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JANUARY 2021. NO 1 (32).

NATO'S PRESENCE THE FRENCH LYNX IN LITHUANIAN WOODS AND SANDS

IN SHORT

TRADITIONAL TADAS DAMBRAUSKAS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST " IN PHOTOGRAPHY 2020" The defence of the Alliance starts in the East DURING HIS LAST VISIT TO COMMANDER JFCBS GENERAL JÖRG VOLLMER STRESSED OUT THE VITAL CHANGES OF THE SECURITY ASSESSMENT OF NATO AND ONE MORE TIME ENSURED THE READINESS OF THE ALLIANCE TO DETER ALL POSSIBLE THREATS AND DEFEND ITS NATIONS FROM ANY OF THEM.

SPECIAL What are the key aspects of NATO de- thing essential and to ensure the security of fence agenda in order to strengthen de- NATO states lying on its Eastern side. So as LITHUANIAN MARKED terrence and defence in the region near you know there were a lot of troops deploy- WEAPONS. PART III the Eastern border of the Alliance? ments to the Baltic States and in 2014 I think we have seen the key changes in 2014 and 2015. One more decision which was when Russia made the annexation of Crimea made in Wales was to reform the Multinatio- and started war in Eastern . Those nal Corps Northeast (MNC NE) in Szczecin events made us clear that the real danger from low-readiness to high-readiness Head- exists near the Eastern border of the Alliance. quarters. This one was implemented during At the same time we have still faced conflicts half a year when , and Po- in Syria and Iraq, terrorist attacks in . land decided to change the structure of MNS But I have to admit that NATO reacted to the NE and it was done immediately. In 2015 we actions of Russia in the September 2014 in realized that NATO has to have small Head- Wales when the decision to take the empha- quarters in all three Baltic States and Poland sis of collective defence again was taken. and later in and as well The first task at that time was to do every- See page 2 NATO's presence

The defence of the Content NEWSNATO'S PRESENCE Alliance starts in the East THE DEFENCE OF THE ALLIANCE STARTS IN THE EAST...... 1,2,3-7

THE FRENCH LYNX IN LITHUANIAN WOODS AND SANDS...... 8

IN SHORT TRADITIONAL TADAS DAMBRAUSKAS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST "LITHUANIAN ARMED FORCES IN PHOTOGRAPHY 2020"...... 14 From page 1 in we don’t only have the for the Alliance to deploy troops Great Britain, but also Denmark. to these regions when needed. There are 10 nations, including So, that’s how NATO Integration and , participating in the SPECIAL Force Units (NFIU) were estab- eFP in under the command lished. of Canada. Side by side with Ger- LITHUANIAN MARKED th On the 8 of July, 2016 NATO many there are the MILITARY WEAPONS. made one more step forward when and in Lithuania and Slo- the decision to form four En- vakia and the Great Britain in the PART III...... 20 hanced Forward Presence (eFP) support for the USA in Poland. Groups was taken. As you know, So the main message is that it the Great Britain took responsi- is not a one nation who defends bility for Estonia, Canada — for another, but all NATO nations to Latvia, Germany — for Lithuania protect each one of them which is and the United States of America or might be in danger. (USA) — for Poland. And since During the exercise "Brilliant then NATO rotates its forces in Jump 20-II" here in Lithuania we these countries on the continuous saw the deployment of the Very basis. High Readiness Joint Task Force Military Press Office of Lithuanian Armed Forces Totorių str. 25, LT-01121, ; It was a strong signal and that (VJTF), which was also a very Phone (370 5) 210 3897, GSM (370 6) 86 94458; fax (370 5) 273 5550; is why I have mentioned not only strong signal because it was not Email [email protected] Eastern border of the Alliance, but only Polish battalion who was de- Publisher — Lithuanian Armed Forces. The opinion of editorial office does not necessarily coin- also such a "hot spots" as Syria, ployed to Lithuania. There were cide with the opinion of the authors. Pictures, manuscripts are not returned and reviewed. Cir- culation is 300 copies. Printed by the Cartography Center of Lithuanian Military, Muitinės str.4, Iraq or some conflicts in . also troops from Czech Repub- Domeikava, LT-54359 dist. Order GL-48. As you know, all nations in NATO lic and Spain the participation provide their troops for the de- of whom has showed our will fence of our Eastern borders. So, See page 3

2 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

From page 2 General, you have mentioned Russia’s to remember that the main focus of NATO at to deter and defend the Eastern flank of the actions in 2014. What about 2008 when that time was still and we also had Alliance. To my mind "Brilliant Jump 20-II" Kremlin’s regime encroached the sove- a lot of troops in Kosovo as well. At the same as many other exercises which take place in reignty of Georgia (Sakartvelo) which time the USA and other allies were involved Lithuanian, Latvia, Estonia or Poland mark a was taken as a serious alarm here, in in the actions in Iraq. So at that time the main real change in the attitude of NATO towards Lithuania. attention was payed to the missions abroad. a new challenges here, in Eastern Europe, be- Those actions of Russia immediately took But the events of 2014 have really made a vital cause 10 or 15 years ago nobody could really place on the assessment of the Alliance and we change to the security assessment of the Al- image such might happen. thought about that situation. However we have liance and now six years later we do see how things have changed here in Baltic States and Poland as well.

