US troops train Lithuanian riflemen using same methods as Ukrainian forces

More than 500 members of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union underwent two months of training based on US Army small-unit tactics, with American instructors from the 1st Cavalry Division and special operations forces leading the sessions, LRT reports.

Training took place simultaneously in Plungė, Lentvaris, Bezdonys, Pabradė, Vaidotai and Skersabaliai, with riflemen adapting US tactics for operations in enemy-controlled territory. Exercises included urban combat, building clearance, ambushes, raids and casualty evacuation, with support from Lithuanian Air Force helicopters.

US Sergeant Zach Lanctot said the collaboration was mutually beneficial: “It was a very interesting and rewarding process. The Riflemen’s Union always shows great willingness to learn, and we enjoy teaching. We can learn from each other, so it’s satisfying that the benefit is mutual.”

The same training methodology was previously used to prepare Ukrainian special operations forces, now active in Ukraine.