August 23-26, Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion (Jonavos Distr., Rukla) hosts field tactical exercise „Wolves' Training" of units of the 12th shift of Chaghcharan Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT-12) on pre-mission training.
The exercise is tailored to improve procedures of commanding units, train warfare kills of troops before international deployment, completion of collective tasks.
PRT camp is installed in Algirdas Battalion's territory. Round-the-clock active tactical operations centre is established for coordination of activity and distribution of information. Participating units and troops conduct daily operations in environment similar to the one in Afghanistan. Situations of pre-mission exercise are formed on the basis of experience of Lithuanian troops in multinational operations.
„Complex situations modeled during the exercise trains soldiers reach a fictitious „local village" safely and ensure security of peaceful inhabitants. „Elders of villages" and „representatives of local government" act unpredictably while Lithuanian peacekeepers have to stay calm and fulfill their goals. The exercise train actions of PRT camp guards and other military personnel during a direct or indirect fire, and in case of an unrest at the camp's entrance.
A full spectrum of situations is modeled to prepare troops to make immediate and proper decisions in the mission area. It is our duty not only in ensuring security of our own troops but also in ensuring that no harm will be caused to local people. Security and improvement of welfare of local population are our key tasks in the multinational mission in Afghanistan", told conductor of the exercise Maj Rolandas Putnikas.
Apart from Gaižiūnai Military Area in Rukla the exercise also takes place in military area in Panevėžys, Alytus and Kazlų Rūda.
It is the next-to-last exercise of such character for the military element of PRT-12 before deployment to the ISAF mission in Afghanistan: troops test new equipment and their skills while completing tasks based on the pattern frequent in the mission area.
Readiness of PRT-12 for the international deployment will be assessed in a final exercise to be held in September.
PRT-12 is formed on the basis of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion. The shift will leave to conduct a half-year duty in Ghor province of Afghanistan in November.
Algirdas Battalion provides military personnel for the ISAF mission in Afghanistan for a second time. In 2006 combat flag of the Battalion flew in Chaghcharan PRT camp.
The Lithuanian-led PRT in Ghor is a joint civilian-military mission, a part of NATO's ISAF, that was launched in Ghor in summer of 2005. The main task of the mission is to help Government of Afghanistan to extend authority in the province, ensure security and create environment for provincial reconstruction.
While implementing the strategy of NATO's involvement in Afghanistan encompassing gradual transfer of responsibility for ensuring national security to the Government of Afghanistan, international community pays a lot of attention for training and preparation of Afghan National Security Forces. Establishment of Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (POMLT) is planned in Ghor by the end of the year to that end.
Ghor located in the central part of Afghanistan is relatively safe because of its geographical position and underdeveloped infrastructure; however, insurgent movement is sometimes spotted there as well.
At the moment the 11th rotation of the Lithuanian-led PRT serve in Afghanistan, the shift is based on the Lithuanian Grand Duke Kęstutis Motorised Infantry Battalion located in Tauragės Distr. Kęstutis Battalion provides personnel for the PRT mission for a second time.
Representatives of Denmark, Georgia, Japan, USA, Poland, Finland and Ukraine serve together with Lithuanian military and civilian personnel in Ghor PRT camp in Chaghcharan.
Capt Ainaras Jonaitis, PIO for PRT-12, cell phone 00370 699 36 793
Pictures of Sgt 1st Class Nerijus Vitas and Maj Rolandas Putnikas