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.
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.
