In July a new shift of the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces (LITHSOF) Squadron Aitvaras began service in Afghanistan. The outgoing rotation was redeployed to Lithuania.
Rasa Juknevičienė, Minister of National Defence, expressed her delight about the allies' high evaluation of LITHSOF Squadron while meeting with LITHSOF military personnel.
Minister conveyed to the troops thanks of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Commander Gen David Petraeus and Commander ISAF Regional Command - South Maj Gen James Terry for the impeccable completion of tasks.
Minister underscored that values and attitude of LITHSOF is a perfect role model for the entire Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Lithuanian community. R.Juknevičienė also noted that even on limited resources LITHSOF personnel display great performance. Minister of National Defence pointed out in the address on the Mindaugas Coronation Day the meaning of soldier's profession both in the re-establishment of Lithuania's statehood, and countering present day challenges, and affirmed her joy to see the strength and determination of the Squadron's troops, a live evidence of the strength of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and society.
LITHSOF have been a part of the ISAF operation in Afghanistan since 2007. They complete a wide spectrum of tasks, from meetings with local authorities, dealing with local government and administration issues, to neutralization of insurgents in the country.
Combat experience, lessons learned and gathered information from Afghanistan is shared among the personnel during exercises. Troops permanently improve, raise professionalism and self-confidence. In the recent rotation of LITHSOF Squadron Aitvaras all the personnel have experience from service in Afghanistan.
In the recent years the main attention of LITHSOF is paid to the military support tasks in Afghanistan. On the basis of the NATO-led ISAF plans responsibility for security in Afghanistan is for several years being gradually transferred to local forces. An emphasis is put on the importance of training and preparing Afghan National Security Forces. LITHSOF Squadron follows corresponding priorities: to transfer full control of the country and the task of ensuring security of the region and its people to the Afghan National Security Forces.
Despite the fact that LITHSOF is the "youngest" element of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, it has secured to itself a heavyweight position in terms of national defence, multinational operations and peacetime tasks. The formula for LITHSOF success was integration of all the divisions of the Lithuanian Armed Forces that were responsible for special operations to form a single element - Special Operations Forces.
Lithuanian's contribution of LITHSOF Squadron to ISAF mission is an input into the common NATO security policy thus strengthening both Lithuania's and international security.
LITHSOF information and picture (archive)
