For three days in March 2018, Lithuanian Special Operations Forces (SOF) graciously hosted the Spring NATO Allied and Partner SOF Commanders Conference. Lithuanian SOF had previously hosted this biannual conference in 2012. This year's event bared special importance to the organisers and participants due to a couple of significant historical dates that Lithuania celebrates in 2018. In 2018 the Lithuanian nation celebrates the centennials of a re-established Lithuania's Independence (on the 16th of February of 1918) and the Lithuanian Armed Forces (on the 23rd of November of 1918). Furthermore, on the 3rd of April of 2008 the Lithuanian Parliament passed amendments that approved the Special Operations Forces to become another service of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Aims of the Conference
The intent of the NATO Allied and Partner SOF Commanders Conference was to provide the Commanders with an update on operational activities, to discuss recent changes at the strategic level regarding NATO Strategic Directions East and South, as well as Counter Terrorism effort within NATO. Discussions were held to exchange perspective of participants considering SOF role in NATOs contribution to the fight against terrorism and contingency planning, as well as NATO Eastern Partnership.
With reference to NATO's Strategic Direction East challenges, Mr. Darius Jauniškis (former Lithuanian SOF Commander), Director of the State Security Department of Lithuania, shared his perspective on security situation within the Baltic Region, with implications for the entire Alliance and Partners, underlining importance of synergised interagency effort in countering modern security challenges. The Lithuanian SOF contributed discussion with providing their perspective on how to enhance ability to recognise threats, prevent, and react to them within the realm of national, regional and NATO SOF.
10th anniversary of the Lithuanian Parliament's decision on Lithuanian SOF
On the second evening of the conference, over 230 guests were welcomed at the solemn event and reception at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania on the occasion of the Lithuanian SOF 10th Anniversary since the forces became the fourth branch of the Lithuanian Armed Forces (instead of the former Special Operations Unit). Although the Lithuanian SOF roots stem from earlier days, the Amendments to the Law on Organization of National Defense System that Lithuanian Parliament passed on 3rd of April, 2008, is still a pivotal step in the Forces' development.
Speaker of the Seimas, Minister of National Defence, NATO Allied and Partner SOF Commanders, representatives and Commanders of the Lithuanian Armed Forces together with honoured guests who made a significant contribution to the growth and development of the Lithuanian SOF, were also introduced to the Centennials of the re-established Lithuania's Independence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Lithuanian SOF, through a historical theatrical show. The performance told story of the oldest Lithuanian symbol of Freedom and Statehood called Vytis, its journey through the Lithuanian history, determinant battles, struggles for independence, and Lithuania's decade-long resistance against the Soviet occupation after the Second World War, in the period from 1945 to 1953. The show was performed or supported by members of the Honour Guard Company, choir "Aidas" and orchestra of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, musical band ‘Ugniavijas', Vytautas the Great War Museum, Kaunas Garrison Officers' Club, volunteer actors and others. After the performance, guests were invited to a reception. ‘Lithuanian SOF continues to punch way above its weight class and we, the NATO SOF Commanders, appreciate their dedication to their country and to the NATO Alliance. I look forward to seeing how Lithuanian SOF will continue to progress in the future and I look forward to celebrating their 20th Anniversary in 2028' - Vice Admiral Kilrain, Commander NATO Special Operations Headquarters
Development of the Lithuanian SOF
In 1990, on March 11, after half-of-century-long Soviet occupation Lithuania re-established its statehood and Independence again. However, in 1991, on January 13, armed Soviet Union attempt to overturn the re-established Government of Lithuania took place. 14 unarmed civilians were killed by Soviet Union soldiers in the aftermath, but the Government and freedom of Lithuania were protected. Re-establishment of Lithuania's Independence and endemic security environment marked genesis of modern Lithuanian Armed Forces that encompassed development of rudimental SOF capabilities under later to become Special Designation Unit (Lith. YPT) within the Voluntary National Defense Service (Lith. SKAT), Jaegers battalion in the Land Forces and Combat Divers Service (Lith. KNT) in Navy. In 2004, all SOF units - were unified under one command and became the Special Operations Component (Lith. SOJ). In 2008 SOF became another service by Law alongside of existing traditional Land, Air Forces, and the Navy. Currently Lithuanian SOF consists of SOF Command, YPT, Jaeger battalion, KNT and Training and Combat Support Center (Lith. MKPC).
Lithuanian SOF in Multinational Operations and Defence of Lithuania and NATO
Despite of prevailing security challenges in the Baltic Region, Lithuanian SOF has been engaged in numerous expeditionary operations in support of NATO and Coalition efforts. From 2002 to 2015 one Lithuanian Special Operations Task Group was deployed to Afghanistan and currently is in process of returning there for further development of local security forces under auspices of NATO Resolute Support Mission. Lithuanian SOF is also actively engaged in National Training Mission as well as Joint Mission Training Group activities in Ukraine. Member of Lithuanian SOF serve in MUNUSMA and SOFIA operations.
Lessons that Lithuanian SOF draws from Resistance fighting against Soviet occupation after Second World War, as well as modern experience from multinational SOF deployments, together with allies' networks developed, are effectively employed for strengthening deterrence and contingencies in Lithuania, Baltics and NATO. Lithuanian SOF cooperates closely with other Services of the Lithuanian Armed Forces in exchanging experience and synergizing efforts as well as partnering with other agencies, organisations and society to enhance national and regional security and resiliency.
