Developing a civic service model as an alternative to military service

Problem

Over the past few years, the number of applications to undertake military service voluntarily has increased by around 30% annually. In 2025, 3,865 people were accepted into nine-month compulsory initial military service, only seven of whom were called up on a compulsory basis. However, that same year, 45% of all candidates who underwent medical examinations were deemed unfit for service on health grounds. This figure includes both volunteers and other people liable for military service, so it does not indicate how many people who wanted to serve were unable to do so. Nevertheless, it raises the question of what opportunities remain for those who wish to serve but do not meet the health requirements for military service.

Research also points to the public’s willingness to defend the country. In a 2024 survey commissioned by the Ministry of National Defence, 52% of Lithuanian citizens aged 18–75 indicated that they would contribute by taking up arms. In a 2023 survey conducted by Vilnius University’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science, 68% of respondents who expressed an opinion indicated that they would contribute through unarmed resistance. These findings suggest that the willingness to defend the country extends beyond military service.

The current security environment further highlights the importance of public preparedness. “We are not at war. But we are certainly not at peace either,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said of the situation. The EU’s crisis preparedness strategy is based on a “whole-of-society” approach, which involves institutions, organisations and individuals in preparedness efforts. In Lithuania, the 2026–2030 implementation plan for the Strategy for Preparing Citizens for Civil Resistance, adopted by the Seimas, also provides for strengthening public knowledge and skills. This policy direction underlines the importance of broader public involvement, while the specific activities and training content of civic service will need to be defined during the project.

Lithuania already has organisations that bring people together and provide opportunities to contribute. The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union also prepares people for unarmed national defence, the Lithuanian Red Cross mobilises volunteers to assist the public and prepare for crises, and Caritas and other non-governmental organisations provide social assistance. The Mobilisation and Civil Resistance Department organises public preparedness training. These activities already offer opportunities to volunteer, learn and contribute.

Alternative National Defence Service is intended only for people called up for military service whose religious or pacifist beliefs prevent them from serving with a weapon. It therefore does not cover either people who are unable to undertake military service for health reasons or those who wish to contribute voluntarily without bearing arms.

Nevertheless, the existence of these opportunities does not in itself ensure that people know which activity to choose, how to prepare for it or where their skills would be needed during a crisis or war. A person who is unable to perform military service due to health reasons, or who wishes to contribute without taking up arms, lacks a clear pathway connecting their willingness and abilities with the needs of society and the state. According to data from the National Audit Office, only 37% of people are aware of the opportunities available to them to contribute to civil resistance.

Goal

The goal of the project is to propose alternative models that would enable people who are unable to perform military service for health reasons to prepare for and contribute to meeting society’s and the state’s needs during a crisis or war.

Participants

2026/27

Gintautė Riabovaitė