During the last visit to Lithuania there was a note that the defence of Europe starts here. What are the most important measures to make it effective and keep Russia’s ambitions way from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland? We all understood that the defence of the Alliance starts in the East. But this does not mean that other global security challenges such as illegal migration flows or terror at- tacks in our countries should be left some- where beside. The important thing is to keep the cohesion of NATO as well as together. And this is the main factor to demonstrate our will to provide eFP bat- talions, VJTF, additional forces on a regular basis, etc. This is the signal that the policy of NATO here is implemented with succession

January 2021. No 1. 3 NATO's presence

since 2004 when the Baltic States became and Sweden faces the same border at the Baltic that NATO allies take the commitments the members of the Alliance. Of course, Sea. seriously. But are those Groups quan- there are lots of things ongoing, but the Again we have to understand that deter- titative enough to deter the potential commitment of the NATO’s nations is very rence works only if we are able to move and de- enemy who still acts aggressive in such strong to continue keeping security in this ploy our troops fast enough. So there is a new countries as Ukraine? area despite the fact that this is a great chal- unit in NATO’s Command structure, provided We might agree that quantity is always some- lenge for us all. by Germany and located in Ulm — Joint Sup- thing that we want to have as there is no mili- Another point is that we have to look at a port and Enabling Command (JSEC). This tary leader who does not want to have more more wide definition of a region, not only underlines that all the nations of the Alliance forces. But we have to live with that what is Eastern Europe, but I would say North East, understand that we have to stay commited and available and we have to use it the best possible including Norway, who faces challenges in Arc- unite to be ready to deploy our forces anytime way. tic and also somehow is on our Eastern border and anywhere. The presence of the eFP battalions in with Russia. We also have to mention our non- Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland is a member partners Finland and Sweden as Fin- NATO eFP Battalion Battle Groups have strong political signal first of all as all the na- land has 1 300 kilometers border with Russia been and still remain a very strong signal tions of the Alliance are involved here and will

4 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

provide their input if any sight of aggression knows when it will happen or what kind of it as such to detect and overcome cyber attacks. from the East will appear. will be. So we must have a combat ready forces There is something going all the time and I always compare it with the times of Cold available to be deployed anytime. That includes we need to have the right instruments to de- War. 30 years ago the Wall broke down not only , but our Navy, Air force, Cyber monstrate and to ensure our nations that we are and the gains between East and West reunite force and we also looking forwards into space. clever enough to identify from where the threat not only because of the people’s will and de- Of course, there are some place left for the comes from and to deter it in a most effective monstrations, but also because at that time better coordination of our exercises, which are way. 16 nations of the Alliance stood shoulder by a very strong signal that we are willing to pro- Yet, as I have mentioned before, every mili- shoulder and deterred former . At vide anything necessary for defence. tary man wants to have more, but we have to un- that time we had the USA, the Great Britain, So therefore there is not only quantity, but derstand that government pays for that. So our France soldiers and their families in Berlin. first of all the quality of the forces, its about military advice should be not only about the Nowdays thanks to eFP battalions the same their capabilities. Its not only about numbers, but about the quality and capabilities. situation is in the Baltic States and Poland. battalions, but also about middle and long Another point is that we have to under- range air defence, artillery, indirect fire, navy How would you estimate the interaction stand that the next crisis will come and nobody units and capabilities of the nations and NATO of Lithuanian Armed Forces and NATO

January 2021. No 1. 5 NATO's presence

command structures and also further en- after Lithuania has decided to by German the story is what we have seen this year as all hance military cooperation in common? PzH-2000 artillery vehicles. The same is with of the rotations of eFP Battle Groups took I think that Lithuania is a very good example Boxers as you call it "Vilkas". So those two place under obeying all international rules ap- of the point that preparing for defence is not points also marks a very good relationship and plying to giving countries, receiving countries only about the numbers, but first of all about cooperation. And I don’t even mentioned a lot and transitional ones as well. So all our troops the commitment. As Germany is in the lead of of programs in the sphere of education. were in place, were able to train and fulfill their eFP Battle Group here, we always bring some mission. Also there were no interruptions at all additional forces for any exercise that we make. General, another important point is with the Air Policing Mission as our fighters The other thing is that German Battle Group about how will COVID-19 pandemic sub- were capable to implement their mission eve- is integrated into Lithuanian "Iron Wolf" bri- sequences impact the plans to strengthen ry day. And the exercise "Brilliant Jump 20-II" gade. That makes a very close working relation- exercise coordination for the year 2021? with the deployment of soldiers from Poland, ship on a daily work basis. It will take some time until we will find the Spain and to Lithuania also The next important point is Germany pro- way to overcome this challenge and have all shows that we are able to act by the plan even vided all the training and support program the lessons learned. But the positive side of under these pandemic circumstances.

