MARCH 2020. NO 3 (22).

NEWS

LITHUANIAN SOLDIERS DECORATED AFTER SERVICE IN

RENOVATED GYM NAMED AFTER A U.S. GENERAL BORN IN The context of COVID19: what we need to know? 1. Contribution of the Lithuanian the territory of Lithuania, and in controlling SPECIAL Armed Forces to COVID19 situation closed off strips of the border; management: ■ The Spartan transport aircraft of the As updated on March 20 at 0900hrs, cur- was used to bring citi- THE LIBERATION OF KLAIPĖDA rently approx. 126 soldiers of the National zens of the Republic of Lithuania, as well as Defence Volunteer Force (NDVF) assigned a shipment for the Transplant Centre (stem to the Domestic Support Forces are on duty cells), back from on March 16; at one time by the internal Lithuania- ■ The Spartan transport aircraft of the and Lithuania- bor- Lithuanian Air Force was used to bring a ship- ders and at seaports and airports of Lithuania. ment for the Transplant Centre (stem cells) Lithuanian personnel are assist- from Germany to Lithuania on March 18; ing civilian authorities: The also com- ■ At , and Palanga airports mitted and set up 4 articles of military tents and Klaipėda Seaport since March 3: at Kaunas and Vilnius airports for incoming • 72 soldiers of the National Defence Vol- passenger registration and check-up. HEADHUNTERS FROM TEXAS unteer Force have been managing passenger In total, over 100 NDVF soldiers activated flow, registering travellers returning to Lithua- as the Lithuanian Domestic Support Forces nia and providing them information side by are currently assisting civilian authorities in side with colleagues from the National Public providing response to the coronavirus out- Health Centre; break. At Lithuania-Latvia and Lithuania-Poland 2. Changes in Lithuanian Armed Forces border-crossing points since March 16: activities made because of COVID19 • 54 soldiers of the National Defence Vo- The Lithuanian Armed Forces introduced lunteer Force have been assisting State Bor- the following COVID19 spread mitigation der Guard Service colleagues in providing in- measures as part of the quarantine: formation to and registering people entering See page 2 News

The context of COVID19: Content NEWS what we need to know? THE CONTEXT OF COVID19: From page 1 a. Limitations have been put on military training activities and exerci- WHAT WE NEED ses. International exercises and exercises scheduled to be located in non- TO KNOW?...... 1,2,3 military areas have been cancelled. Military personnel is allowed to train in groups not larger than 30 persons and have to respect social distancing recommendations. Exercises are only allowed to take place in military- CHIEFS OF DEFENCE MEETING use areas in open air. IN RUKLA...... 4 b. Movement of military personnel and vehicles between units has been limited except for essential communication. c. The weekend leave for conscripts of the Continuous Mandatory LITHUANIAN SOLDIERS DECORATED Initial Military Service (CMIMS) has been temporarily suspended. The AFTER SERVICE IN IRAQ...... 5 preventive measure has been applied in order to ensure safety of the con- scripts and their family members they would visit while ensuring the op- portunities to stay in touch via technology. RENOVATED GYM NAMED d. A part of the career soldiers will undergo health assessment and have to stay with the conscripts, will carry out service on barracks regi- AFTER A U.S. GENERAL BORN IN men and will not be allowed to visit home. The measure has been applied LITHUANIA...... 6 to minimise outside contacts. e. Additional combat training exercises combined with rest time have been planned for soldiers during the weekends. GERMANY MOVES TO PROTECT ITS f. All career soldiers are obliged to self-isolate, not to report to their MILITARY-CYBER INDUSTRY...... 7 units physically for two weeks after returning from service trips abroad. g. Further military service trips abroad have been cancelled and are not scheduled. POLAND IS BECOMING AMERICA'S KEY Medical personnel and commanders have issued instructions in all NATO ALLY...... 8,9 units concerning additional counter-COVID19 hygiene: quarters are aired and cleaned more frequently, soldiers are washing their hands more IN SHORT often, hand sanitiser is available across quarters. Important note: the quarantine does not alter the main mission of MARCH 11 — THE RESTORATION OF the Armed Forces — preparedness for armed state defence, therefore with additional safety measures in place, the Armed Forces has to remain INDEPENDENCE DAY...... 10,11 ready to ensure that military personnel will fulfil their duty in national defence and in assisting other authorities fighting the spread of the coro- SPECIAL navirus. 3. CMIMS conscripts are temporarily not granted weekend THE LIBERATION OF leaves because: KLAIPĖDA...... 12 a. It is a preventive measure to minimize the risk for conscripts and their family members to become infected with the coronavirus. Equiva- lent measures were applied in the past to address the seasonal flu epide- HEADHUNTERS FROM mic announced by municipalities in their areas of responsibility. TEXAS...... 20 b. An emergency, or a quarantine, does not nullify tasks of the Armed Forces — military personnel continues the service the same way public order officers or firefighters do. Military training must continue not only to ensure implementation of the main task of the Armed Forces, armed state defence, but also for the Armed Forces to remain able to assist other state authorities fighting the spread of the coronavirus. Military Press Office of Lithuanian Armed Forces Totorių str. 25, LT-01121, Vilnius; c. Barracks regimen for conscripts is a common practice during a Phone (370 5) 210 3897, GSM (370 6) 86 94458; fax (370 5) 273 5550; quarantine period. It is imposed to protect conscripts' health. Medical Email [email protected] support elements are in operation across all divisions and military medics Publisher — Lithuanian Armed Forces. The opinion of editorial office does not necessarily coin- are ready to provide health services. CMIMS conscripts receive primary 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, outpatient healthcare services, first medical aid, etc. Conscripts are train- Domeikava, LT-54359 Kaunas dist. Order GL-163. ing in routine military training exercises, attend civil education, leisure, sports, and other activities in unit territories during the weekends. It is a common practice in other NATO as well. See page 3

