Government appoints Mindaugas Matukonis as riflemen’s union deputy chief

Lithuania’s government on Wednesday approved Lieutenant Colonel Mindaugas Matukonis’s appointment as deputy commander of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, LRT reported, citing ELTA.

Matukonis will begin work on September 3 and serve a three-year term. He has been a member of the union since January.

The government said his education and professional experience meet the requirements for the position. Candidates must have higher education, hold at least the rank of major or lieutenant commander in the professional military service, and have been members of the union for at least six months before their candidacy is submitted.

The Ministry of National Defence proposed Matukonis for the position, citing his professional qualifications, extensive management experience, service achievements, leadership skills and personal qualities.

Linas Idzelis has led the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union since 2023. The union’s commander and deputy commanders are appointed by the government for three-year terms.

The current deputy commanders are Laimonas Vaškys and Dovidas Jonušas, both appointed in March 2025.