NOVEMBER 2020. NO 11 (30).

NEWS

NASAMS MEDIUM-RANGE AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM

BACK TO PROVEN CORONAVIRUS PREVENTIVE MEASURES

NATO'S PRESENCE THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF GERMAN UNITY DAY NATO is capable of rendering military assistance on short notice n November 3 Commander of After meeting with exercise participants the Allied Joint Force Command and command, Commander Allied Joint (HQ JFC) Brunssum General Force Command Gen J.Vollmer expressed his OJörg Vollmer, Chief of Defence of delight that even in such special conditions Lieutenant General Valdemaras Rupšys and the partner nations were able to make all the SPECIAL Commander of the Polish Brigade forming right decisions and to deploy in the region for the core of NATO’s VJTF Brigadier General the very first time the Very High Readiness LITHUANIAN MARKED Dariusz Lewandowski met with the Polish, Joint Task Force on a very short notice. MILITARY WEAPONS. PART I Spanish, Czech and Lithuanian training au- "I am particularly proud that members of dience of international exercise Brilliant the NATO alliance are training to act together Jump 2020 at the and that we have managed to complete such Gen. Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in a complex operation in a timely manner and Pabradė. properly bearing in mind all the precautions Exercise Brilliant Jump 2020, one of the and procedures. That was also one of the key biggest NATO exercises held in the region aims of this exercise: to demonstrate the Al- this year, took place in a part of Lithuania’s liance ability to fulfil its commitments," Ge- territory and tested readiness of the multina- neral J.Vollmer said. tional quick reaction NATO Very High Read- General underscored that even with the iness Joint Task Force (VJTF) composed of international context in mind, NATO had Polish, Spanish armed forces units to carry not decided to conduct the exercise unex- out its mission. pectedly. See page 2 News

NATO is capable of Content NEWS rendering military NATO IS CAPABLE OF RENDERING MILITARY ASSISTANCE ON SHORT assistance on short notice NOTICE...... 1,2 NASAMS MEDIUM-RANGE AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM...... 3

BACK TO PROVEN CORONAVIRUS PREVENTIVE MEASURES...... 4

AMERICA ENFORCING A CORE NATO PLEDGE DOES NOT MEAN IT’S ABANDONING ALLIES...... 5 RAMSTEIN AIR BASE TO HOST NEW NATO SPACE CENTER...... 6

NATO FACES EXISTENTIAL THREAT IF IT CAN’T REACH YOUNGER GENERATIONS...... 7 ESPER, ON HIS WAY OUT, SAYS HE WAS NO YES MAN...... 8

IN SHORT From page 1 "The political developments in the region are monitored and analysed "EAGER LEOPARD": on a permanent basis. We, Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command, NATO ALLIES’ INTEROPERABILITY AT announced our exercise plans long ago in line with all regulations, we THEIR BEST...... 10 have not presented any surprise, everything was done according to appli- A DOUBLE VICTORY OF THE cable procedures and I find it worthy to be proud of: if we say something, NORWEGIANS...... 12 make a commitment, if our countries commit to complete a tasks, we do it in accordance with every rule set for it," Commander Allied Joint Force Command said. NATO'S PRESENCE "NATO has demonstrated in this exercise live its ability to move a large THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF GERMAN force in a short time to provide reinforcement to its allies. We, in our turn, UNITY DAY...... 14 had an opportunity to test our host nation logistical support chain and whether our infrastructure supports such tasks well, or if there are im- provements to be made. Everything was completed successfully for which SPECIAL I am grateful to the exercise organisers. I am convinced that such action has LITHUANIAN MARKED MILITARY a very clear communication and strengthens deterrence as result," Chief WEAPONS. PART I...... 20 of Defence Lt Gen Valdemaras Rupšys pointed out in the exercise review. Even though the exercise was planned to involve over 2.500 troops and roughly 6500 vehicles, the pandemic and resulting limitations cut the numbers to 1.800 and nearly 600. Allied units will redeploy to their homebases after the exercise wraps. Lithuania notified the Defence Attaché of Belarus and the Ministry of Military Press Office of Lithuanian Armed Forces Totorių str. 25, LT-01121, ; Defence o Belarus about the exercise back in early September in order to Phone (370 5) 210 3897, GSM (370 6) 86 94458; fax (370 5) 273 5550; promote transparency and trust. Also, Lithuania announced the upcom- Email [email protected] ing exercise through the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Publisher — Lithuanian Armed Forces. The opinion of editorial office does not necessarily coin- Europe (OSCE) channels on September 24, and delivered a report on 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, the matter at an OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation session on Sep- Domeikava, LT-54359 dist. Order GL-478. tember 30 on a voluntary basis. Information credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces Photo credits: JFCBS MPA