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The context of COVID19: what we need to know? From page 2 the soldier had been would be disinfected and place, the Armed Forces has to remain ready to 4. Will the CMIMS and those who had come into contact with him ensure that military personnel will fulfil their transportation to units be halted. would be isolated and observed for 14 days. duty in national defence and in assisting other a. Health check-ups conducted before join- Catering for such soldiers would be arranged authorities fighting the spread of the coronavirus. ing the professional military service or CMIMS separately from the rest. 13. Is there a medical facility in military has been halted for the period March 17-April b. the ill soldier would be handed over for territories? 3. The medical personnel has been reassigned further care to civilian healthcare institutions. a. There are medical support units and mili- to conduct other tasks. 8. Can family members visit conscripts in tary medics are ready to provide health services b. Health examination notices issues for their units. in every division of the Lithuanian Armed For- CMIMC conscripts will be postponed until la- a. Family members are not allowed to visit ces. CMIMS conscripts receive primary outpa- ter date or cancelled. Each conscript will be con- soldiers at military units during quarantine on tient healthcare services, first medical aid, etc. tacted individually to agree a new check-up date. the basis of the Chief of Defence's action plan 14. Are there COVID19 positive soldiers c. CMIMS conscripts who have already re- restricting access by unauthorised persons to in the Lithuanian Armed Forces? ceived instruction to provide their documents or military units. a. No soldier has been diagnosed with contact have to contact via telephone or e-mail 9. Is delivery of parcels to conscripts al- COVID19 in the Lithuanian Armed Forces and to send their documents (e.g., education lowed. to date. certificates or requests to postpone CMIMC) a. Yes, it is allowed. However, keeping food 15. Have the education activities been by remote means (registered mail or e-mail). All in the barracks is prohibited. suspended at the General Jonas Žemaitis necessary information will be given via e-mail or 10. What are the preventive measures ap- Military Academy of Lithuania (MAL)? by phone by regional divisions of the Military plied to stop importation of the coronavi- a. The Academy is a military university, Conscription and Recruitment Service. rus into military units by career soldiers? hence service and other activities there have d. Directions for conscripts and information a. Soldiers and institutional representatives not been withheld. However, distance learning concerning fulfilment of their draft procedures on duty at unit check-posts are wearing per- is applied as much as possible. is announced and updated on the sauktiniai. sonal protective equipment (as of a separate b. The terms for military and civilian person- karys.lt. website. direction, once community spread of the coro- nel access to the territory have been severely Conscripts on the calendar year roll are navirus has been identified) and conducting tightened. obliged to closely follow updates of informa- body temperature check-ups of every person c. Additional safety measures for those en- tion concerning conscription and directions entering the unit. tering the MAL territory: movement of persons published online, and to follow the directions b. Movement of military personnel and ve- into the area has been minimised. concerning conscription. hicles between units has been restricted to es- d. Hand sanitisers have been made available 5. What should the young people living sential only for the quarantine period. at different and numerous locations throughout abroad do if they are on the 2020 con- c. Soldiers who have returned from abroad the MAL compound, everyone is invited to fol- scription roll? have to stay self-isolated for 14 days and not low Ministry of Health recommendations and Conscripts who reside abroad and receive report to their units. They also have to up their norms of personnel hygiene. directions to present themselves to regional hygiene efforts. e. The education process has not been divisions of the Military Conscription and 11. Is it true that NATO exercises sche- stopped and is taking place remotely, military Recruitment Service in the nearest while have duled for early April have not been can- training is conducted on the MAL territory and to first contact a regional division of the Mili- celled? restricted outside of it. Joint formations and ac- tary Conscription and Recruitment Service and a. All national and international exercises tivities in large groups have been paused. provide information about their location and have been cancelled for the quarantine period. f. Cadets and CMIMS training platoon con- circumstances that impede their fulfilment of The -led Exercise Defender Eu- scripts serving in the MAL territory are on bar- conscription duty. Conscription procedures for rope 2020has been modified in scope and size. racks regimen, leaves are minimised. such conscripts will be paused and another date It is a rational and temporary solution applied g. Foreign language courses are halted for all for arriving will be set. with regard to the spread of the coronavirus. students except for foreign students housed on 6. Where are soldiers who have fever kept 12. What are the military personnel doing the MAL territory, their movement to outside in military units? at their units at this time? the MAL territory is also minimised. Separated and isolated room is made availa- a. Soldiers are completing essential tasks h. Other courses that are already underway ble in every unit to be occupied by a soldier or and continuing military which is also essential at the MAL are finished earlier, tasks are as- a civilian employee in case COVID19 infection for maintaining preparedness of the Lithuanian signed remotely, and no new courses are begun. is suspected, according to the guidance for pre- Armed Forces. i. The Military Academy of Lithuania is vention of COVID19 spread in Lithuania ap- b. Soldiers are following the recommenda- following the situation in the country and the proved by the Chief of Defence. tions for preventing the infection, however, world and takes additional preventive measures 7. What is the procedure in case a soldier please note, that the quarantine does not al- against infection in order to ensure uninter- is diagnosed with COVID? ter the key mission of the Lithuanian Armed rupted functioning of the military institution. a. The soldier would be isolated and am- Forces — to be ready for armed state defence, Photo credit and information: bulance would be called. The premises where therefore with additional safety measures in Lithuanian Armed Forces

March 2020. No 3. 3 News

Chiefs of Defence meeting in Rukla n February 26 Chief of Defence of Chiefs of Defence discussed affiliation of weaponry and equipment of the NATO en- Lithuania Valde- the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf of hanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle maras Rupšys met with Chief of the Lithuania and the 15th Infantry Brigade of Po- Group. OGeneral Staff of Poland General Rajmund An- land to the HQ Multinational Division North Ministers of National Defence of Lithuania drzejczak who is on a visit in Lithuania. East, they were also briefed on the activities, and Poland met in Vilnius and took a decision a month ago to affiliate the Mechanised Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf and the 15th Infantry Bri- gade to the HQ Multinational Division North East in Elblag, Poland. Lt Gen V. Rupšys and Gen R. T. Andrzej- czak signed a document on the same occasion embedding the intent of both countries’ mili- taries to train together. The document also de- fines the areas that are the basis of affiliation of the Lithuanian and the Polish Brigades to the HQ Multinational Division North East: train- ing and exercises, strategic communication, and situational awareness. Both Brigades will remain subordinate to national authorities but they will help create the conditions for training the HQ Multina- tional Division North East and contribute to strengthening to strengthening the NATO structure. Information and photo credits: Lihuanian Armed forces

