy indicates an emphasis on integrating trained citizens into the professional military service, demonstrating an evolution in Lithuania's defense capabilities.
The minister underscored the importance of valuing each soldier and citizen, ensuring that Lithuanian soldiers are seen as highly professional. This transformation aims to prepare the military effectively for any potential challenges. By enhancing the professional military service, Lithuania aims to bolster its defense posture, particularly amid regional security concerns, ensuring that its forces can fulfill their commitments proficiently.