6 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

On the other hand I don’t want to be misun- All these exercises and deployments has one of working on a brigade level, of the impact of derstood. It is really hard to implement all our more important goal — our soldiers must indirect fire, etc. And then it’s again about the goals when there is so many restrictions around. learn and understand how to cooperate with deployment of forces and real heroes of these But looking at the example of our last exercise I each other. We really have changed since 2014, days as "Brilliant Jump 20-II" has proved are may repeat that the deployment took place in because before that time, as I have mentioned logisticians as they bring the troops by ships, time in the right sequence and I am really proud before, we were pretty much focused on Af- by air, by railroad, by road in time, in right se- of all our soldiers who were capable to do that. ghanistan. For example, almost the whole gen- quence with everything they need. We might So in this I am optimistic about the implemen- eration of officers grew up on say that this is nothing special, but it is really ting of all our plans for the year 2021. the permanent deployments to Afghanistan. very special as it is a highest level of coordina- Of course it took some time to get rid of this tion and quality. Does the existing infrastructure allows master memory based on dust and sand. And NATO deploy fast or it is still something these present deployments to the Baltic States By Darius Varanavičius remains to be done from Lithuania or and Poland has helped us a lot to relearn again Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces, NATO’s side? the basics of soldiering in manoeuvre warfare, JFCBS MPA

January 2021. No 1. 7 NATO's presence The FrenchLynx in Lithuanian woods and sands THE LYNX DETACHMENT OF THE FRENCH ARMED FORCES WAS DEPLOYED IN LITHUANIA AS A PART OF NATO ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLE GROUP (NATOe FP BG) IN JULY 2020. IN THE END OF THEIR HALF-YEAR MISSION THE FRENCH TROOPS SAY THEY ENJOYED REALISTIC EXERCISES IN LITHUANIA, AND SANDY TERRAIN OF TRAINING AREAS REMINDED THE DESERT ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR TANKERS.

8 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

Lt Col Yannick Prigent, commanding the French contingent Lynx

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP nation towards its Baltic allies despite a context EFP BG in Lithuania for the second time since rance is fully committed to implement of operational activity which remains intense 2018, providing about 300 soldiers. "The so the reassurance and deterrence mea- (abroad and domestic current operations). called "Lynx" French detachment is a combat- sures decided during the NATO Sum- In addition, it is worth noting that France ready unit able to conduct joint operations Fmit of Warsaw in 2016. Accordingly, French takes part in around twenty NATO exercises across the NATO eFP BG LTU capability spec- forces have been participating in eFP operation every year. Committing high-level resources trum and thus to take part in the full range of since March 2017: two times deployed in Es- in Lithuania, France shows that it remains in- operational activities, — Lt Col Prigent tells. — tonia (2017 and 2019), within a British-com- volved in insurance measures on the East - This deployment is an opportunity to improve manded battalion, and two times in Lithuania pean flank, for the protection and safety of the the interoperability of the French armed forces (2018-2020), within a German-commanded population", — French Senior Representative with the armed forces of the host nation, Lithua- battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Yannick Prigent says. nia, and with the armed forces of the other con- "France is showing its solidarity and determi- France has been a contributor to the NATO tributing nations to eFP BG LTU".

THE LYNX DETACHMENT IN LITHUANIA ■ 5 Leclerc Main Battle Tank (MBT); ■ 14 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV or "Véhicule blindé de combat d’infanterie" VBCI); ■ 5 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC); ■ 7 light combat proven vehicle Source: Ministère des Armées françaises

French troops are currently made of: manned by the 40ème régiment d'artillerie ■ a combined arms company (about 200 (40th artillery regiment). These three units are soldiers) manned by the fourth company of based in eastern France; the "Régiment de Marche du Tchad" (Chad ■ a National Support Element (about 100 armoured infantry battalion) reinforced by soldiers) encompassing staff coming from an armoured of Leclerc main battle various logistics, CIS, maintenance, medical tanks manned by the "501ème régiment de chars units. de combat" (501st armoured regiment) as well French "Lynx" detachment main military as an artillery forward observer detachment assets are:

