From September 25 part of the citizens on the prepared reserve lists of the Alytus region will receive informative messages and receive calls from the Lithuanian army about being called up to perform military duty in the Commandant Unit, if mobilization in the country were to begin.
“Working together with units of the armed forces, government and local government institutions, non-governmental organizations and citizens, we are preparing for the defense of the state. In order to ensure targeted preparation, we organize joint exercises during which we assess the interaction between the Lithuanian army and institutions and organizations.
The main goal of the Defense Staff of the Republic of Lithuania in these exercises is to create conditions for training the Military Commandants, their deputies and commandant units of the Lithuanian Rifle Association, but it is no less important to work alone and with other units of the armed forces,” emphasized the Chief of the Defense Staff, Gen. major Mindaugas Steponavičius.
During the tabletop exercises with practical actions “Thunder Bastion 2023” to be held in the Alytus region, the interaction between all units of the armed forces and the most important elements of the national and regional authorities will be trained. The National Crisis Management Center of LRVK, the Ministries of National Defense, Internal Affairs, Health Protection, Energy, Social Security and Labor, 8 municipalities of Southern Lithuania and other institutions participate in the training.
For the first time, the part of the exercise of the Ministry of the Interior “Sventaragis stalas” has been integrated into these exercises, during which the management procedures of institutions during a state of emergency and the coordination of the activities of Public Order commandants and institutions’ operation centers will be assessed.
These exercises provide a unique environment to train, assess and discuss the institutions’ ability to respond and operate in situations of crisis, emergency, mobilization and war. An opportunity is provided to review the relevance of the legal framework, to improve information exchange procedures, to train specialists and decision-makers at various levels in the specifics of crisis management.
A strong and coordinated connection between state institutions acts not only as a guarantor of decision-making and operational management, but also as a strong deterrent. This type of exercise has been organized by the Lithuanian army since 2017. every year in another Lithuanian municipality or region.
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#Exercise #Thunder #Bastion #begins #information #messages #part #prepared #reserve #soldiers
**Interview with Major Mindaugas Steponavičius, Chief of the Defense Staff of the Republic of Lithuania**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Major Steponavičius. As we transition into the preparedness period beginning September 25, can you explain what citizens on the reserve lists can expect in terms of communication from the Lithuanian army?
**Gen. Mindaugas Steponavičius:** Thank you for having me. Starting September 25, individuals on the prepared reserve lists in the Alytus region will be receiving informative messages and phone calls. This is part of our effort to ensure that everyone understands their potential role should mobilization be necessary. It’s crucial for us to create a clear line of communication during this time.
**Editor:** That’s an important step. Can you share more about the joint exercises, particularly “Thunder Bastion 2023,” and their purpose?
**Gen. Steponavičius:** Absolutely. “Thunder Bastion 2023” is a comprehensive exercise designed to enhance cooperation among the armed forces and various government institutions and NGOs. The primary focus is on training Military Commandants, their deputies, and commandant units of the Lithuanian Rifle Association. However, it also allows us to refine our coordination with vital national and regional authorities. This integration is key to our national defense strategy.
**Editor:** It sounds like a significant collaborative effort. Which institutions are participating in these exercises, and what role do they play?
**Gen. Steponavičius:** We have a wide range of participants, including the National Crisis Management Center, multiple ministries, and municipal authorities from Southern Lithuania. Each of these institutions brings unique capabilities and expertise to the table, and together, we simulate real-life scenarios to improve our response capabilities during a crisis.
**Editor:** How does this exercise reflect the overall objectives of the Lithuanian Defense Staff?
**Gen. Steponavičius:** Our main goal is to ensure effective preparation for any potential threats to our national security. By conducting these exercises, we can evaluate our readiness and improve the synergy between military forces and civilian authorities. In doing so, we not only enhance our military capabilities but also build public trust in our national defense mechanisms.
**Editor:** Thank you, Major Steponavičius, for sharing these insights. It’s reassuring to know that Lithuania is actively preparing for all contingencies.
**Gen. Steponavičius:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our vital work. Together, we are building a stronger defense for our country.