2 Lithuanian Military Digest News

NASAMS medium-range air defence system ASAMS medium-range air defence airspace defence and further strengthens de- military have been working on it at the Air De- systems has been officially handed terrence. When we link together all the com- fence Battalion. Staff training is planned to be over to the Lithuanian Armed For- ponents of collective defence, we get the good completed and integration of the Lithuanian Nces. Representatives of the National Defence result that makes potential adversaries think NASAMS into the NATO Integrated Air De- System and Kongsberg, Norwegian manufac- twice on their intents and gives more secu- fence System begun by 2021. turer of NASAMS, signed a document certify- rity and discretion to us," Chief of Defence of The MoD Work Group analysed mid-range ing good testing results of the system on Oc- Lithuania Lieutenant General Valdemaras air defence systems available on the market to tober 30 at the Lithuanian Armed Forces Air Rupšys underscores. implement the NASAMS procurement pro- Defence Battalion. On that moment Lithuania NASAMS is the most widely used medium- ject. Potential procurements were assessed became a full-fledged owner of the systems that range air defence system across NATO. Lithua- according to such criteria as efficiency, compa- had been delivered to the Air Defence Battalion nia has acquired the latest, third generation tibility with the systems used by other NATO from in the summer this year. system (NASAMS 3) which is still used by the allies, maintenance and repair costs, timetable "Guarded airspace is among the most criti- manufacturer, Norway, only. of delivery, etc. NASAMS was selected as the cal enablers for Allies to deploy into the region NASAMS 3 comprises command post fire closest choice to the formulated requirement if such a necessity arises," Minister of National distribution centres, missile canister launchers, and criteria. Defence Raimundas Karoblis says. "We have communications equipment, etc. The procure- The contract on procuring the NASAMS acquired a fully assembled and integrated mid- ment has been coupled with upgrading of the mid-range air defence system for the Lithua- range air defence capability, something we short-range air defence systems RBS-70 in pos- nian Air Force was signed on 26 October were in need and short of so far, in NASAMS. session of the Lithuanian Armed Forces — the 2017 by the Ministry of National Defence This, to a degree, fills one of the worst gaps in two systems will be integrated into the overall and Norway’s Kongsberg, NASAMS manu- national defence — airspace security." Lithuanian air defence shield. facturer. The contract has made the coopera- Minister also points out the excellent syner- Specialized staff began training to operate tion between Lithuania and Norway stronger, gy among the Lithuanian and the Norwegian the new acquisition back in late 2019, in Nor- which is very important to the security of the Defence Ministries, the way, using training methodology and prog- allies in the current geopolitical and Kongsberg that has enabled the implemen- rammes developed by the Norwegian Armed context. tation of such a critical project within the set Forces and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Information credits: National Defence System timeline and financial limits. Later the training was continued in Lithua- Photo credit: Pte 1st Class Orinta Jadzevičiūtė / "Arrival of the system enhances Lithuania’s nia — Norwegian experts and Lithuanian Lithuanian Air Force Air Defence Battalion

November 2020. No 11. 3 News

Back to proven coronavirus preventive measures mild symptoms. Such soldiers receive every medical care and other necessities. MD Jonas Basanavičius Military Medical Service (Kaunas) and the Military Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Druskininkai have prepared the capacity to quarantine over a hundred of soldiers with mild COVID-19 symptoms. If more serious symptoms or com- plications appeared, the patient would be taken to a civilian healthcare facility. The situation in the country caused by the coronavirus pandemic does not alter the prima- ry mission of the Armed Forces — prepared- ness for armed defence of the state. Therefore additional safety measures are introduced and the Lithuanian Armed Forces continues ensur- ing that military personnel fulfil their duties by training for national defence or by assisting other authorities fighting the pandemic. he number of COVID-19 cases is also primary care services for Continuous Ini- Currently approx. 50 soldiers have been on the increase in Lithuania and the tial Mandatory Military Service conscripts. delegated to assist epidemiologists with the Government has introduced quaran- Medical personnel and commanding of- National Public Health Centre to carry out pri- Ttine in many of the cities, therefore the Lithua- ficers have instructed unit personnel on addi- mary case tracing procedures (interview) and nian Armed Forces once again puts into force tional hygiene for COVID-19 prevention: me- putting it into their databases. The Lithuanian the coronavirus preventive measures that have ticulous cleaning and ventilation of quarters, Armed Forces deployed the Domestic Support already been tested and proven effective in frequent hand washing, hand sanitizer points. Forces as a result of concern expressed by the spring. Infected soldiers are isolated and treated. President of Lithuania regarding the shortage Continuous Initial Mandatory Military The number of infections is assessed in every of capability of the National Public Health Service conscripts will not leave their service case individually and every units prepares to Centre to grapple with the case tracing, the re- locations for the next two weeks in order to accommodate patients without or with mild quest presented by the National Public Health contribute to management of the situation symptoms. If possible, ill soldiers are treated Centre, and the corresponding order issued by in the country as efficiently as possible. Their within the unit, if not, they are taken to the the Minister of National Defence. weekend leave conditions will be reviewed af- Military Rehabilitation Centre in or another Lithuanian Armed Forces information ter two weeks in accordance with the currently facility prepared for COVID-19 patients. Photo credits: Sgt Spc Ieva Budzeikaitė, used "traffic lights" division of municipalities Units also have quarters prepared to qua- Sgt Vidas Stašaitis, Cpl Michail Lysenko, into infection zones introduced by the Minis- rantine suspected cases and treat soldiers with Birutė Uhlan Battalion try of Health. The Lithuanian Armed Forces will observe precautionary COVID-19 spread measures to ensure control of the risk in military units in or- der to protect career soldiers and Continuous Initial Mandatory Military Service conscripts, as well as active reserve personnel called in for exercises or training and volunteer soldiers as they complete their respective assignments. Soldiers completing domestic support tasks have been given airway protective equipment, glasses, hand sanitizer, gloves; movement of ve- hicles and personnel between units have been curtailed to the most essential communication; access to military units have been restricted and control carried out (presenting declara- tions, conducting body temperature check upon entry); dining and health services are arranged to prevent queuing. Medical support units continue rendering free medical care, and