January 2021. No 1. 9 NATO's presence

Captain Boris, the French Combined Arms Company Commander

LITHUANIAN command of Field Marshal Leclerc, in the 2nd commander. We prepared a lot for that deploy- IMPRESSIONS OF Armoured Division. The RMT took part in ment, for months, and we were tested to check all the conflicts where French were involved, if the unit was ready for deployment. It was not FRENCH TROOPS from Afghanistan to , and now deploys to easy because we still had to cope with a very busy Lithuania in the framework of NATO eFP BG. planning: for instance, while training to join eFP, EVERYDAY TRAINING IN A Camel is a symbol of our battalion, which re- we still had to contribute to the planned rota- MULTINATIONAL ENVIRONMENT fers to former fights in African deserts. Today, tional contribution to SENTINELLE domestic What is your home unit? Can you tell the battalion still benefits from the hugeness of (anti-terrorist) operation. As French soldiers, we us more about it (what interesting tra- French empire, since many of its soldiers come are used to doing many things at the same time! ditions do you have, what are the main from overseas: Pacific, Caribbean, Indian And we manage to fulfil several missions simul- symbols of your unit?) Ocean, etc. The battalion counts around 1 000 taneously. The "Régiment de Marche du Tchad" (RMT) soldiers and hundreds of fighting and support Short before leaving, we had the honour to is the most recent overseas infantry battal- vehicles, including the VBCI. receive in Meyenheim (RMT home based ion, and is a part of the "" garrison) the visit of his Excellency Neri- (French Marine troops). It was created during Is it a first mission like this for you and jus Aleksiejunas, Lithuanian ambassador in World War II and took part into the Allies’ vic- your troops? France: he was very enthusiastic about our tory, freeing , then Strasbourg, under the This is the first mission for me as a company participation.

10 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

What were your first impressions about Rukla camp and the Lithuanian military training grounds? We were very excited to discover this place and to learn how our Allied partners work. We had already trained with others (Americans) and we were eager to see how our German, Dutch and Norwegian Allies did. This allows us to get acquainted with new know-hows and with other procedures that will help us improving our fighting skills.

What are your main activities here in Lithuania? Does your work here differ from your tasks at home? Here, we keep training every day: we improve our shooting and manoeuvring skills. We espe- cially got trained for a ten days’ international exercise under Lithuanian command, IRON WOLF. We develop our interoperability with our Allies and, simultaneously, we improve our tactical and technical skills. By training on such a regular basis with our vehicles and weapons, we learn how to use and maintain them, and the general level keeps increasing. In France, we roughly do the same, but here, the international environment allows us to train in a different way, given that we have to speak English every day. The exercises conduc- ted here are part of NATO’s deterrence policy in the Eastern Europe. If necessary, we can level up that policy to become much more defensive.

What are the main challenges and the best moments for you and your team here in Lithuania? The main challenge is the understanding of foreign habits and procedures. Coordinating is

January 2021. No 1. 11 NATO's presence

1st Lieutenant Christophe, Leclerc platoon leader

not easy, and we have to speak a lot with our Allied partners. All of us enjoyed IRON WOLF a lot: it was a very realistic exercise which allowed us to get more battle-hardened and to become aware of the threats we can encounter in fighting a sym- metric enemy.

TANKERS AND LITHUANIAN "DESERTS" Why did you choose to be a tanker? How long are you serving in the army? 1st Lieutenant Christophe: Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tanks particularly historical tanks battles. I started my career 16 years ago as an enlisted tank driver. I kept on training and studying hard to become a tank gunner and then tank commander, as non- commissioned officer. Today I realised my dream, being promoted to officer and platoon leader two years ago. Now I hope to be able to command a tank unit one day.

Could you name the best qualities of a ? What are the main chal- lenges to work in it? Sergeant Michael: To my eyes, mobility, fire- power and protection are the three best quali- ties of a Leclerc tank. This main battle tank is a formidable weapon thanks to its speed, mobi- lity and shooting capabilities while moving. It is a weapon of the decision, the "punch of the chief" to gain the victory.

Can you tell us about the tank exercises you participate? What were the most in- teresting and why?

12 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

1st Lieutenant Christophe: For 16 years I have Sergeant Michael: Training with our Allied What were the biggest challenges for you been participating in a lot of exercises in France partners is a great opportunity to discover here? and abroad. All of them turned out to be very their equipment and their capabilities. We can 1st Lieutenant Christophe: I can use my tank rewarding but, as I see it, the most interesting thus make the link with our combat doctrine on a daily basis and keep on training my exercise remains the manoeuvres at the "Cen- and work on NATO procedures. crews — that pleases me at eFP "Lynx" mis- tre d'entraînement au combat" (Force on Force 1st Lieutenant Christophe: IRON SPEAR sion. Also we discuss a lot with partnering na- Manoeuvre Training Centre, based in Eastern Challenge, which took place at the be- tions in order to let them discover the Leclerc France). It is a high intensity 4-day combat ginning of October 2020 in Latvia, was a tank and, in turn, discover their own tanks. manoeuvre. This allows us to train with an op- fruitful and lessons learned gathering ex- This is very rewarding. posing force equipped with modern means and perience. We were given the opportunity to The biggest challenge for us has been to adapt which implements the threats of today such as realise that all the participating tanks offered to a difficult environment and sandy terrain, electronic warfare or the use of drones. This very powerful capacities, though differently especially for driving. Hopefully, our training very realistic exercise leads us to a high intensi- operated. I think that the Leclerc tank was in France and in the desert environment of the ty fight which is nowadays worth being trained. particularly appreciated through its very United Arab Emirates allowed us to quickly elaborated technology and its remarkable understand these difficulties. What does it mean to train together performance, which is a asset for eFP with the tankers and tanks from diffe- BG LTU. By Ilona Skujaitė rent countries, for example, German and Photo credits: Ministère des Armées Norwegian Leopards? What did you like in this mission most? françaises — Tous droits réservés

