Aras commander says self-doubt stops most applicants

Only one or two of the 50 to 60 people who apply to join Lithuania’s Aras anti-terrorist operations unit become members, its commander Vaidas Plienius told LRT.lt.

The selection process is not a standard job interview. It includes psychological and physical assessments, medical checks and tasks designed to test whether candidates can overcome their deepest fears.

“The portrait of an Aras officer today is a man capable of making decisions after weighing every aspect, including time, values and morality,” Plienius said. “It is someone who does not hesitate, has a backbone and follows their values both in service and in private life.”

The selection process has four stages. Candidates first register and meet with a psychologist. Those who pass are sent for a medical examination, which has high standards. They then take physical and psychological tests.

Only about 10 of the original 50 to 60 applicants usually reach the physical selection stage. Most of those are eliminated during the final stage, with only one or two candidates completing the required tasks and becoming Aras officers.

Plienius said applicants are assessed on their ability to work in a team, quick reactions, tact, stability and intelligence. A sense of teamwork is essential to the unit, he said.

He declined to provide details about the selection tasks, but said candidates are required to confront their biggest fears and push themselves beyond their limits.

“It is difficult, but it is not impossible,” Plienius said. He added that people who successfully complete the selection often say they expected it to be much harder.

According to the commander, fear itself is not usually what stops candidates. Rather, many give up because they lack confidence in themselves.

Women can also apply, but the selection process and service are conducted on equal terms, Plienius said. Civilians may join the unit as well, although the process takes longer because they must also complete the Lithuanian Police School.

Aras is currently inviting applications for its autumn selection process.