4 Lithuanian Military Digest News America enforcing a core NATO pledge does not mean it’s abandoning allies s President Donald Trump’s first term ends, it’s worth assessing how U.S. relations with NATO have fared over Athe past four years. Say what you will about the Trump administration and its foreign policy, but NATO is an issue where the Trump ad- ministration has moved U.S. foreign policy in a positive direction, reflecting core American interests rather than holding on to a world or- der that grew stale when the Cold War ended 30 years ago. The latest dustup between the U.S. and Europe is instructive. Right now, Euro- pean allies — particularly — are unhappy because the White House plans to restation 11,900 troops from Germany. Of those troops, 5,600 would stay in Eu- rope but leave Germany, and 6,400 would return back to the . Many of the troops who stay in Europe will likely be moved to . This coming move by the Trump admi- nistration has prompted widespread criti- a significant portion of the spending be on than $700 billion spent on defense. Clearly, cism. One popular commentator, Mark heavy equipment and technology. Germany’s own government doesn’t view Cancian, called the move a waste of money, Germany is woefully delinquent, contri- Russia as a threat, as it struck another pipe- citing the large cost of moving troops and buting almost 40 percent less than what it has line deal to be even more reliant on Russian their families to new bases with brand-new pledged. The effects are highly noticeable. -Se energy. accommodations. Although Cancian agreed veral years ago, Germany had only four com- It’s time to bring America’s troops in Eu- with building up troops in Poland, Cancian bat-ready jets. Germany has less than a third rope home. Politicians who crow about resto- called the rationale for pulling troops out of the tanks it did in the 2000s. Of the tanks ring American leadership really mean to say: of Germany and bringing them back to the it has, less than half are ready or fit for action. "Restore the American security blanket for U.S. "weak." Cancian correctly notes that the Only 12 out of 50 Tiger helicopters are up to Europe at taxpayers’ expense." The Trump president’s decision is motived by Germany shape. According to The Economist, "at the administration isn’t off the hook either: bet- being "delinquent" on NATO defense com- end of [2017] none of the country’s six sub- ter to bring the troops home entirely than to mitments. marines was at sea." move them to Poland, which recklessly pro- NATO rules require members to spend at Germany is the starkest example, but this vokes Russia. And the savings from no longer least 2 percent of gross domestic product on is a European problem. Of NATO’s 30 mem- carrying the burden of defense for wealthy defense. Germany spends less than 1.3 percent bers, only 10 meet the commitment to spend Europe will be a massive windfall to the U.S. of GDP on defense. Despite articles that make 2 percent of their GDP on defense. If Euro- economy. it seem as if Germany is about to spend more, pean countries assess that they don’t need to That’s not handing Russia a gift. America Germany has yet to increase defense spend- spend much on defense, then we don’t need has deterrence capabilities without amass- ing. This was true before the coronavirus pan- to force them to buy more weapons — but ing troops on the ground. It’s also the case demic, and it is especially true today. nor should Americans be expected to shoul- that troops in Germany are less aimed at This isn’t a petty issue. At NATO’s core is der the burden of being Europe’s front line of checking Russia than they are at projecting the Article 5 pledge of collective defense: An defense. power so American can continue to fight attack on one NATO member will be met NATO was set up in part to safeguard Eu- endless wars in the Middle East. Reducing with a response by NATO’s other members. rope against the now-defunct Soviet Union. our troops in Europe is a dividend for win- But the bedrock of NATO’s collective de- Today, Germany’s economy is about 2.5 times ning the Cold War, and ending endless wars fense pledge is Article 3, which stipulates that that of Russia’s, but Germany spends only in the Middle East would be an added bo- each country will contribute to the collective $45 billion annually on defense while Russia nus. defense. This includes not just the 2 percent spends about $80 billion. Russia’s outspend- www.defensenews.com of GDP requirement, but a requirement that ing is still a pittance relative to America’s more Photo credit: www.defensenews.com

November 2020. No 11. 5 News

Ramstein Air Base to host new NATO space center Alliance members designated space as an operational domain at NATO’s 2019 London summit. Spacecraft are essential, but vulner - able, elements powering modern-day armed forces, carrying payloads for navigation, com- munications, surveillance and targeting. "Satellite systems keep our world running in ways many people barely realize. Commerce, weather forecasts, mobile phones and banking all rely on satellites," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Still undecided, meanwhile, is the location of a center of excellence devoted to military space — a kind of NATO think tank on the sub- ject — where analysts would study concepts and develop doctrine. and Germany each have lobbied to host such an organization. A group of German companies has urged the government to highlight the country’s space-technology capabilities in an effort to ATO member defense ministers years, though many of the activities are closely lure the center of excellence here. are expected to approve a plan guarded secrets. One proposal, pitched by the Federation this week to create a space center "We expect NATO defense ministers will of German Industries trade association, envi- Nat the U.S. Air Force base in Ramstein, Ger- agree on Thursday to create a new NATO space sions building a mobile launch platform in the many, according to officials and local media center at our air command in Ramstein," an middle of the North Sea that could eventually reports. alliance official told Defense News. "This will be used by the armed forces of Germany and The center’s creation, which is on the agen- be a focal point for ensuring space support to NATO. Such a move would nurture an ecosystem da for an Oct. 22 meeting of defense ministers, NATO operations, sharing information and co- of companies whose business model is based on would come as space capabilities gain impor- ordinating our activities." small, low-cost space launches in the style of Elon tance in the defense calculus of global powers. The plans were first reported Monday by Musk’s SpaceX, the group has argued. The United States, Russia and China have each German press agency DPA and the daily Süd- www.defensenews.com heavily invested in space technology in recent deutsche Zeitung. Photo credits: www.flickr.com