Sergeant Michael, Leclerc tank commander

January 2021. No 1. 13 In short

Traditional Tadas Dambrauskas Photography Contest "Lithuanian Armed Forces in Photography 2020"

he Ministry of National Defence itary and civilian personnel serving and work- awarded the winners of the tradi- ing at the National Defence System; tional, already 16th Tadas Dambraus- Category II – photographs submitted by the Tkas Photography Contest “Lithuanian Armed rest of contestants, professional and amateur, Forces in Photography 2020”, in memory of not employed by and not serving at the Na- combat photographer and cameraman Tadas tional Defence System; Dambrauskas. Category III – photographs submitted by All professional and amateur photographers professional photographers of the National who had the chance to take photographs of the Defence System to win “The Most Professional Lithuanian Armed Forces and NATO soldiers Shot” prize; in Lithuania were invited to look through the Category IV – photographs submitted by pictures taken in the last year and to partici- anyone to win the “Entertaining Shot” prize. pate in the contest. The pictures have to reflect The contest jury selects the winners in each military life: completion of combat tasks, sol- categories who split (as defined in Terms and diers during exercises and feasts, community Conditions of the Contest) the 4,200 engagement events, facing daily challenges and the Ministry of National Defence has allotted experiences, etc. for the Contest this year. Different sponsors Like in the previous years, submitted photo- also established more prizes for contest partici- graphs were assessed in four categories: pants. Category I – photographs submitted by mil- Information credits: MoD of Lithuania

Special Prize of the Chief of Defence of Lithuania. Eimantas Genys. Junior Officer Command Training. A soldier caught by surprise to see a photographer in the middle of an assault, on the battlefield. 3 July 2020.

14 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

ABOUT TADAS DAMBRAUSKAS "The Most Professional Shot" prize

The contest is named after combat photog- rapher and camera Tadas Dambrauskas in tribute of his memory and achievements. Tadas Dambrauskas started working with the National Defence Department in 1990 and soon was appointed as instructor-super- visor of Vilnius Task Force. Later he was a staff photographer with Karys magazine and cameraman with the Ministry of National Defence and the Iron Wolf Brigade. He was amassing a unique archive of photographs and video material while recording the evo- lution of the Lithuanian Armed Forces from “green-bands” of the Liberation Movement to a modern armed force. T. Dambrauskas did not shy away from risk and unexpected choices in his work, ready to break any ice for a good shot. He was the first and only one to shoot paratroopers while tied to an aircraft wing, he would keep going to difficult march- es together with the military and he recorded Lithuania’s first international deployments to the Balkan Region and Afghanistan. Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis COMMENTS OF THE JURY MEMBERS

STANISLOVAS ŽVIRGŽDAS Winner of the Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Arts Quite a few professional photographs were presented for the Contest this year, especially Ieva Budzeikaitė. Every soldier must experience what an obstacle course is at least once during their for Category I. The “Entertaining Shot” catego- time in service. Especially because of the beret award ceremony in the end. A conscript of Juozas Vitkus ry looks worst, men and women in our Armed Engineer Battalion in the final leg of the obstacle course. Kaunas. 13 March 2020. Forces are exceptionally serious and no pals of humour. Also, the topic of mud obstacle course amount of great shots. I sincerely thank all the people and their relation to the environment. It is way overexploited. professionals and amateurs for having recorded is one of the most important universally shared moments of Lithuanian Armed Forces exer- topics to us as inhabitants of our planet, regard- COL GINTARAS KORYZNA cises and service of NATO units deployed in less of the country we live in or situation we Head of the Department of Strategic Lithuania. They go down in our history. are going through. This is exactly the trait that Communication, Lithuanian Armed Forces shows the meaningfulness of the succession of The photo contest has revealed the different JONAS STASELIS this theme contest. It is nice to see the partici- sides of the Lithuanian Armed Forces: from Director of the International Festival of pants try to interpret photographs recognised modernisation and international cooperation Photojournalism Vilnius Photo Circle, President in earlier contents, and it is even more rejoicing to assistance in the COVID-19 pandemic. of the Lithuanian Press Photographers Club to see that the Contest is encouraging to look I found it challenging to select the best The Contest retains the same meaningful for and find individual solutions and original photographs as a jury member from such an aims of photography: to display relations of touch. I have faith that the creative energy of

January 2021. No 1. 15 In short

Category I: Photos of civilians and soldiers from the National Defence System

I place. Greta Kirkaitė. “Aitvarai” soldiers. Insertion, mountain in a desert. Afghanistan, Kandahar province. October 2019.

