Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine during his formal trip to the United States. The visit agenda also includes meetings with the leadership of I, III and V Corps of the United States Army, a visit to Fort Knox, and a meeting with Commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania Major General John Pippy.
The meeting with General D. Caine concerned the return of the rotational U.S. force to Lithuania, Host Nation Support, possibility of hosting additional force, and prospects for a permanent U.S. force presence. Delivery of the priority defence capabilities Lithuania had acquired, development of the Lithuanian Division, integrated air defence and general readiness to act with forces of the United States and other Allies were also discussed.
“I thanked General Dan Caine for sending back the rotational American unit to Lithuania. Their presence is vital for our deterrence, while joint training strengthens force interoperability and readiness to act together. Lithuania is recognised as an exemplary NATO Ally. We are ready to step up Host Nation Support and to provide conditions for a permanent U.S. force presence in Lithuania in case the political decision is made,” said General R. Vaikšnoras.
When visiting the III Armored Corps, the Lithuanian delegation learned more about its capabilities and training practices. The key focus of the discussion was placed on the importance of logistics, medical support and other capabilities, the role of realistic training, and readiness for large-scale combat operations. Also, possibilities for Lithuanian troops to take part in Exercise Warfighter and rotations in the National Training Center were discussed. The experience gained would be useful in training the staff of the National Division, strengthening its C2 capability and interoperability with U.S. forces. The Lithuanian delegation also observed an UAV demonstration and a firing exercise conducted by a Bradley IFV crew.
While meeting with the leadership of the V Corps, the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) was discussed, as well as the activities of the U.S. rotational forces in the region and the input of the Corps in the practical EFDI implementation. The Initiative aims to strengthen deterrence and defence on the Eastern Flank through integration of Allied forces and capabilities in line with the regional defence plans of the Alliance.
At the meeting with Adjutant General of Pennsylvania Major General J. Pippy, further cooperation and contribution of the PANG in the development of the Lithuanian 1st Division were discussed. The Lithuanian Armed Forces and the PANG are bound by more than three decades of partnership.
The U.S. military representatives lauded the progress made by the Lithuanian Armed Forces and Lithuania’s approach to national defence. Lithuania may benefit from the innovative solutions and capabilities presented at the meeting.