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Lithuanian soldiers decorated after service in Iraq n February 11 soldiers from diffe- rent units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces were decorated after deploy- Oing home from international operations in the Republic of Iraq. Chief of the Defence Staff Maj Gen Gintautas Zenkevičius bestowed National Defence System Medals for Deployment to International Missions on 12 professional mili- tary service soldiers. The decoration ceremony was held for ins- tructors who served as part of the Danish Con- tingent in the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve and for soldiers of the Deployable Communication and Information Systems Module who were completing training and communications tasks at the NATO mission in Baghdad. The NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) was launched in 2004 for training local security forces of the country. The U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq: Lithuania has been maintaining a contribution of 6 mi- litary instructors since 2017. The Lithuanian soldiers serve in composition of the Danish Contingent at Al Asad airbase in the northwes- tern part of Iraq and help training local security forces. Information credits: Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Photo credits: Sgt Spc 1st Class Ieva Budzeikaitė

March 2020. No 3. 5 News Renovated gym named after a U.S. general born in Lithuania

Forces, future leaders, and the community that has welcomed us with such warmth," represen- tative of the 1st Battalion, th9 U.S. Cavalry Regi- ment, W. Garvin said. The gym of the Cadet Lyceum School was named to honour Maj Gen Sidney Shachnow of the U.S. Army who was born in Kaunas, Lithuania, in 1934. He was in service with the U.S. Armed Forces for 42 years. Maj Gen S. Shachnow employed his in-depth and long military experience fighting in Vietnam, lead- ing the U.S. Armed Forces in and John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Centre and School. Recipient of the Medal, third highest U.S. military decoration, twice. S. Shachnow died in 2018, buried at Arlington National Cemetery. General Povilas Plechavičius Cadet Lyceum n March 6 a renovated gym of Ge- of Staff of the 2nd Territorial Unit, National De- School is a high-school education institu- neral Povilas Plechavičius Cadet fence Volunteer Force, Maj Skomantas Povilio- tion delivering basic and secondary education Lyceum School was named after nis, officer of the 1st Battalion, 9th U.S. Cavalry programmes. The School focusses heavily on OMajor General Sidney Shachnow, U.S. Army. Regiment, deployed in Lithuania Maj Wilford extracurricular activities in order to cultivate The idea was made reality by the U.S. Army Garvin, representatives of the U.S. Embassy in creativity, civil spirit and leadership. The ca- CIMIC Team and the Lithuanian Armed Lithuania, Lithuanian Armed Forces and other dets actively participate in cultural, healthy Forces. The gym was renovated and funds were organisations that had contributed to the work. lifestyle, sports and other events. Their civil raised to buy sports equipment by soldiers of "The facility will help young present and fu- consciousness is fostered through social-public the 1st Battalion, th9 U.S. Cavalry Regiment, ture leaders improve themselves physically and campaigns, ethno-cultural activities, participa- Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Force, build relationships. Our military and young tion in national holiday celebrations and events cadets of the Lyceum School, and other partici- leaders respect the same values for the good of organised by social partners. pants of the project. the Motherland and our allies. It was our ho- Based on Lithuanian Armed Forces information The ribbon cutting was attended by Chief nour to cooperate with the Lithuanian Armed Photo credit: Sgt Megan Zander

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Germany moves to protect its military-cyber industry new German strategy document "Maintaining cybersecurity is the prerequi- , she said. In that context, officials declares defense-related cyber tech- site for the digital advancement of the state, the have begun studying new approaches to mana- nologies as key national assets, affor- economy and society, and it is equally impor- ging the electricity required to power new com- ding the domestic sector some protection from tant for the sovereignty of Germany and Eu- munications kit on the battlefield, the minister international competition. rope," it added. added. Government officials made the move with The new designation of cyber technologies It remains to be seen how the government the publication of a paper this week outlining as worthy of special protection sets up a deli- will use the new strategy document on key na- the types of technology Berlin wants to buy at cate dance between maintaining a national in- tional technologies to make investment deci- home, in Europe or from global vendors. The dustrial ecosystem while remaining true to the sions, said Matthias Wachter, a defense analyst designation of a key technology means the go- idea of a European Union with a single market. with the Federation of German Industries, or vernment can sidestep European Union rules German Defence Minister Annegret BDI. requiring public acquisitions be open to com- Kramp-Karrenbauer said her agency remains For example, the stated domestic preference panies throughout the bloc. focused on cyber capabilities from a European in electronic-warfare technology will be put to The areas of artificial intelligence, elec- perspective. For example, officials are working the test with the Air Force’s upcoming buy of tronic warfare, networked operations and to ensure the relevant U.K. authorities remain new aircraft for electronic warfare, Wachter cryptology, and defense-related information plugged into EU networks after Brexit. said. In the running are the Airbus-made Eu- and communications technology are in the ca- The bloc, she said, must increase its coope- rofighter as a local option and the Boeing F-18 tegory deemed so crucial to national security ration on cyber issues, or risk falling behind Growler from the United States. that the government wants to keep the sector China and the United States, Kramp-Karren- "There is nothing legally binding" in the healthy. bauer said at the Munich Security Conference new document, the analyst said, which means "A technological challenge for our security on Thursday. the decision could go either way. "But if you and defense lies in the area of digitalization and Germany’s contributions to the NATO take the paper seriously, the Growler would be artificial intelligence," read the strategy docu- Very High Readiness Joint Task Force drives out." ment, issued by the Ministry for Economic Af- the country’s plans for fielding a new infor- www.defensenews.com fairs and Energy. mation backbone for the land forces of the Photo credit: www.flickr.com