6 Lithuanian Military Digest News

NATO faces existential threat if it can’t reach younger generations ATO Secretary General Jens Stolten- of a next generation of political leaders, and at interest in Asia, so bringing them in to help berg kicked off NATO 2030 Youth that points risks retirement." inform how partnerships with Asian nations Summit aimed at injecting interest Speranza offered three key areas where the could happen is a good way to benefit both Nin the alliance into millennial and Generation alliance should step up its focus in order to sides," Speranza said. "It’s not about tearing Z future leaders. make sure NATO is relevant to that post-Cold up the current NATO agenda. It’s about find- "You — tomorrow’s leaders, both in North War cohort. ing ways to communicate those priorities with America and Europe — have the greatest stake The first is a focus on the nontraditional ways that resonate with next-gen leaders." in our security, so NATO 2030 is the chance for threats that are well below the Article 5 desig- The next-gen summit itself serves as a per- you to step up and safeguard your future, your nation, an area that "has impact on the every- fect example of the internal challenges Spe- freedom, your Alliance," Stoltenberg said in his day lives of millennials and Gen Z in a way that ranza sees at alliance headquarters. The effort opening comments. it doesn’t current policy makers," per Speranza. is billed as a way to bring younger voices into But a new report from the Center for Eu- A more proactive effort in that regard (some- NATO at a time when the alliance is undergo- ropean Policy Analysis think tank argues that thing NATO has begun doing in recent years) ing a major review of its future, dubbed NATO NATO has not done enough to activate interest would help attract interest in a way that a focus 2030, and alliance leadership has announced in younger European leaders — and that the al- on Article 5, which refers to the alliance’s col- plans to stand up a Young Leaders group in pa- liance faces an existential threat if it can’t turn lective defense clause, may not, she said. rallel to the review — all good moves, on paper. that around. The second is a need to develop a technology But, Speranza says, "in an ideal world, we "We need to recognize there is a whole new and innovation agenda. The private tech indus- would just put a few next-gen representatives generation of post-Cold War citizens of the al- try is always in competition with the defense sec- on the main Reflection Group instead of run- liance who have grown up in an entirely different tor for young talent, and often wins, but NATO ning a parallel process." environment, and they are already beginning to also lags behind the Pentagon and the European "Oftentimes the next generation wants to be take up roles in national government, and they Union in how it recruits and offers interesting consulted but they get very few opportunities, have a different set of priorities that are more challenges for younger technology experts. and it’s always under this next-gen label; they in line with future threats," the author of the re- The third area also dovetails with state- don’t get to sit at the adults table or get to actu- port, Lauren Speranza, told Defense News. ments from NATO leadership that it needs to ally work shoulder to shoulder. By maintaining "If NATO doesn’t bring them into the fold figure out how to relate to China, and what role this divide, we do the Alliance a disservice." now, we risk this scenario in which NATO is the alliance may play in the Pacific. www.defensenews.com viewed as outdated and doesn’t have the buy-in There are a lot of next-gen leaders with an Photo credit: www.defensenews.com

November 2020. No 11. 7 News

Esper, on his way out, says he was no yes man

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

s had long been expected, President ming up, it appeared neither side wanted to "I guess my top line is, as I look back, I see Donald Trump fired Defense Secre- rock that particular boat. it — you know, despite a series of crises and tary Mark Esper , cutting short what In fact, Esper went nearly underground in conflicts — and yes, occasional tension with Awould have otherwise been his final months at the run-up to the election, last hosting a Penta- the White House — I think we’ve been really the Pentagon, in anticipation of President-elect gon briefing in late July. He continued to bring successful in transforming the department, im- Joe Biden’s transition in January. reporters along on several trips both within the plementing my top priority as the NDS, if you Delivered via tweet, Trump announced U.S. and abroad, but declined on-the-record will, and then protecting the institution, which Chris Miller, previously the National Counter- interviews. Former Vice President Joe Biden’s is really important to me," he said. “And then ... terrorism Center director, will step in immedia- apparent election victory temporarily quelled fourth, I should say, preserving my integrity in tely as acting defense secretary. rumors that Esper would either resign or be the process." fired, but in the end, the Trump administration Dubbed "Yesper" by his critics, including I am pleased to announce that Christopher decided it would rather finish out its last 10 the president, he takes umbrage with the idea C. Miller, the highly respected Director of the Na- weeks with someone else. that he has been anyone’s "yes man." tional Counterterrorism Center (unanimously Speaking to Military Times in an exclusive "My frustration is I sit here and say, ‘Hm, 18 confirmed by the Senate), will be Acting Secretary interview on Nov. 4, Esper confirmed that he Cabinet members. Who’s pushed back more of Defense, effective immediately. never had any intention of quitting, and though than anybody?’ Name another Cabinet sec- — Donald J. Trump he expected the other shoe to drop, he didn’t retary that’s pushed back," he said. "Have you (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2020 have a good read on when. seen me on a stage saying, ‘Under the excep- "So what I’m trying to do is, kind of, share tional leadership of blah-blah-blah, we have Esper’s Pentagon exit had been expected my views and perspectives while they’re still blah-blah-blah-blah?’" for months, as tension both subtle and obvious fresh," he said. bubbled with the White House. Some had ex- He was also conscious of his legacy, particu- PROTECT THIS HOUSE pected that Esper would beat him to the punch larly where it concerned the National Defense Esper’s tenure dovetailed with a historic with a resignation, but with the election co- Strategy. shift in Pentagon priorities, from the decades-

