Evaluation exercise of units of the Lithuanian Land Force for duty in peacetime tasks operations forces of the Lithuanian Armed forces in 2010 concluded on October 27.
Peacetime tasks operations forces comprising around 700 personnel were formed this year. Every unit of the Lithuanian Land Force will rotate on an annual basis to fulfil functions of the operations forces. The first rotation next year will be taken up by the Grand Duchess Birutė Motorised Infantry Battalion, Juozas Vitkus Engineering Battalion, the Duke Vaidotas Forward Support Battalion, and troops of Territorial Units of the National Defence Volunteer Force.
Evaluation exercise „Autumn Light" („Rudens šviesa") finished the training period running from April of the Land Force's components assigned for duty in the first shift of operations forces. During the exercise held in Pabradė Training Area ability of soldiers from different units of the Lithuanian Land Forces was evaluated to join strength to complete tasks. Staff of the exercise amounted to 500.
„Formation of operations forces for peacetime tasks is a serious step as well as a signal that the Lithuanian Armed Forces not only responsibly fulfils international commitments but are also ready to respond to possible threats within our country," said Maj. Gen. A.Pocius after the exercise introduction was introduced to him and Vice Minister of National Defence Vytautas Umbrasas.
In case of necessity operations forces will provide backup for state border guard, protect important state and municipal objects and defence them from terror and mass acts of violence, support state institutions in case of emergencies, etc.
Peacetime tasks operations forces are quick response force. A battalion-sized operations forces unit formed of divisions of the Lithuanian Land Force will conduct tasks of operations forces and will be activated in the entire territory of Lithuania within 2-8 hours.
Number of personnel of the forces similar in their character to the NATO Response Force is planned to be increased, however, they will continue to be formed of the troops of the MIB „Iron Wolf", National Defence Volunteer Force, and Engineering Battalion on an annual rotation basis. In case of necessity the forces will be reinforced by aircraft defence and Air Force assets.
Pictures by Alfredas Pliadis (MoND), Giedrė Maksimovicz (MoND) and MoND archive.