March 2020. No 3. 7 News

Poland is becoming America's key NATO ally

ollowing Russia’s illegal annexation badly. In addition, NATO stopped practicing for a second ABCT, logistics units and an of Crimea and invasion of eastern many of the maneuvers that would be criti- MQ-9 Reaper drone squadron located in that , the U.S. began a process cal to an effective defense of Europe, such as country. ofF returning military forces to Europe and the movement of large-scale reinforcement Over time, the plan is to create the infras- pressing its NATO allies to increase their de- throughout the continent. tructure to support the rotational deploy- fense expenditures and armed forces. More West Germany was once the centerpiece ment of two ABCTs, plus additional combat than 20 years after the end of the Cold War, of NATO’s anti-Soviet defense and host to enablers, including both aviation forces and many issues that were assumed to be settled hundreds of thousands of U.S. and Allied long-range fires. needed to be readdressed. Where would ad- forces. Today that role is increasingly as- Just last week, the U.S. Army decided to ditional U.S. forces be deployed? Which sumed by Poland, one of the most stalwart reactivate its V Corps and return part of it to NATO allies could be counted on to up their members of the alliance. It is one of only six an as-yet undetermined location in Europe. defense game? How could NATO best pro- countries to meet NATO’s goal of spending It would make tremendous sense to locate tect its eastern flank abutting Russia? 2 percent of gross domestic product on de- that corps headquarters in Poland alongside Increasingly, the answer to many of these fense, has welcomed U.S. forces returning to the majority of U.S. Army forces operating in questions is Poland. Europe, and has undertaken a serious and Europe. It would also be an important sym- After the collapse of the , sustained program of military moderniza- bolic step, as V Corps was one of two heavy NATO essentially stopped worrying about tion. formations positioned in Germany for most deterring high-end threats, and many mem- As part of the overall global buildup of of the Cold War. Most importantly, deploy- bers reduced their defense budgets as a result. U.S. military capabilities, the U.S. Army has ing a corps helps ensure that the U.S. Army U.S. ground forces in Europe declined to just begun rotational deployments of an armored can conduct an effective defense against two relatively weak brigade combat teams. brigade combat team, or ABCT, to Poland. large-sale conventional aggression. Other NATO countries ended conscrip- Last year, the Pentagon decided to expand Poland is more than just a good host for tion, shrunk their military establishments this effort with a forward-deployed division U.S. forces. It has committed to spending bil- and allowed much of their equipment to age headquarters, pre-positioned equipment lions of dollars to create the infrastructure

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to support the additional U.S. deploy- ments. No NATO ally has done more to improve its defensive posture and to support the return of U.S. forces to Eu- rope than Poland. In addition to meet- ing its 2 percent obligation, Poland has taken seriously the need to upgrade and replace aging Cold War-era Soviet equipment with modern Western sys- tems. Last year, Warsaw issued a new Tech- nical Modernization Plan for 2026 that commits to spending nearly $50 billion on fifth-generation fighter jets, UAVs, assault helicopters, short-range rockets, submarines and cybersecurity. Poland is an important purchaser of U.S. military equipment. Warsaw plans on acquiring up to eight Patriot air defense batteries. Since the end of the Cold War, the has been transitioning from Soviet-era platforms to largely U.S.-made aircraft, beginning with the acquisition of 48 F-16s. In January, Poland signed a multibil- lion-dollar deal to purchase 32 F-35A fighter jets, thereby vaulting itself into the ranks of NATO’s premier air forces. Given the presence of U.S. armored formations in Poland, Warsaw should consider acquiring the M-1 Abrams to replace its obsolescent Russian-made tanks. Poland will be a major host for NATO’s largest modern-day military exercises. Defender 2020 will deploy a full U.S. heavy division of more than 20,000 troops in Europe, including an entire brigade combat team and their personnel. This force will then conduct complex maneuvers in Poland along- side allied formations. Defender 2020 is intended to test all the capabilities, policies and procedures related to the rapid reinforcement of NATO. Geography dictates that Poland play a leading role in NATO’s defense plans. Warsaw recognizes its place as the cen- terpiece of the alliance’s defense line vis-a-vis Russia. But Poland is much more than a passive player. It wants to punch at or even above its weight among NATO members. The U.S. go- vernment should do whatever it can to help the Polish military reach its mo- dernization objectives. www.defensenews.com Photo credits: www.flickr.com

March 2020. No 3. 9 In short

March 11 — the Restoration of Independence Day

THE ACT OF THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE OF LITHUANIA WAS AN INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION BY LI- THUANIA ADOPTED ON MARCH 11, 1990. THE ACT EMPHASIZED RESTORATION AND LEGAL CONTINUITY OF THE INTERWAR-PERIOD LITHUANIA, WHICH WAS OCCUPIED BY THE USSR AND LOST INDEPENDENCE IN JUNE 1940. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT AN OCCUPIED STATE DECLARED INDEPENDENCE FROM THE DISSOLVING SOVIET UNION. LOSS OF INDEPENDENCE After the partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Common- wealth in the 18th century, Lithuania was part of the . In the aftermath of the of 1917, the Council of Lithuania, chaired by Jonas Basanavičius, pro- claimed the Act of Independence of Lithuania on February 16, 1918. On this date celebrate the Restoration of the State Day. Unfortunately, Lithuanian people enjoyed independence only for two decades. In August 1939, the Soviet Union and signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. The Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, and ) were assigned to the Soviet sphere of influence and subsequently were occupied in June 1940 and converted into soviet socialist republics and were oc- cupied for 50 years. The start of occupation: the Red Army is crossing Lithuanian border in 1940.

INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENTS AND THE When Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union, introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) policy in 1987 the great and deep changes started to occur. On August 23, 1987 the Lithua- nian Liberty League organized the first public protest rally that did not result in arrests. Encouraged by the non arrests, by mid-1988, a group of 35 intellectuals organized the Sąjūdis Reform Movement with the original goal of supporting, discussing, and implementing Gorbachev’s reforms. Thousands of Lithuanians attended the Sąjūdis meetings, as well as the other important public events in period of 1988–1991. People gathe- The Sąjūdis Reform Movement was supported by thousands of Lithuanians. Text in a banner "Restructuring — Democracy — Advancement". red to support the idea of freedom, to listen to the new raising Lithuanian Photo credits: Romualdas Struoga. political leaders and to sing old Lithuanian national patriotic songs all together. This period of disarmed resistance also is known as the Lithua- nian Singing Revolution.

Text in a banner: "Nobody managed to unroot you, nobody managed to In 1988–1991 crowds of Lithuanians gathered to support the idea of freedom pick you off, because you are the temple, because you are the homeland" and new political leaders, singing old Lithuanian national patriotic songs all (lines from a popular Lithuanian song). together. Photo credits: P. Lileikis/Lithuanian National Central Archive.

