Berlin is turning to compulsory postings to fill the ranks of a German brigade stationed in Lithuania, a sign of the strain on the Bundeswehr as it bolsters NATO's eastern flank. The move, confirmed by the Ministry of Defence, comes after voluntary recruitment fell short of targets, leaving gaps in specialist roles.
According to information obtained by Bild, the first soldiers could be ordered to deploy from the end of September, with up to 1,000 personnel potentially affected. The 45th Panzer Brigade, headquartered at Rūdninkai, about 30 kilometres from Belarus, is slated to grow to around 4,800 German soldiers by the end of 2027.
The Ministry of Defence acknowledged the measure in a press release, stating that nearly 80% of posts are currently filled by volunteers. It added: "According to current forecasts and in view of the continued influx of volunteer applications, the proportion of compulsory appointments is expected to be in the mid three-figure range."
"Maintaining the Bundeswehr's operational readiness is the top priority and is the decisive criterion in all measures," the statement continued. "In all decisions to be taken, the personal interests of service personnel will be taken into account as far as possible."
Volunteer Shortage and Operational Needs
The shortfall reflects broader challenges in Germany's armed forces, which have struggled to attract enough personnel amid growing security demands. The brigade's deployment is part of a larger NATO effort to reinforce the alliance's eastern border, a priority that has gained urgency since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The move also comes as Germany steps up its response to hybrid threats across the continent.
For those affected, a compulsory posting means additional notice and the right to challenge the decision in court. The Defence Ministry plans to brief the Bundestag's Defence Committee on Monday about the next steps.
Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Kaufmann, commander of Panzer Battalion 203, which is set to redeploy to the eastern flank, told Euronews that his unit has "actually a very high proportion of volunteers." He added: "I can speak for my battalion, and the majority of soldiers are willing to go to Lithuania voluntarily, and that is exactly what I want: I want soldiers by my side who are convinced of the mission and who, as part of the Panzer Battalion 203 team, take on this responsible task."
Among the forces already stationed in Lithuania, the staffing rate is about 92%, including the multinational battlegroup that has been there since 2017. The new brigade will be a permanent, fully German formation, marking a significant step in NATO's forward defence posture.
The decision has sparked debate in Germany about the sustainability of voluntary recruitment and the need for conscription or other measures. While the government has ruled out reintroducing mandatory military service, the compulsory assignments signal a pragmatic approach to meeting alliance commitments.
As the Bundeswehr adapts to a more demanding security environment, the Lithuania brigade will test its ability to maintain readiness while balancing the personal interests of its service members. The outcome could shape future personnel policies across the German military.