8 Lithuanian Military Digest News

long war on terrorism to the “era of great power chief who saw it as a political bludgeon. ‘I THINK HE’LL DO VERY WELL’ competition" — in other words, something of "Yeah, look, I mean — my soldiers don’t Esper, a retired Army infantry lieutenant a new Cold War, but this time involving North get to quit," he said. "So if I’m going to quit, it and veteran of the D.C. political scene Korea, Russia, and most importantly, China. better be over something really, really big. And who had worked in the Pentagon and on Capi- More than anything, it’s clear the NDS otherwise, look, I’m going to do what I’ve al- tol Hill, in the leadership of a conservative was his baby, and he was willing to go to great ways done, which is try and shape it the best think tank and as a top lobbyist for defense lengths to protect it. I can." giant Raytheon, appeared to have all the right "Everybody’s on board, until you start talk- He did come close once, though, he said. bullet points for the job. ing money and people," he said of the general Following his testimony in Trump’s im- Though he had been Trump’s third pick for support for the NDS. "And then people fall off peachment proceedings, concern flared that Army secretary — the previous two had been board, right?" the administration might try to retaliate against undone by financial entanglements and big- Never was that more clear than in late July, now-retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, oted public comments about the LGBTQ com- when he announced a plan to withdraw 12,000 who had been a Ukraine expert at the National munity, respectively — Esper took to the job troops from Germany. Security Council. like a grunt to a case of Rip-Its. Some of them would be moving to other Months after his February testimony, some- His first order of business was to start slash- parts of Europe, while others could return to the thing appeared amiss, as the Army’s expected ing cumbersome administrative and training U.S. to deploy on a rotational basis to NATO’s colonel promotion list had still not dropped. requirements, starting with media awareness eastern boundary, where troops had been train- Vindman’s camp alleged that someone in the and a mandatory personal travel reporting sys- ing local forces for years. chain of command was holding it up, though tem, eventually culminating in the downfall of "And then you go and you start doing [com- behind the scenes, both Army Secretary Ryan the legendary PT belt. batant command] reviews, and you start moving McCarthy and Esper had signed off. That all began with a visit to the post gym things and pulling things out. And then they say, "You know, the Army had done all its due at Fort Myer, Virginia, when a specialist on a ‘Oh, no, no, no, no, not that. That’s too impor- diligence on him. He was qualified for promo- nearby treadmill started blasting music directly tant. That’s hard work,’" he said. "That’s the stuff tion. They asked me, you know, what to do," he from his phone to spice up his run. where you’ve got to make the hard calls, where said. "I said, if he’s qualified for promotion, do "Why don’t you just wear earphones like people say, ‘Oh, if you do this, you’ll break that.’" the right thing, put him on the list. I endorse it. everybody else?" Esper recalled asking him. The president had asked for 10,000 troops We’ll just let the chips fall where they might." "‘My chain of command says I’m not allowed out of Germany, Esper said. In the end, Vindman decided to resign his to wear earphones while I’m running,’ Why "And look, I can’t control — I can only commission and retire from the Army, with no not? ‘Because I’ll get hit by a car like that.’ ... control what I do," he said. "The president’s public indication of whether the president in- And I’m like saying ... ‘that’s why you run with going to — he’s very transparent in terms of tended to overrule Esper’s judgment. a PT belt, too?’ That’s why I got rid of that. It’s what he wants. And he’s been very clear about But if Trump had decided to punish Vind- stupid." his views … I’m not trying to make anybody man, would that have been too far? Would Es- www.defensenews.com happy. What I’m trying to do is, fulfill what he per have resigned? Photo credits: www.defensenews.com, wants — I mean, he’s the duly elected com- "Yeah, no, absolutely," he said. www.flickr.com mander in chief — and make the best out of it." Publicly, Trump had lambasted Germany for not paying 2 percent of its gross domes- tic product into NATO, and after the realign- ment’s announcement, Trump promptly told that country they had it coming. "Some of those ideas were ideas that were out there for years that folks just didn’t have the courage or the willpower to propose," Esper said, explaining that he had taken the president’s request and tried to carry it out as thoughtfully and strategically as possible. Throw in a nationwide movement for racial justice and the possible end of the war in Af- ghanistan. When it came down to it, Esper said, he felt like he couldn’t throw in the towel, no matter how dysfunctional his relationship with the ad- ministration became. Like retired Marine Gen. James Mattis be- fore him, Esper gave off the distinct aura of someone trying to be the adult in the room, the last line of defense between the world’s most powerful military and a commander in

November 2020. No 11. 9 In short

"Eager Leopard": NATO Allies’ interoperability at their best

The defensive Field Training Exercise "Ea- Battle Company challenged the defensive po- main battle tanks reinforced by Bradley Fight- ger Leopard" was a success for the soldiers of sitions of the Norwegian Battle Company. An ing Vehicles later challenged the defensive po- the multinational NATO enhanced Forward US tank and one mechanized infantry platoon sitions of the Dutch Battle Company. Presence Battle Group Lithuania,supported by from the 2nd Battalion, 69th Regiment, 2nd Bri- Field Training Exercise "Eager Leopard" the US tank company from the 2nd Battalion, 69th gade which conducted own exercises in this demonstrated that the Battle Group is well Regiment, 2nd Brigade. training area, were invited to join "Eager Leo- prepared for the upcoming challenge — the Field Training Exercise "Eager Leopard" pard" and reinforced the German and the Nor- pre-planned defensive Field Training Exercise took place in the Pabradė Training Area in the wegian Battle Company. "Iron Wolf" in November. middle of October. Led by the Exercise Tactical Operations Info and photo credits: In the first part of the exercise the German Centre of the Battle Group the M1 Abrams NATO eFP BG Lithuania

10 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

November 2020. No 11. 11 In short

A double victory of the Norwegians

On October 13–16 NATO enhanced For- German and Norwegian main battle Norwegian teams from NATO enhanced ward Presence Battle Group hosted tanks (MBT) as well as Dutch and Norwegian Forward Presence Battle Group Lithuania took "Iron Spear 2020" exercise. The multinational CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV). The first place in both the competition of main exercise "Iron Spear 2020" took place in Camp MBT and IFV crews compete with nine other battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles in the Adazi in Latvia with participating Allies from Allies from Canada, , the UK, , "Iron Spear 2020" exercise. NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Latvia, Poland, the , , the LMD inf. Groups across the Baltic region and Poland — USA. The competition, doing fire and move- Photo credits: NATO eFP BG Latvia, 12 nations participated in total. ment sequences, day and night, was a symbol NATO eFP BG Lithuania, Mechanized Infantry NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle of NATO integration and demonstrated unity Brigade of the Latvian Land Forces Group Lithuania took part with French Leclerc, of effort of NATO eFP Battle Groups.

12 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

November 2020. No 11. 13 NATO's presence The 30th anniversary of German Unity Day

THE NATO ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLE GROUP LITHUANIA (NATOe FP BG LTU) CELEBRATED THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF GERMAN UNITY DAY ON 3 OCTOBER, IN A FESTIVE PARADE WITH INVITED GUESTS FROM NATO AND LITHUANIA. THE COMMANDER OF THE BATTLEGROUP, LIEUTENANT COLONEL PEER PAPENBROOCK EXPLAINED IN HIS SPEECH IN FRONT OF HIS SOLDIERS FROM EIGHT COUNTRIES, WHY THE ANNIVERSARY IS NOT ONLY JUST A NATIONAL GERMAN ISSUE, BUT WHY IT IS ALSO A GREAT OCCASION FOR ALL OF THEM TO REMEMBER FOR WHAT THEY AS SOLDIERS OF THE EFP BATTLE GROUP STAND FOR, TOGETHER WITH THEIR LITHUANIAN HOSTS AS NATO ALLIES.