10 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC ELECTION Parliamentary elections of February 1990 were the first free and democratic since World War II. The people over- whelmingly voted for the candidates endorsed by Sąjūdis, even though the movement did not run as a political party. The result was the first post-war non-communist government. During its first assembly on March 11, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Lithuanian SSR elected Vytautas Landsbergis as its chairman and restored Lithuania’s prewar name of the Republic of Lithuania. It then changed its name to the Su- preme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, and formally declared the re-establishment of Lithuanian independence. The act was approved at 10:44 pm by 124 members of the council while six abstained — there were no votes against.

FREEDOM FIGHTS IN 1990–1991 After the approval of the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania, the issue of independence was not immediately settled and recognition by other countries was not certain. For example, Gorbachev called the Lithuanian Act of Independence illegal, so the USSR demanded revocation of the Act and began applying sanctions against Lithuania including an economic blockade. In addition, on January 13, 1991 Soviet forces stormed the Parliament building in Vilnius along with the Vilnius TV Tower. Unarmed civilian people of Lithuania confronted Soviet soldiers. 14 people were killed and 1990 03 11: Members of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania seven hundred injured in what became known as January Events. (in the center — the chairman Vytautas Landsbergis) just after the approval of the declaration of The Act of the Re-Establishment of the State. Nobody voted against.

1990 03 11: The Soviet symbolism (hammer and sickle) were removed from the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania (now — the Parliament) building in the same day. Photo credits: P. Lileikis/Lithuanian National Unarmed Lithuanian citizens stood against the Soviet forces in the Central Archive. bloody January of 1991.

ICELAND — THE 1ST COUNTRY, WHICH RECOGNIZED RESTORED LITHUANIA was the first country of the free world, which recognized restored Lithuania: On February 11, 1991, the Icelandic parliament voted to confirm that Iceland's 1922 recognition of Lithuanian inde- pendence was still in full effect, as it never formally recognized the Soviet Union's control over Lithuania, and that full diplomatic rela- tions should be established as soon as possible. They were followed by , and (within Yugoslavia) and Latvia. Photo credits: Lithuanian MoD archives, One central street of Vilnius is called "Iceland’s street" in honor of this country and its people. Various events are organized here in order to express thankfulness of Lithuanians. Lithuanian National Central Archive, ELTA

March 2020. No 3. 11 Special

The Liberation of Klaipėda AN INGENIOUS PLOT RETURNS LITHUANIA’S ONLY SEAPORT AFTER CENTURIES OF SEPARATION, AND OPENS UP ITS GATEWAY TO THE WORLD.

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lies met at Versailles, where they imposed sanc- tions upon the defeated nations and sought to reestablish a Czarist state. However, most of Russia had by then fallen under Communist control, and a number of new states had ap- peared making this option nonviable. Among these new states was the Republic of Lithuania, although it would not be recognized de jure for three years. Since they had not yet recognized the republic, when the Allied powers separated Klaipėda (Memel) from Germany, they placed the seaport and its adjacent area under tempo- rary administration by . The region had been populated by Lithua- nians for centuries, but fallen under German Prussian occupation since the . The East Prussian state, in order to control Lithuania Minor, pursued a vigorous policy of Germanization, and over time, the ethnic Lithuanians there slowly developed their own dialect and customs. Although the rural areas continued to be inhabited by ethnic Lithuani- ans, the city and seaport became largely popu- lated by Germans, who filled all the administra- tive positions. The French appointed General Dominique Joseph Odry and High Commis- sioner Gabriel Jean Petisne to administer the region and sent a small number of French troops in support. Unfortunately, the French relied heavily on German port administrators and this hamstrung the economic life of Li- thuania. The French support for Poland raised fears that this vital seaport would fall into Po- lish hands. Famous Lithuanian pilot Cpt Steponas Darius, one of the main persons in the liberation of Klaipėda.

LITHUANIA MINOR he Liberation of Klaipėda was one of the most significant events in Li- thuanian history in the modern era. AlthoughT most Lithuanians know the nation’s 1918-1920 War of Independence — fought against Poles, Communist Russians, and Cza- rist White Russians — established a free and independent state, few realize independence was not assured until Klaipėda was restored to the nation. Without control of this ice-free port, the otherwise landlocked nation would have succumbed to a slow economic de mise. At the end of , the victorious Al-

March 2020. No 3. 13 Special

Lithuanian government after it appeared the League of Nations was not going to rule fa- vorably on Lithuania’s claim to Klaipėda and was likely to establish a Danzig-like free city or place it under Polish administration. After receiving a favorable response to the force- ful seizure of Klaipėda, General , the hero of the Lithuanian War of Independence, believed the Lithuanian Army could invade and disarm the small French mili- tary contingent within twentyfour hours. But it was decided direct Lithuanian military action might start a war with France or resume the Lithuanian-Polish War, so an agreement was reached to organize an independent Lithua- nian insurrection along the lines of General Želigowski’s Mutiny in October 1920 that led to the invasion and occupation of Vilnius and surrounding territory by Poland. Preparations were left to Galvanauskas, who ordered the planning and execution of the up- rising. So it would be a genuine surprise to the Top management of Klaipėda's region Volunteers Army. January 1923. Row below from the left: Mykolas Lithuanian nation, he took great care to hide Kalmantavičius (Mykolas Bajoras) — commander of 1st regiment; Fric — vicecommander of Army; Jonas Budrys (Jonas Polovinskas) — chief commander of Army; Oks — commander of staff. Row above from any links with the rebels and kept the operation the left: Juozapaitis — adjutant; Endrikeitis — line adjutant; Zacitis — special adjutant. secret from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the . Since the Lithuanian Army was not LITHUANIANS START TO ACT maintained unofficial contact with the Lithua- to take part, he obtained the support of Vincas The events that followed are worthy of Mis- nians during the revolt and urged local Ger- Krėvė-Mickevičius, the cochair of the indepen- sion Impossible: the Prime Minister of Lithua- mans not to hinder the action. The Soviet Rus- dent semimilitary Lithuanian Riflemen’s As- nia directs a small group of military officers to sians, who opposed a larger Polish state, not sociation (Lietuvos Šaulių Sąjunga), for man- instigate an insurrection in Klaipėda that re- only supported the action, but would intervene power. Since most of the riflemen had fought turns the seaport and its surrounding territory if Poland moved against Lithuania. Strangely alongside the Lithuanian Army in the War for to Lithuania. For political reasons, the Lithua- enough, the Polish government also preferred Independence, they were combat-proven and nian government disavows all knowledge of the to see Klaipėda in the hands of Lithuania rather reliable. Another advantage of using the rifle- mission, and warns those involved they could than become a free city, like Danzig, under men was the government could blame the pat- be subject to criminal prosecution if the opera- German influence. riotic organization to absolve itself of responsi- tion fails. On November 20, 1922, Galvanauskas bility for the insurrection. Many concluded something drastic had brought up the topic in a secret session of the The action was planned by the Lithuanian to be done to save Klaipėda from becoming a free city like Danzig or, worse, being turned over to Poland. Among the Lithuanian lead- ers in Klaipėda alarmed by the situation were members of the Prussian Lithuanian National Council, who realized Lithuania Minor could only be returned to Lithuania through military action. When members of the Council Erd- monas Simonaitis and Martynas Jankus met secretly with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ernes- tas Galvanauskas, they learned he was thinking along similar lines, but for political reasons, could not sanction such a move. To protect Lithuania’s interests, Galva- nauskas pursued the idea through diplomatic channels. He ascertained the Govern- ment preferred Klaipėda in Lithuanian hands because it considered Lithuania neutral and France and Poland, who were likely to be given the territory by the League of Nation, major enemies. It has since been learned that Berlin

