Lithuanian Military Academy sees record 170 new cadets

The General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania is welcoming a record-breaking number of new cadets this academic year. A total of 170 young people have chosen the path of an officer, an increase from 143 last year and 98 in 2024.

To accommodate the high interest, the Ministry of National Defence increased the freshman admission quota from 150 to 170 places. Nearly 500 youths registered for motivational interviews, resulting in the selection of approximately 280 candidates, though some did not meet health requirements.

Defense studies programs have also seen significant success, ranking among the top ten programs to receive the most state-funded study invitations. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas expressed pride in the younger generation's readiness to take personal responsibility for national security. Colonel Ričardas Dumbliauskas, head of the academy, noted that these results signal growing prestige for the officer profession and a commitment to serving the state.