14 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

THREE LESSONS LEARNED Speech of LTC P. Papenbroock, the commander of NATO eFP BG LTU

1ST LESSON: TO BE OR NOT TO BE n October 3rd, we line up to com- memorate the anniversary of Ger- many’s unification in 1990. 30 years Ohave passed since the events that changed all our lives, especially for those of us — includ- ing myself — who were not born serving in a NATO Battle Group. Taking an overview on the past three de- cades, I will put forward three lessons learned that can be drawn from the years leading to the German Unity. In 1945, Germany’s division was inevitable. Moreover, at the end of the Second World War, Europe was divided in two blocs: Three out of the four victory powers were ‘determined to safeguard the freedom, […] the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law,’ as it is constituted unchanged ever since in the from 1949. The then leader of the fourth victory power was not at all committed to our values: Josef Stalin lead the Soviet Union as a dictator, res- ponsible for the deaths of millions of Russians, Ukrainians and other nations forced to be So- cialistic Soviet Republics. Among them was the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, es- tablished in 1940, occupied by Nazi-Germany from 1941 to 1944, thereafter controlled by Moscow anew. People all over Eastern Europe were long- ing for the same freedom their brothers and sisters in the West enjoyed. In Lithuania, the

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‘Forest Brothers’ fought a partisan war against 1968, attempts to democratic reforms were right ‘to be or not to be a party to treaties of al- Stalin’s Soviet Union. Only months after the suppressed by Soviet tanks. liance’. Let me make this crystal clear — as a first dictator’s death in 1953, people in Eastern Ger- While today Cold War times seem far away, lesson learned: The decision to be or not to be many turned in a widespread uprising against one document of this era has not lost its impor- a member of a military alliance is every nation’s the government of their so called ‘German tance: 1975’s Helsinki Accords, signed by every sovereign decision. At least on paper in Helsin- Democratic Republic’. In the Prague Spring European country. It stipulates every nation’s ki, also the Soviet Union agreed upon this.

2ND LESSON: THE VICTORY WITHOUT BATTLES However, another decade had to pass un- til a leader in Moscow recognized the need to reforms. Mikhail Gorbachev promised ‘glas- nost’ and ‘perestroika’ — literally translating ‘transparency’ and ‘restructuring’, as I learned in Russian classes at High School in my East- ern German hometown. In the follow-up of Gorbachev’s promises, people in all countries of the Pact gradually drew hope for transparent political systems that would be re- formed democratically: In 1989 people took the streets, forming the Baltic Chain in August, holding ‘Monday Demonstrations’ during fall in Eastern Germany and peacefully conducting Czechoslovakia’s ‘Velvet Revolution’ towards the end of this historical year. Achieving independence peacefully from Lt Col Peer Papenbroock explained in his speech in front of his soldiers from eight countries, why the the Soviet Union brings me to the second les- anniversary is not only just a national German issue. son learned from the developments that led to

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Germany’s unity. ‘The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.’ Actually this lesson is universal; it does not date from the 20th cen- tury. The Chinese General Sun Tzu presented it already 2500 years ago. However, it must obvi- ously be learned over and over again. In order not having to fight, we must be prepared to do so – be trained to know our roles by heart and be ready for duty anytime. As every fall in eFP, we just started our train- ing season with the exercise Eager Leopard, in the first half of November Iron Wolf will fol- low as our main annual training together with our Lithuanian partners. While improving ca- pabilities on the training grounds, celebrating today’s 30th anniversary of the German Unity here at the Eastern edge of NATO is an out- standing opportunity to remember what we all stand for.

3RD LESSON: DETERMINED TO THE SAME VALUES The fall of the Berlin Wall was made possible by courageous people all over Eastern Europe, who stood up for ‘freedom, […] the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law”. Yes, I again read aloud the NATO Treaty. It does not matter whether our nations are found- ing members like , France, , , the Netherlands and Norway or joined the Alliance later — as Germany did in 1955 and Lithuania in 2004. We are — and this is my third lesson — determined to the same values. Values, that proofed strong and lasting in the Cold War and thereafter. On the basis of these values, we send out the clear message that we are ready to defend any member state that is attacked while our mission is to preserve peace and prevent conflict. It is a great honour for me serving for a second time as a Commander together with my brothers and sisters in arms in this multina- tional Battle Group. Standing here in a country with a long and proud history; Ensuring the of a country that has been divided several times — just as my home country. And it is of great importance in these times, to pre- serve peace by being present here in another country that regained its full independence alongside Germany after the Iron Curtain was teared down peacefully. Together, all soldiers standing here share the same values. Together we are committed to defend each other. Together we are determined to prevent conflicts. Soldiers of eFP Battle Group Lithuania, join me in our battle call "Together — Strong!"