14 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

General Staff. Although details regarding its development remain murky, Colonel Jonas Polovinskis, a Lithuanian Army counterin- telligence officer, clandestinely coordinated the military action since known to history as the "Klaipėda Insurrection." He was an eth- nic Lithuanian who had held a number of positions in the Czarist Government. He had served with great distinction as a military in- telligence officer in the Russian Army during World War I, rising to the rank of Colonel, and was decorated on a number of occasions for his bravery and service. He continued in counter- intelligence with Admiral Alexander Kolchak’s in 1920 and 1921 in a failed at- tempt to restore the Czar to the throne. Upon returning to Lithuania in 1921, Po- lovinskis found a position with the Lithuanian Army and was soon serving as chief of the Lithuanian Counter-Intelligence Service. He had been tasked with leading a special clandes- tine team to the Klaipėda area to ascertain the feelings of the population toward Lithuanian 1.5 million rounds of ammunition. the SCSLM issued a proclamation entitled Bro- annexation and became well-versed with the Polovinskis recruited a number of likemin- liai Šauliai! (Brothers Riflemen!), announcing territory and its inhabitants. His report found ded Lithuanian military of ficers willing to take they were taking up arms to rid themselves of the local population divided equally between part in this unofficial action and risk the dan- "slavery" and calling upon the Lithuanian Rifle- either wishing to join with Germany or Li- gers of combat and criminal prose- cution. To men’s Association for help. Two days later, the thuania, or forming a free city. This situation provide cover, he and his officers each adopted SCSLM’s Šilutė chief declared the existing was complicated by the native Lithuanians of a nom de guerre. Polovinskis became known French Klaipėda Directorate dissolved and Lithuania Minor who had developed their own by his code name, Jonas Budrys, which he was authorized Erdmonas Simonaitis to establish identity, which included adherence to the Lu- to use for the rest of his life. His Chief of Staff, a new directorate to govern the territory. The theran rather than Roman Catholic faith. Many Captain Juozas Tomkus, became Oksas; his as- declaration was published in German and of these Lithuanians were economically well sistant, Juozas Šarauskas, Juozapaitis; and so Lithuanian — both proclaimed official lan- off and worried that an influx of farm products on. Budrys would command the main force guages — ordered the release of all political and workers from Lithuania proper would of the insurrection, frequently referred to as prisoners, and established martial law. The cheapen their products and destroy their liveli- "Budrys’s Army." Upon the call of the SCSLM, proclamation appealed to the French soldiers hood. Surely, this report brought Polovinskis to he would move on the city, his flanks covered not to resist this action, because it was the will the attention of Galvanauskas and led to the lat- by support formations. — On January 7, 1923, of the Lithuanian people. ter’s decision not to take an official part in the Klaipėda Insurrection, but to select Polovinskis to lead it.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE Lithuanian activists were sent to various towns and villages in the Klaipėda region in November and December of 1922 to deliver patriotic speeches and form local organiza- tions willing to support an insurrection. These small local groups were unified at a gathering in Klaipėda on December 18, 1922, which estab- lished the Supreme Committee for the Salva- tion of Lithuania Minor (SCSLM). Martynas Jankus was elected chairman and would serve as the insurrection’s political leader. That same month, Krėvė-Mickevičius met with represen- tatives of the , who assured him they would not interfere with an insurrection. In addition, they sold him, at a reduced rate, 1,500 Mauser rifles, 5 light machineguns, and

March 2020. No 3. 15 Special

Klaipėda 1923. French Soldiers.

