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The German military is turning to compulsory assignments to fill positions in a brigade stationed in Lithuania. The move is said to be necessary because of difficulties recruiting enough volunteers, leaving a shortage of specialist personnel. According to information obtained by Bild, the first soldiers could be ordered to serve in Lithuania from the end of September, with up to 1,000 Bundeswehr personnel potentially affected.
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By the end of 2027, the 45th Panzer Brigade is expected to have around 4,800 German troops and be permanently based in Lithuania, on NATO’s eastern flank. The brigade’s main base will be in Rūdninkai, around 30 kilometres from Belarus. It’s aim: deterrence against Russia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at this year’s Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, that “most likely we are seeing the most decicive moments, perhaps weeks or months, ahead of us in defending the freedom and peace of our continent.”
“This is what I see and what I mean. If Russia succeeds, this will have unpredicted and unprecedented consequences for all of us, including Germany,” he continued, adding that that “that’s the reason why I’m standing here, very firm, very clear and not willing to go back one centimetre. this is now our historic duty to do what we can, to help this country to preserve peace and freedom in Europe.”
Bild was the first to report on the planned compulsory assignments, the Defence Ministry has since confirmed the measures. Almost 80% of the brigade’s positions are currently filled by volunteers.
“According to current forecasts, and in view of the continued influx of volunteer applications, the number of compulsory postings is expected to be in the mid three-figure range,” the ministry said in a press release. “Maintaining the Bundeswehr’s operational readiness is the top priority and the decisive criterion for all measures,” it continued.
“In all decisions, the personal interests of service personnel will be taken into account as far as possible.” Germany’s Defence Ministry plans to brief members of the Defence Committee on Monday on the next steps. For those affected, a compulsory posting means additional notice. They also have the right to challenge the decision in court.
German troops in Lithuania: tanks, drones and deterrence
Euronews accompanied two soldiers from Panzer Battalion 203 during the “Freedom Shield” exercise last June. Their battalion is to be redeployed to NATO’s eastern flank by the end of 2027.
In an interview with Euronews, the battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Kaufmann, said that Panzer Battalion 203 has “actually a very high proportion of volunteers.”
“I can speak for my battalion, and the majority of soldiers are willing to go to Lithuania voluntarily, and that is exactly what I want: I want soldiers by my side who are convinced of the mission and who, as part of the Panzer Battalion 203 team, take on this responsible task,” said Kaufmann.
Among the forces already stationed in Lithuania, the staffing rate is about 92%. These forces include, in particular, the multinational battlegroup that has been stationed there since 2017.
Panzer Battalion 203 and Panzergrenadier Battalion 122 are not due to be moved to Lithuania until 2027. According to the investigation, around 40% of the personnel required for those units are still missing.
Watch the Euronews exclusive documentary German troops in Lithuania: tanks, drones and deterrence to see how Germany is strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.
