BERLIN, June 22 (Xinhua) -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Monday that soldiers could be obliged to serve in a German brigade to be stationed in Lithuania if not enough volunteers are recruited, German Press Agency reported.
Pistorius made the remarks during his visit to Pabrade, Lithuania, where he observed the first exercise of the 45th Armored Brigade of Germany's armed forces.
He admitted that it might not be possible to recruit all 4,800 soldiers for the brigade on a voluntary basis. If necessary, mandatory service could be introduced, he said, stressing that operational readiness has "top priority."
The combat unit is expected to become fully operational by 2027, with about 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff. About 1,800 German military personnel are currently stationed in Lithuania.
Germany has promised to station the brigade in Lithuania and the deployment is seen as a key step to strengthen NATO's eastern flank and enhance deterrence and defense. ■
