On November 27-28 Command Sergeant Major Davor Petek, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL), conducted a visit in Lithuania.
The aim of the CSEL's visit was to view deterrence measures implemented by the Alliance forces in Lithuania. At a visit to the Joint Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and a meeting with Chief of the Joint Staff Major General Vitalijus Vaikšnoras Sgt Maj Davor Petek talked about the status quo of preparedness to deploy the German-led forward presence battalion in Lithuania in 2017 and planning forces of the oncoming integration of the force into combat training of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. According to Command Sgt Maj D.Petek, the key focus must be given to training military personnel, however, their welfare and proper leisure should not be forgotten.
Command Sgt Maj D. Petek also visited the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) sharing premises with the Joint Staff where he met with Deputy Commander NFIU Lieutenant Colonel M.Petkevičius and NCOs posted to the NFIU. The CSEL also observed Exercise Iron Sword 2016 in Rukla and talked to Lithuanian and US soldiers training in the event, and was briefed on the Lithuanian soldier and NCO training system by the Lithuanian Armed Forces NCO School Sergeant Major Bronius Basalykas.
PR Officer for the Joint Staff Captain Tomas Pakalniškis
Photo credits: Captain V. Vinickas
