The German military is prepared to conscript soldiers for its new armoured brigade in Lithuania if necessary, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday.
Germany is establishing a permanent brigade in Lithuania, a member of the European Union and NATO, in response to a perceived growing threat from Russia.
The unit was formally commissioned last year and is set to be fully operational by 2027, with a total strength of 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff.
Pistorius said that he believes the vast majority of German forces deployed to Lithuania would volunteer for service in the Baltic NATO country.
However, there will likely be a certain percentage who would have to be conscripted, he added.
"The crucial thing for me is that the brigade is fully operational and able to fulfil its mission," the minister said.
Pistorius said he expects potential personnel shortages to mainly affect specialized areas such as the technical and logistical sectors, as well as in CBRN defence- which means protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.
If the number of volunteers proves insufficient, staff meetings will be carried out first, he said. "And if in doubt, a call-up will then be issued."