On January 10, 1923, 1,090 Lithuanian vo- The largest formation, consisting of 530 Petisne agreed to a ceasefire that afternoon lunteers in civilian dress crossed the border on men commanded by Major Jonas Išlinskas, and his soldiers were interned in their bar- trains from Kretinga and Tauragė. Among them codename Aukštuolis, was assigned to capture racks. During the engagement, twelve Lithua- was Vladas Putvinskis, the military commander Klaipėda; the second formation of 443 men, nian insurgents lost their lives along with two of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Association, pro- under Captain Mykolas Kalmantavičius (Kal- French soldiers and one German police officer. viding the cover demanded by the Lithuanian mantas), codename Bajoras, was tasked with Two other French soldiers were wounded, but government, and Lithuanian American flyer the capture of Pagėgiai (Pogegen) and securing recovered. Steponas (Stephen) Darius, who with Stasys the border with Germany; the third forma- In addition to the earlier mentioned Ste- (Stanley) Girėnas, would become famous for tion of 103 men led by Major Petras Jakštas, ponas Darius, a number of other Lithuanian the ill-fated 1933 trans-Atlantic flight. codename Kalvaitis, was to capture Šilutė Americans participated in the insurrection, Upon their arrival in the Klaipėda terri- (Heydekrug and cover the insurgents’ flank. among them Antanas Ivaškevičius (Anthony tory, the volunteers were met by Budrys with Although they met with little resistance, the Ivas), the brothers Kostas and Julius Jurgėla, some 300 local volunteers. Each Lithuania volunteers encountered great difficulties from Jonas Žilinskas-Žilius, Andrius Martusevičius- Minor volunteer wore a green armband with cold weather, lack of transportation, and ina- Martus, Pranas Purvis, Juozas Zaukus, and Pra- the initials MLS to identify him as a Mažosios dequate clothing and food. nas Rimkus. Darius and Ivaškevičius were both Lietuvos sukilėlis/savanoris (Lithuania Minor members of the Supreme Committee for the Insurgent/ Volunteer). Armed with a rifle and THE END OF KLAIPĖDA Salvation of Lithuania Minor. Darius did plan- 200 rounds of ammunition, the infantrymen INSURRECTION ning and led an armed unit while Ivaškevičius were supported by 21 light machinegun crews, By January 11, 1923, the Lithuanian insur- travelled through the country giving speeches 4 motorcycles, 3 cars, and 63 cavalry horses. To gents had secured all their objectives with little to rouse the population. He also provided a conceal their identity, they were ordered not to resistance, with the exception of some parts of great amount of money to the committee. He carry any Lithuanian documents or even cur- Klaipėda held by the French. With the refusal was the first Lithuanian American awarded rency. To curtail local anger, each volunteer was of French Commissioner Gabriel Jean Petisne the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Association’s Šaulių ordered to be polite at all times and to avoid to surrender his force of 250 French soldiers, Žvaigždė (Riflemen’s Star). Jonas Žilinskas- looting, drinking alcohol, and making inflam- 350 German policemen, and about 300 civi- Žilius served as Governor of Klaipėda in 1925 matory comments. lian volunteers, a brisk engagement ensued. and 1926. A number of Lithuanian organiza-

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tions were set up in the United States to sup- port the liberation of Klaipėda. They engaged in heavy propaganda through the press and raised funds for the Liberation of Klaipėda, be- fore and after the insurrection. On January 13, 1923, the Klaipėda civilian leader, Simonaitis, formed a new pro-Lithua- nian directorate, which included Vilius Gaiga- laitis, Martynas Reizgys, Jonas Toleikis, and Kristupas Lekšas, to administer the seaport and region. Although the French and Polish governments protested and sent warships to the area, the British declined to support their action. The Allied Conference of Ambassa- dors dispatched a commission of inquiry to Klaipėda and demanded the insurgents with- draw from the city. While French and British warships remained in the harbor, the Lithu- anian government denied any part in the insur- rection, and the Allied demand was withdrawn. On January 20, the Klaipėda Region Special Representative transferred all sovereign rights to the Republic of Lithuania. The insurgents began to organize a local army on January 24, peacefully resolving the crisis. legitimized and the matter resolved. Although and pledged to swiftly restore civilian control To further appease the international com- this insurrection is often considered a great to the district. munity, on February 15, the Klaipėda Direc- Lithuanian feat, many recent historians conjec- On January 29, a French proposal to send torate was disbanded and Viktoras Gailius ture that the League of Nations’ action to relin- troops to quash the revolt was rejected after formed a new provisional five-member direc- quish Klaipėda was an unofficial way to com- the British and Italians supported Lithuania. torate that included two Germans and three pensate Lithuania for its earlier loss of Vilnius Although the Allies made one last gesture two Prussian Lithuanians. Finally, on February 17, to the Poles. Regardless of the reason, the 1923 days later, when they sent a sternly worded ulti- the Allied Conference transferred Klaipėda insurrection firmly established Klaipėda as part matum demanding the insurgents disband, no and its surounding area to Lithuania with the of Lithuania, and neither the subsequent brief action was taken. That ultimatum was recanted agreement that the region be granted outono- Nazi annexation nor the prolonged Soviet oc- on February 4 in a diplomatic note requesting my and Lithuania compensate the Allies for cupation changed that fact. that the Klaipėda region be transferred in an the cost of administration and assume German orderly fashion. A second message, on Februa- war reparations. With Lithuania’s acceptance By Henry L. Gaidis, ry 11, thanked the Lithuanian Government for of these terms, the Klaipėda Insurrection was Draugas News/Lithuanian Heritage

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March 2020. No 3. 19 Special

HEADHUNTERS FROM TEXAS U. S. TROOPS FROM THE 1ST BATTALION, TH9 U. S. CAVALRY REGIMENT FROM FORT HOOD IN TEXAS ARE ENDING THEIR MISSION IN LITHUANIA.

20 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

Captain Steve Bebo

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT to the Baltic States and Eastern Europe since ix month ago almost 500 U.S. troops spring 2014 as part of the U.S. Army Opera- fully deployed in the Pabradė training tion Atlantic Resolve in the eastern part of the area with their heavy equipment — ap- Alliance. It is a demonstration of the U.S. col- Sprox. 30 Abrams tanks, over 20 Bradley Infan- lective defence commitment to NATO allies in try Fighting Vehicles and 70 other vehicles. The ensuring security after the Russian aggression U.S. battalion has come as part of the U.S. Army in Ukraine. Over a ten rotations of U.S. land Operation Atlantic Resolve in the eastern part troops have already been deployed to Lithua- of the Alliance to train in Lithuania until spring nia since spring 2014, the most recent rotation 2020. "We have sought for a larger long-term was here in 2017. U.S. military involvement in Lithuania and the region consistently and patiently. Therefore M1 ABRAMS IN PABRADĖ the deployment of the U.S. Army battalion for Headhunters (it’s a famous nickname of the a longer period of time is good and awaited 1st battalion’s troops) from Texas had a very in- news and a result of our efforts and investment. tensive training agenda during their mission in The U.S. forces is a vital factor of deterrence so Lithuania. "Every month we did at least 1 week it will contribute to NATO efforts in the Bal- of live fire training from our small arms and ma- tic region," Minister of National Defence of chine guns to M1A2 Abrams tanks and 120 mm Lithuania Raimundas Karoblis said. mortars. In December we started out shooting According to R. Karoblis, this deployment individually with every tank, then we went to has been enabled by Lithuania’s investments the platoon level (4 tanks or 4 Bradleys) and into the training infrastructure in Pabradė and in February we had entire company, which has other places and the efforts of the logistical 4 platoons, shooting. Here in Lithuania we try support personnel of the Lithuanian Armed to work a normal week from Mondays to Fri- Forces in solving all the practical issues related days, everybody is training to increasing their to the deployment and presence of U.S. troops abilities," Capt. Steve Bebo, Intelligence officer in Lithuania. of the 1st Battalion of the th9 Regiment, 1st Divi- U.S. land force soldiers have been rotating sion, U.S. Army explained.