Photo credits: NATO eFP BG LTU

November 2020. No 11. 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 Conscription 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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November 2020. No 11. 19 Special Lithuanian Marked Military Weapons. Part I A GREAT MANY LITHUANIAN FIREARMS FROM THE 1ST REPUBLIC (1918-1940), HOWEVER, WERE CAPTURED BY THE RUSSIANS AND DISAPPEARED BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN FOR ALMOST FIFTY YEARS. THESE WERE USED HEAVILY AND TRADED MANY TIMES OVER TO VARIOUS COUNTRIES WITH SOME HAVING BEEN PRESERVED BY COLLECTORS. NEVERTHELESS, A FAMOUS AMERICAN LITHUANIAN COLLECTOR HENRY L. GAIDIS MANAGED TO GATHER QUITE A BIG NUMBER OF THEM AND TRIED TO DOCUMENT WHAT WE ACTUALLY KNOW ABOUT LITHUANIAN PRE-WAR MILITARY SMALL ARMS AND THE MARKINGS PLACED ON SUCH WEAPONS BY LITHUANIAN MANUFACTURING CONTRACTORS AND ORDNANCE OFFICERS.

have always found when very little is known concerning a topic the best start- ing point is an in-deph examination what can be documented, establishing facts from the documentation and reviewed material and specimens, and then trying to reach logical con- clusions. This is the premise that I have used to present the following information concerning Lithuanian Ordnance weapon markings. There is no doubt what so ever that Fab- rique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, S.A., Her- stal-lez-Liege, Belgium, during the post- period in manufacturing weapons for not only individual purchases but for large scale sales to foreign governments. From the large number of their surviving weapons is similarly known that many of the weapons they made for foreign governments bear the crest or seal of the contracting government. Based upon the large number of World War II surviving Mauser Model 1924 Rifles and Browning High Power Model 1935 Pistols made by Fabrique Lithuanian soldiers in parade and winter field dress armed with FN Mauser Rifles. Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, S.A., Herstal-

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FN export Mauser Model 1924 Short Rifle and bayonet with receiver marks. Standard Belgian FN manufactured export short Model 1924 Rifle mane under Mauser license. Several hundred of these rifles were purchased by the Lithuanian government from existing FN inventory for test purposes prior to entering into manufacturing contract. The displayed FN Mauser with intertwined FN script receiver logo is believed to have been one of the test weapons or a weapon taken from existing stock to quickly start supplying the Lithuanian Army with modern weapons. lez-Liege, Belgium bearing the ancient Pillar of Gediminas crest of Lithuania, most firearms collectors accept as fact that these weapons were made under contact between the Repub- lic of Lithuania and FN as the company is com- monly known. Over the years, I have corresponded with representatives of the Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, S.A., Herstal-lez-Liege, Belgium, and have confirmed that their pre-war 1939. These two military training manuals bearing the Lithuanian Pillar of Gediminas firearm records related to contracts, produc- clearly document the utilization of such Bel- markings. The Pillar of Gediminas insignia tion numbers, and deliveries were destroyed gian FN made weapons by the pre-war Lithua- which is generally associated with Lithuanian during World War II. Still, a number of factory nian military. Grand Duke Gediminas who reigned from works who serviced the war then had specific Similarly, I have corresponded with and 1316-1341 has been since that time used on personal recollection of FN weapons having talked to many pre-war Lithuanian military Lithuanian seals, coins, and insignia since that been made for the Lithuanian government. veterans who confirmed that they had been time. With the establishment of the Republic Similarly, all attempts to locate any reference armed with such FN made Mauser and Brown- of Lithuania in 1918, the Pillar of Gedimi- to pre-war Lithuanian government contract ing high powered pistols. I even had the good nas design was adopted as the insignia of the or purchases records concerning FN weapons fortune to briefly correspond with Aleksandras Lithuanian military. Upon examination of such have been unsuccessful. It appears that the Stauskas a former Lithuanian Ordnance Officer weapon one will readily note the Pillar of Gedi- Lithuanian government records related to such who served for a few years as his government’s minas insignia on most receivers or slides as purchases were probably similarly destroyed weapon inspector at the FN factory. Unfortu- well as smaller Pillar marks used as proof ap- during the war or subsequent Nazi and Soviet nately, I was young at the time and just begin- pearing on barrels, signs, and bolts. occupations. ning my interest about Lithuanian weapons. I doubt that anyone reading this disserta- Beside the surviving FN made Lithuanian I regret to say that I only asked a few general tion does not agree that the Lithuanian pre-war marked weapons there are a number of period questions that I had at the time about his duties government contracted with the FN factory publications and photographs of Lithuanian rather than trying to conduct an indebt inter- and purchase its Model 1924 Mauser Rifles soldiers armed with the Belgian FN Mauser view. Still the information that he provided is and Model 1935 Browning High Power Pistols. Model 1924 rifles and wearing FN Brown- priceless to the topic in question. If one accepts as fact that such FN Lithuanian ing Model 1935 High Power pistol holsters. I suspect that the presented information has marked weapons were made under Lithuanian Included among such period publications are convinced even the most rabid skeptic that the government contract than one can logically two Lithuanian Defense Ministry (Krasto Ap- Republic of Lithuania had a contract with the conclude that the markings appearing on these saugos Ministerija) training manuals printed Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre for the weapons were placed upon the weapons in under the director of Brigade General Stasys purchase of weapons for its military. Surely the accordance with that contract or upon accep- Rasikis, Commander in Chief of the Army, most compelling argument for the existence of tance by a Lithuanian inspector or ordnance entitled Mauzerio Sautuvai Technika (P-83) such a contract is the actual existence of Fab- officer. and Pistoletai Technika (P-82), Kariuomemes rique Nationale Mauser Model 1924 Rifles At this point, let us review the presented Stabas, Spaudos ir Svietimo Skyrius, Kaunas, and Browning Model 1935 High Power Pistols material. It is known that the FN Factory was

