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Lithuania tests mobilization system in framework of large-scale national military drills

Lithuania has temporarily restored compulsory military service, which was cancelled in 2008. The first call-up to the army will take place in summer of 2015

Military exercise at the Rukla military base in Lithuania AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis

Military exercise at the Rukla military base in Lithuania

© AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis

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Lithuania to set up joint military formation with Poland and Ukraine

VILNIUS, April 23. /TASS/. The mobilization system in Lithuania is being tested in the framework of large-scale national military drills, the General Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ mobilization department head Mayor Dainius Kazlauskas said on Thursday.

"The effectiveness of the mobilization system is being tested for the first time in Lithuania," Kazlauskas said.

At the beginning of April, around 1,000 reservists received notifications to arrive on April 23 to recruiting stations. After their personal data is checked, reservists will undergo medical examination and be assigned to different military units. "It is important to check the effectiveness of the mobilization system, identify weakest spots and eliminate shortcomings before the call-up is announced," the mayor added.

Lithuania has temporarily restored compulsory military service, which was cancelled in 2008. The first call-up to the army will take place in summer of 2015.

Testing the mobilization system is part of the large-scale military drills where around 3,000 people are expected to participate, including servicemen, reservists, Interior Ministry representatives, local authorities, medics and Lithuania’s Riflemen Union. The drills will have three stages and continue until May 21.

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