III place. Vilma Lisauskaitė. The trying path of a soldier. "Wolf cubs christening": fighting for the right to wear the beret with the Iron Wolf ensign. Commander’s recognition II place. Arnas Čemerka. Worthy trails are not easy. A soldier of Algirdas Battalion getting to after completing a task means much. Duke Vaidotas grips with the Wolf Path obstacle course. 6 June 2020. Mechanised Infantry Battalion. December 2019.

Tadas Dambrauskas will stay with this Contest Newsweek, Business Week, the New York Times final selection and those who didn‘t make it. for many years to come. and W Magazine in US, Latin America, Africa, But I am extremely happy to have the privilege Europe and the . of being a jury for this contest and I am really HORACIO VILLALOBOS This is my second time I‘ve judged this con- happy to see that everybody has got of the best Photographer from with more than 50 test and I extremely pleased to tell all the con- intentions and great access to those people and years of experience. Worked in various media in testants that the works that I‘ve seen this year places they were photographing. It‘s fantastic. I Argentina, as a freelance-stringer photographer are, in my opinion, better than last year. I do really wish I could go next year and shoot these in various news agencies, such as UPI, AP, Time, congratulate everybody, those who got into the events because it‘s very good to see what it can

16 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

be done from the visual point of view. brauskas Contest on numerous occasions. It used soldiers. I was very pleased to see pictures of real And please, those who are working on sto- to be very interesting to compare in the exposi- emotions: tiredness, joy, compassion. I would ries and those who are focusing on certain situ- tions the way the Armed Forces is seen by soldiers like to see even more unique pictures because the ations, visual situations – stay focus, keep dig- and by photojournalists. This years was the first equipment, manoeuvres, explosions and forma- ging and please have a fantastic continuation of that I had the honour to be a juror. I was particu- tions are shot by press photographers every year. I your work during the year. larly fascinated by the opportunity to see the life wish courage to both, photographers and soldiers at the Lithuanian Armed Forces from the inside – to look at the military from a new perspective and EVGENIA LEVIN, photohrapher many views were presented that a photojournalist to surprise us with even more interesting pictures I have been a participant of the Tadas Dam- would never see because it takes living with the of soldiers’ life next year.

Category II: Photographs not serving at the National Defence System

I place. Giedrius Skiezgilas. Helping hand. A soldier ready to help a friend after surmounting a water obstacle first. Best infantry squad competition. 10 September 2020.

III place. Rolandas Parafinavičius. A message from home. Moments of daily life of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Detachment soldiers conducting the NATO II place. Skirmantas Vertelka. Platoon, advance! King Strike 2020, exercise of Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states in Lithuania. Temperature soared King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion. Panevėžys. 28 July 2020. over 30 degrees Celsius on 25 June 2020. Base, Šiauliai.

January 2021. No 1. 17 The discount is applicable only upon presentation of a service National Defence System employees card. (soldiers, civil servants and employees Conditions and applicable discounts may change. working under an employment contract) There are additional conditions. * Expositions are free of charge to the Lithuanian Military Academy Soldiers of the Permanent Mandatory (LMA)** cadets, Permanent Mandatory Initial Military Service (PMIMS) Initial Military Service soldiers serving in the LMA, and soldiers from the Gediminas Headquar- ters Battalion (GHB). Coordinate with the regional and recruiting service de- Members of the Lithuanian partment.*** Riflemen’s Union Due to a match of the football club "Atlantas" coordinate with the Grand Duke**** Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion's S5 division of the Motorized Infantry Bri- Lithuanian soldiers gade "Samogitia". Due to a match of the basketball club "Neptūnas" coordinate with the National Defence Volunteer Force’s S5 division of the Samogitia district 3rd team. Due to a match of the football club "Sūduva" coordinate with the Lithu- Soldiers of the National Defence Volun- anian Grand Duke Vytenis General Support Logistics Battalion’s S5 division. teer Forces ***** The discount is applicable to persons who serve or have served in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, also to those who are in the prepared personnel NATO soldiers reserve of the Lithuanian Armed Forces (for the entire study period both for the first and second cycle studies). The discount is applicable on February 16, March 11, July 6, and Negotiation issues November****** 23.

