Lithuania’s army has warned about fake messages urging students to report to a military conscription and recruitment office in Kaunas, LRT reported Tuesday. The army said its Military Conscription and Recruitment Service does not send notices or invitations to report to conscription centres. An i…

A law establishing voluntary military service came into effect in January, but protest organisers fear compulsory service could follow.

A law establishing voluntary military service came into effect in January, but protest organisers fear compulsory service could follow.

A law establishing voluntary military service came into effect in January, but protest organisers fear compulsory service could follow.

Flying Officer Kbora Ali, an Afghan-born aviator and member of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), delivered the Anzac Day Dawn Service commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial in April 2026. The address marked a significant moment in her life, reflecting on her journey from a refugee to a military trailblazer. Ali was invited to speak at the 2026 Anzac Day Dawn Service after receiving an official letter from the Australian War Memorial in December 2025. During a meeting with the director of the Australian War Memorial, Matt Anderson, she was presented with two coins: one representing Australia and another featuring both the Australian and Afghan flags, symbolizing her dual heritage. Ali's parents, who were refugees from Afghanistan, attended the ceremony, marking their first Anzac Day as members of the defence force. She shared her family's story of fleeing Afghanistan during the war, with her father being rescued by an Australian naval patrol in 2001. Ali's speech highlighted the sacrifices made by Australian Defence Force personnel and their families, drawing parallels between her family's experience as refugees and the ongoing service of ADF members. She emphasized the importance of supporting veterans dealing with moral injury and mental health challenges. Ali also discussed her role as a Personnel Capability Officer, helping ADF members navigate service life. Her book, 'First of Her Kind', co-authored with her sister Razia Ali, details her journey from refugee to military officer. The speech concluded with a reflection on the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and a commitment to honouring the sacrifices of service personnel. Ali's father shared a poignant moment in court where he pleaded for his family's right to stay in Australia, a story that deeply moved the family during the Anzac Day celebrations. The event was attended by approximately 35,000 people, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior military leaders. Ali's address was a powerful testament to her personal journey and her commitment to serving Australia.

Finland is reforming its conscription system this autumn to encourage more women to apply for voluntary military service and increase the number of conscripts who enter and complete their service, Yle reports. Less than 5 percent of women in each age group currently complete military service. The…

Hiram Flores, a 2021 graduate of Grulla High School, has achieved a historic milestone for his school and community, graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point and beginning his career as a U.S. Army officer.

Austria’s highest-ranking military officer, General Staff Chief Rudolf Striedinger, says Russia poses an existential threat to Europe and that Ukraine’s continued resistance is protecting the continent. In an interview with noe.ORF.at, published by ORF, he also discussed Austria’s planned extensi…

Four Lithuanian technology companies will pay employees who voluntarily choose military service nearly 1,500 euros a month after tax throughout their service, LRT reports. The initiative is intended to help employees maintain financial security for themselves and their families while serving the …

Freed prisoners of war could stay in non-combat posts under military ombudsman’s proposal The military ombudsman’s team developed three proposals in August 2026 to improve legislation protecting servi...

More than 280 young people have begun compulsory initial military service, including the first recruits in the Special Operations Forces, LRT reported, citing the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The recruits began service on Monday in two Lithuanian military units: the Vytautas the Great Jaeger Battalio…

What is different now is that some are leaving because they lost faith in the country's direction, said Yossi Klein Halevi.

Controversy over USS Abraham Lincoln deployment highlights sailors' mental health and family concerns amid extended Iran War mission.

Switzerland’s Federal Council has changed the military service regulations without consultation, requiring paramedics liable for service to return to the armed forces, Swiss public broadcaster SRF reported. Depending on the canton, the measure could affect up to 50 per cent of emergency medical s…

More than 380 new Lithuanian Armed Forces soldiers began mandatory initial military service on Monday at the King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion, LRT reported. Nearly all of the soldiers decided to perform the service voluntarily, according to the military. During their first days, they will learn ab…

LRT reported that 99 soldiers from the Lithuanian Navy’s General Kazimieras Nestoras Sapiega Fusilier Battalion were transferred to the reserve on Friday after completing nine months of compulsory military service at the Klaipėda Castle site. Many of the young men had chosen to serve voluntarily.…

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