Lithuanian Annual Strategic Review

Even though permanent compulsory primary military service is an unquestionable military duty, it is very important that it has the support of the public. The question of what motivates young people to volunteer to do their PCPMS will remain relevant as long as the service is in place. This article attempts to identify ways to attract young people to military service. It analyses the value-based context of the Lithuanian public, specifically highlighting the priorities of the younger generation. This allows us to understand what forms the basis of young people’s decisions and the things they would consider in making up their minds to do PCPMS. The article contrasts the views of conscripts and civil young people towards PCPMS, the army and the defence of the country. It aims to develop an understanding of why the former choose PCPMS voluntarily. The article relies on data from quantitative studies – the opinion polls of young Lithuanians (males aged 15-30) and conscripts – conducted by researchers at the Centre for Strategic Research at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania in 2015-2017. It also relies on data from the European Values Study performed in Lithuania in 2008.