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January 2021. No 1. 19 Special Lithuanian Marked Military Weapons. Part III

THE WEAPONS FUND (GINKLŲ FONDAS) WAS ESTABLISHED IN LITHUANIA IN 1935. ITS PURPOSE WAS PROCUREMENT OF WEAPONS FOR THE LITHUANIAN MILITARY. THE WEAPONS FUND WAS BOLSTERED BY DONATIONS THAT INCLUDED CURRENCY, BONDS, VALUABLES, CAPITAL INTEREST AND OTHER ASSETS.

FN LITHUANIAN GINKLŲ FONDAS citizens chose to donate money to this purpose donation was for 1000 Litas which came from MAUSER RECEIVER MARKED above their required tax payments. the Lithuanian Women’s Society. Up to 1 April RIFLES The Weapons Fund (Ginklų fondas) was of- the Navy Fund received 38, 087.21 Litas in do- ue to the nation’s ever mount- ficially established in Lithuania in 1935 in or- nations. A similar society to raise money for the ing economic problems caused by der that the Lithuanian military could augment Lithuanian military was established on 15 June, worldwide 1929 depression, the its procurement of weapons through donations 1935. This was an organization that was not af- LithuanianD government began having problems that included currency, bonds, valuables, capi- filiated with any political party and had objec- paying for its military’s modernization prog- tal interest and other assets. The donations to tives of to provide the Lithuanian military with ram. Realizing the great need to continue this the Weapons Fund were appropriated by the moral as well as financial aid. The organization program, the Lithuanian people rose to the oc- direction of the Defense Ministry specifically aimed to foster a close relationship between casion and established an Arms Fund (Ginklų by the Defense Minister and placed into various the military and the country’s populace. The Fondas) to show their support of the nation’s financial institutions until utilized for weapon society had 141 branches with 7000 members military. The Arms Fund was somewhat akin purchases. The Weapons Fund also formed a at the start of 1939. to the American Savings Bond program estab- subdivision which was designated as the Karo Surviving records indicate, from 1935 until lished during World War I wherein every day Laivyno Fondas (Navy Fund) in 1938. The first April 1939, 4,665,120.78 Litas (approximately

20 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

million and a half dollars) where donated to the fund. Donations were most generous especially in 1938 and 1939 as the war clouds in Europe were gathering. As a result, the Lithuanian po- pulous was able to voluntarily finance the ac- quisition of many light and heavy weapons for the Lithuanian military. Donations made to The Weapons Fund were given nationwide press coverage with fre- quent articles having been published in news- papers and weekly and monthly periodicals. Individual donations were supplemented by contributions which came from nationwide patriotic fraternal and civic organizations. To honor those donating funds each of the pur- chased weapons were made marked "Ginklų fondas" and individuals and representatives from various organizations chosen to actually The Weapons Fund (Ginklų Fondas) weapon presentation to a Lithuanian (LSS) unit. receive the weapons and present them to the individual soldier who would carry it. Jersey, Lithuanian Community to the Ginklų author s a good deal of confusion. Although FN Mauser rifles were made and fondas and provided the following additional Like many collectors, the author was previ- ordered by the Lithuanian government a large information of interest to collectors. Captain ously of the opinion that weapons purchased number of weapons paid for The Weapons Accountant further stated that the donated by the Lithuanian government with Weapons Fund (Ginklų fondas) funds apparently did not Elizabeth community funds were used to pur- Fund donations correspond to the addition of bear the later noted "Ginklų fondas" receiver chase ten rifles, bearing serial numbers 55223, the "Ginklų fondas 1937" designation to rifle designation. This contention is clear evidence 55248, 55298, 55635, 55678, 55679, 55880, receiver. The referenced letter clearly docu- by a surviving letter sent by Administrative 55973, 55979, and 56295, and that these weap- ments that FN Pillar marked rifles were being Captain Accountant, Lithuanian Defense Mi- ons had already been issued the members of purchased with Weapons Fund donations be- nistry, Kaunas, Lithuania to Mr. J. Zilevicius, the 2nd Lithuanian Infantry Regiment. Need- fore this receiver change took place. No other dated August 13, 1938, thank him for the less to say the discovery of this letter referring date has been note on examined Ginklų fondas $216.05 donation made by the Elizabeth, New the use of Ginklų fondas initially caused the marked rifles.

FN Lithuanian Mauser of The Weapons Fund (Ginklų Fondas) Standard Lithuanian Army Pillar of Gediminas Crest Rifle with the addition of a civilian raised arm fund designation added receiver mark. Although the most of the FN purchases arms were paid for by the Lithuanian gevernemnt its civilians also begun raising funds for arms purchases to show support for their military. To honor their contributions The Weapons Fund (Ginklų Fondas) designation was added to FN Lithuanian Mausers being manufactured somewhere in the 65 000 number range.

Lithuanian FN 1937 Ginklų fondas — Pillar of Gediminas receiver markings.

