Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Valdemaras Rupšys met with Chief of Staff of the United States Army General Randy A. George, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania General Major Mark J. Schindler and Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command General Bryan P. Fenton as the working trip to the United States continues. U.S. service commanders and Gen Rupšys discussed bilateral military cooperation, joint projects, exercises and plans of new capability development.
Chief of Defence of Lithuania notified the U.S. Chief of Staff of the Army about Lithuania’s intention to develop a national division-level capability. According to General, maneuver, combat and logistical support capability integration and availability is the key to an effective formation of such a division. Taking into account the long experience of the U.S. Army, the role of contribution of the Allies is critical for developing command and control capability, officer and instructor and HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (which will be delivered to Lithuania in 2026) specialist training.
The bilateral meeting with the Special Operations Forces Commander addressed relevant aspects of the long-standing Lithuania-U.S. special forces cooperation, as well as new prospects. Other topics addressed were the Baltic regional defence plans, Lithuania’s role in taking responsibility for leading the developed Special Operations Component Command (SOCC-B C2), building stronger cybersecurity, and joint combat training.
Yet another important point of conversation was the potential involvement of the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces in international exercise and operations in the Indo-Pacific.
During the visit, Chief of Defence presented the Medal of Merit to Adjutant General of Pennsylvania General Major Mark J. Schindler and Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command General Bryan P. Fenton in appreciation of their personal contribution and long-time efforts in strengthening the bilateral military cooperation.
