Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas signed an order on discontinuation of compulsory basic military service, September 15.

“By confirming marginal numbers of the National Defence System, the Seim has made a political decision of transitoin to the Armed Forces formed on professional and voluntary basis. Almost all the number of conscripts planned for the current year was fulfilled, and the admission to professional military service is proceeding well, therefore a decision was made to discontinue conscription,” Minister J.Olekas said.

Conscript Administration Service will continue administrating all the youth having reached the age of military service; however, conscription and medical examination will not be conducted. The Service will also be in charge of promotion of professional military service.

“Responsibility established by the Constitution to defend the Motherland is still valid and all the young people are invited to pursue it by joining National Defence Volunteer Force and professional army,” said J.Olekas.

Ministry of National Defence is enhancing patriotic and civic education of Lithuania’s youth through cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Riflemen’s Union of Lithuania, and by arrangement of National Defence Days for senior pupils at the divisions of the Armed Forces to facilitate better awareness of the National Defence System and Armed Forces.

The order came into force on September 15.

According to the order, persons of compulsory military service will continue the duty until the date of discharge on 1 July 2009.