January 2021. No 1. 21 Special

Weapons purchased with the Weapons Model 1924 Rifles that were made. The high- Due to the like situation that ex- Fund donations observed or in the author’s est Ginklų fondas Mauser encountered by isted between Lithuania and Poland during collection bearing the "Ginklų fondas" designa- the author bears serial number 72,491. For the 1920’s and the unstable political situation tion in an arch format over the 1937 date which the sake of conjecture, the author advances in Germany, the Lithuanian FN purchased was added above the a Pillar of Gediminas the probability that FN Lithuanian arms pur- weapons where surely shipped by boat from and "24L" designation commence somewhere chases terminated somewhere in the 75,000- Antwerp, to Klaipeda, Lithuania. It about the 65,000 serial number range. The ear- 80,000 with the 1939 Soviet Russian inva- is believed that these weapons were probably liest produced weapon with this marking en- sion and occupation of Lithuania. Although forwarded under FN ownership in small ship- countered by the author’s bears serial number the Lithuanian military obeyed the orders of ments of consisting of a few hundred to a 65,534. The left side of its receiver and barrel its elected official officials and military com- thousand at a time. Such shipment would have bears the early described female "Venus" gen- manders and did not resist the Soviet occu- precluded a Polish attempt to cease these weap- der inspector’s mark consisting of a Cross over a pation many of its officers and enlisted men ons in shipment. Period photographs indicated circle followed by a Crown oval LEG Star proof quickly began forming and joining resistance that such rifles with slings and accompanying and the weapon’s serial number. To the right groups. These same soldiers would later take bayonets were forwarded in wooden 10-12 of these marking are the traditional FN manu- an active part in the Lithuanian 1941 insur- weapon crates. facturer’s identification stamps. Small Pillar of rection on the eve of the German invasion of Upon their arrival, the weapons would have Gediminas proof stamps appear on the barrel Russian and many later served in the German been sent overland by train and/or military and rear sight. Unfortunately the weapon’s bolt military against the Russians. It is known form trucks to the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, has been lost and replaced with a Czechoslo- period photographs that many of these sol- Linkaičiai Arms Factory and Arsenal, located vakian made product bearing a stamped circle diers carried their pre-war Lithuanian made in Linkaičiai, Lithuania. Here again the weap- "Z" proof mark with mismatched E5106 serial FN Mauser rifles into combat and later as par- ons would have again been examined to insure number. tisan during the post war 1944-1956 period. no damage occurred in shipment and then sent There is no way of determining the total Such fighting accounts for the great rarity of to individual Lithuanian military unit firearm number of various Lithuanian FN Mauser these rifles today. arms room located throughout the country as need. It should also be noted that the Lithuanian government not only purchased rifles and au- tomatic pistols from the FN factory, but also acquired cartridge-making machinery, which was used in the Linkaičiai Arms Factory so that the nation could produce cartridges for their existing and newly purchased weapons. Such cartridges are frequently hard to identify as their primer casing markings are identical to those made in FN factory. They simply bear a FN notation along with the month and date produced markings.

By Henry L. Gaidis Photo credits: Emilija Treinė, Vytautas the Great War Museum, Gaidis archives Photography believed to be of the Arsenal Repair Shop of Ministry of Defence of Lithuanian in Kaunas, 1925.

22 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

LINKAIČIAI ARMS FACTORY LINKAIČIAI ARMS FACTORY AMMUNITION

Photography believed to be of the Linkaičiai Arms Factory, which made ammunition and all Lithuanian military firearms.

The history of the Linkaičiai Artilery factory, sometimes called the weapons workshop, began in 1935. Construction of the workshop began in 1936. By the decision of the leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces near Linkaičiai railway station, in Karčiamos village. The initiator of the construction is General Motiejus Pečiulionis, the Chief of Armaments Management of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The author of the project is the architect Bronius Elsberg. The workshop opened in 1937, 96 separate buildings were built in total. The Linkaičiai artillery workshop was one of the most modern armaments companies in Europe. The workshop produced ammunition and weapons for the Lithuanian army. Four districts of different regimes were installed in the company's territory. To solve social issues, a canteen, an outpatient clinic and a shop were built. Designed for 200 individual houses to accommodate workers. The activity of Linkaičiai was interrupted by the Bolshevik occupation — in 1940 work stopped. When the war broke out, retreating Soviet military units blew up part of the workshop buildings. After occupying Linkaičiai the Germans took part of the machines to Minsk and Riga, and moved some to Kaunas weapons workshops. After the war, the whole territory belonged to the Soviet army. Currently, part of the premises has been privatized. Source: www.inforadviliskis.lt

Lithuanian Linkaičiai Arms Factory Mauser FN and Linkaičiai Arms Factory Mauser 7.92 Cartridge Primer 7.92 caliber Ammunition Cartridge Boxes Head Markings

January 2021. No 1. 23 Photo credit: Ivo de Haard

24 Lithuanian Military Digest