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Lithuanian soldiers shooting with with FN Mauser Rifles. engaged in manufacturing weapons for a large made under contract between the Lithuanian German Gewehr 7.92x57 millimeter Mauser number of foreign governments and routinely government and the FN factory. The FN made Model 1898 and Czarist Russian 7.62x54 milli- made such weapon bearing the crest or seal of weapons bear Lithuanian Pillar of Gediminas meter Mosin-Nagant Model 1881 Rifles. In ad- the contracting government. A great number markings and there for the markings are asso- dition, in 1924 the Lithuanian government ac- of FN made weapons exist bearing the Pil- ciated with the Lithuanian government. quired some 50,000 surplus British .303 caliber lar of Gediminas emblem has been used as a Although no specific information is known Enfield Model 1914 Rifle from Italy that they symbol of the Lithuanian ruling monarchy or concerning how the Lithuanian government had acquired from the British during World government since the early and selection of the Fabrique Nationale to produce War I. To this mix can be added a number Rus- this same emblem was adopted for the use of its weapons it is ample documented that the sian Model 1870 Berdan and Japanese Arisaka its 1918 re-established military. An extensive Lithuanian military during the early 1924 was Model 1897 bolt action rifles and even a few amount of 1920-1930 period publications and attempting to standardize and modernize the American made Winchester Model 1895 lever photographs exists confirming that members weapons being used by its military. During the action rifles left behind by the retreating Czar- of the Lithuanian military were using Fabrique Lithuanian War of Independence (1918-1920) ist Russians or captured in combat from the Nationale d’Armes de Guerre weapons. The the Lithuanian military largely used aban- Soviet Russian forces. Such weapons were ac- logical conclusion is that such weapons were doned, captured, or surplus purchased Imperial ceptable during the nation’s desperate struggle

FN export Mauser Model 1924 Rifle with factory contracted added Mod. 24 L. Lithuanian designation.

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for independence, but the problem they caused to a modern army by their wear, condition, and difference calibers had to be corrected.

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE EXPORT RIFLES It is the author’s contention that the Fab- rique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre was selec- ted by the Lithuanian government due to their proven product, reliability, and willingness to sell to a foreign country. Surely, the first FN Mauser Rifles obtained by the Lithuanian go- vernment for inspection and testing and came from the first existing stock of Model 1924 Mauser export rifles. It is inconceivable that the firm would have made special rifles for Lithua- nian inspection or testing purposes due to the expense and economic conditions at the time. It has been conjectured by some collectors and it is possible that a few of the firm’s shorter car- bines might have been sent along with is rifle Ginklų Fondas (The Gun Fund of the Republic of Lithuania) presentation — FN Mauser Rifle Sling & Bayonet frogst 1938. for such test purposes. No confirming infor- mation for such a conjecture has been found ing the initial LEG for Liege and a small star. In addition, FN was required to place a se- to date. If the initial FN weapons supplied to Reportedly this proof further indicates that the ries of three smaller size receiver and barrel ac- the Lithuanian for inspection and testing came weapon was in compliance with the German ceptance marks on all of their weapons along from its existing factory inventory then these proof law of 1891. With the advent of modern with corresponding serial numbers. Typically weapons would have born the firm’s standard day black power and multi-firing mechanism early FN made Mauser rifles are found with a manufacture and proof markings. barrel and receivers were required to be stamped serial number stamped on the right side of their Since the age of mass production, firearms and additional mark consisting of the traditional rounded receiver followed by a series of three have been marked with the name of the manu- Belgian standing Lion insignia above the ini- stamped markings consisting of the FN inspec- facturer and frequently where manufactured tials P.V. in French for Poudre Vive — Powder tor’s mark, a factory proof or test mark, and the and the number of the weapon made. In addi- verified. At least one noted source indicates that Belgian Firearms House Registry Mark. To the tion with the passage of time it became common the P.V. indicates testing for smokeless powder right the series of three factory inspector’s, FN place to mark various critical functioning parts and the dancing Belgian Lion used to indicate factory test or proof, and Belgian Firearm House with some type of mark to indicate that the part unproven barrels being exported directly to a marks, is the FN factory manufacture’s designa- had been tested and verified or proven as being foreign proof house. Subsequently another fac- tion stamp "Fab. Nat. D’Armes De Guerre, Her- totally functional. The letter "V" for verified or tory identification mark was adopted consisting stal-Belgique". the letter "P" for proven soon became the gene- of a standing tower-like insignia with a stylized Available information further indicates that rally used designations on modern day European square stepped base known in French as a "Per- an inspector was assigned to inspect each pistol made rifle and pistol barrels. In addition most ron" to indicate similar inspection of the weapon and rifle made by FN and that inspector placed large factories assigned senior weapons makers breeching system. Weapons made for the Bel- his assigned inspection mark on each weapon to inspect their products before they were for- gian military reportedly bear a flaming bomb he examined. Research conducted related to ward to dealers for sale to the public. with script L proof mark. FN shotgun manufacture has identified one It is known that the City of Liege, Belgium, Belgian firearms made during the 1920- such inspector identified as Louis Couchant has been devoted to firearms manufacturer and 1930’s where required not only to bear the who was the Controller of Proofs from 1923 export since the late 1600 and over that years name of the weapons maker, but a factory ins- to 1952 and utilized a Star over the letter M adopted a proof marking system to identify pector mark and a manufacture’s mark indicat- as his inspection mark. Most Lithuanian Pillar weapons made at that location and to insure ing that the weapon had been tested and pro- of Gediminas barrel and receiver inspector’s that minimum safety standards were met for the ven. As in the case of many international firms marks noted by the author have consisted of a weapons that their city produced. Since barrels of the period, Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de similar Star over a letter although one inspec- and receivers were the most likely places where a Guerre adopted a company logo which con- tor is noted to have used the traditional female problem would result, they would be fire tested sisted of a sideways resting oval enclosing the "Venus" gender insignia of consisting of a Cross before sale and mark signifying that the weapon firm’s "FN" initials in a script format. It became over a circle as his inspector mark. had past such testing. For modern day weapons commonplace for the firm’s FN script logo to such markings insured the level of pressure, cali- be placed on receivers of its export weapon, TO BE CONTINUED ber, and standard of the weapon and its fitness which served not only to identify the firm as for service. The traditional proof mark used to its manufacturer, but as a as advertising for By Henry L. Gaidis identify weapon made in the City of Liege con- the company whenever anyone examined the Photo credits: Vytautas the Great War Museum sists of upward standing crowned oval contain- weapon. and Gaidis archives

November 2020. No 11. 23 Photo credit: NATO eFP BG Lithuania

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