Other events in Baltic States

The first group of Lithuanian recruits who have completed the reintroduced mandatory nine-month initial military service was transferred to reserve in a solemn ceremony in the port city of Klaipeda on May 21^st, cites LETA/BNS.

Speaking at the event, President Dalia Grybauskaite emphasized the positive effects of the reintroduction.

"A year ago, the completion of our military units was merely 36 percent, and the percentage now is 80. Imagine the effect the reintroduction of the conscription has had. This also means that we are developing a well-prepared reserve capable of defending the state. All these troops, nearly 500 of them, will be a reserve trained for difficult situations," Grybauskaite told the national radio LRT on Saturday.

Almost 500 young people including 19 females completed their service in the Lithuanian Great Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion. Over the nine months of service, they completed the basic training, use of weapon and general fighting techniques, later specializing in companies and attending joint military exercises with NATO Allies in Estonia.

After the conscription scheme was reintroduced last year, all 3,000 troops volunteered to joined the force. Young people of Lithuania have been actively demonstrating patriotism and willingness to defend their country by volunteering for military service this year, as well.

The persons who have completed their mandatory service will be divided into specialized companies for the army reserve. About one in four of those who did their initial service in the Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion declared willingness to stay in the Armed Forces and become professional troops or join the Lithuanian Military Academy.