Pragmatism, not patriotism, drives young Lithuanians into military service
Facing university and a tight job market, many Lithuanian students see military service as a practical step rather than an act of patriotism.
Outside a high school classroom in Vilnius, students talk apprehensively about their looming futures — university, the job market and, for many of them, serving in the military. Rather than patriotic motives, practical concerns about careers and future stability are pushing many young Lithuanians toward military service.