March 2020. No 3. 21 Special

The U. S. troops expected to see a snowy and cold winter in Lithuania, but they had to train in a slimy mud of the Pabradė training area. "This terrain is very rough and muddy but our tanks go through it. M1 Abrams is a very heavy tank, but it’s also very mobile. Outside of its powerful gun it has a very powerful engine, so it has capability to travel on almost any ter- rain", Capt. S. Bebo says. The almost 40-year-old Abrams tank still has a very significant role in the U.S. Army be- cause of its strength and mobility. Also it’s an- nounced that the U.S. Army is preparing the M1A2 Abrams to be able to fight through the 2020s with some upgrades. The latest version of the tank, now designated M1A2C, could well be the last upgrade for the Abrams until a replacement vehicle is fielded sometime in the next decade.

TRAINING WITH NATO ALLIES The U.S. troops had a lot of good opportu- nities to cooperate and exercise with Lithua- M1 ABRAMS nian colleagues and other NATO allies based Type Main battle tank in Lithuania. In February the sound of rolling Place of origin United States metal and heavy gunfire filled the Pabradė In service 1980–present training grounds during the 1st Battalion, 9th Wars Persian Gulf War, War in , Iraq War, Egyptian revolution of U.S. Cavalry Regiment Combined Arms Live 2011, Iraqi Civil War, 2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict, Saudi Arabian-led Fire Exercise (CALFEX) Winter Saber. Dutch intervention in Yemen. artillery, Croatian mortar, Lithuanian and Manufacturer Lima Army Tank Plant Norwegian fire support and the Baltic Air Po- Unit cost US$6.21 million (M1A2 / FY99), estimated in 2016 lice were some of the major assets involved in Mass M1: 60 short tons the execution of this enormous military exer- M1A1: 63 short tons cise. "It’s a special thing that we have the other M1A1 SA: 67.6 short tons NATO forces together with us today. A Nor- M1A2 SEPv2: 71.2 short tons wegian platoon with their infantry fighting ve- M1A2C: 73.6 short tons hicles is integrated as a part of formation. Also Length Gun forward: 9.77 m we have observers from various nations and Hull length: 7.93 m Dutch artillery as indirect fire support", Capt. Width 3.66 m S. Bebo told. Height 2.44 m A tank company stood in the defensive po- Crew 4 (commander/machine gunner, gunner, loader, driver) sition in the start of the training operation. Its Armor Composite armor task was to move forward, clear up all threats Main M1: 105 mm L/52 M68A1 rifled gun (55 rounds) and get into the "shooting house" in the Pabradė armament M1A1: 120 mm L/44 M256A1 smoothbore gun (40 rounds) training area. Tanks and infantry fighting ve- M1A2: 120 mm L/44 M256A1 smoothbore gun (42 rounds) hicles started to move after the artillery made Secondary 1 × .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun with 900 rounds its job. "It is a very rewarding job to be able to armament 2 × 7.62 mm (.308 in) M240 machine guns with 10,400 rounds call for fire accurately, and support the mission (1 pintle-mounted, 1 coaxial) with our mortars and artillery assets. Also, my Engine Honeywell AGT1500C multi-fuel turbine engine job as the fire support officer, is advising my 1,500 shp (1,120 kW) company commander when he is planning to Power/weight From 26.9 hp/t (20.05 kW/t) to 23.8 hp/t (17.74 kW/t) integrate indirect fires elements with his ma- Ground clearance M1, M1A1: 0.48 m neuvers elements," said Lt. Dani Bates, Field M1A2: 0.43 m Artillery Officer, 1st Battalion,th 9 Cavalry Regi- Fuel capacity 500 US gallons (1,900 l) ment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Operational M1A2 Road: 426 km Cavalry Division. range Cross country: 150–200 km U. S. troops say that training in Lithuania Speed M1A1: road 72 km/h; was very useful for them but their mission Off-road: 48 km/h here was much more than military exercises.

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"We tried to enjoy our weekends getting out The st1 Battalion of the th9 U. S. Cavalry Re- from the base to visit Vilnius and other Lithu- giment is continuing to train in Lithuania. "The anian cities, Latvia, Estonia or Poland. We COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to alter really enjoyed the Lithuanian culture and the some of our plans and post pone several train- time we had here. We also had a lot of Lithu- ing events, but we are still engaged and train- anian organizations coming to see us in the ing", said Sgt. Megan Zander, Public Affairs base, visited Lithuanian schools and talked Mass Communications Specialist. with the youth in order to show that USA is here not only to train, but also to support the By Ilona Skujaitė overall security of Lithuania," Capt. S. Bebo Photo credits: Corp. Michail Lysenko assured.

Lt. Dani Bates

BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE Place of origin United States The U.S. troops had a lot of good opportunities to In service 1981–present cooperate and exercise with Lithuanian colleagues Mass 27.6 t and other NATO allies. Length 6.55 m Width 3.6 m Height 2.98 m Crew 3 + variable number of passengers depending on variant Armor Spaced laminate armor: 30 mm AP and RPG all around protection. Main 25 mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun armament BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile Secondary 7.62 mm M240 machine gun armament Engine Cummins VTA-903T diesel 600 hp (450 kW) Power/weight 19.74 hp/ton Suspension torsion bar Operational range 400 km Speed 56 km/h

March 2020. No 3. 23 Photo credit: Lithuanian Air Forces

24 Lithuanian Military Digest