Gun owners can join Lithuania’s organised defence through commandant units

Gun ownership alone does not mean a person is prepared to defend the state, but safe firearms handling, knowledge of local terrain and other practical skills can be valuable when combined with military training and organised service, LRT reports.

One option for people seeking to use these skills in national defence is to join military commandant units, according to the Ministry of National Defence.

In a crisis or war, people could contribute to the defence of the state in different ways. Some would be called up to the armed forces, while others would continue their civilian duties or choose voluntary service, the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union or military commandant units.

The issue was discussed at an event in Vilnius by Danas Mockūnas, commander of the Military Commandant Units Board; Gediminas Vaitiekūnas, chairman of the board of the Lithuanian Hunters’ Association; hunter and commandant soldier Laurynas Suodaitis; and hunter and riflewoman Gerda Sadauskė.

Firearms are only one part of preparedness

Mockūnas said national defence was not limited to armed combat. Everyone could contribute according to their profession, skills and level of preparedness.

“Every Lithuanian citizen is important to the defence of the state, both from the perspective of the armed forces and total defence. Defence is not only weapons, but also the supply of the rear and ensuring the essential needs of the population,” he said.

Mockūnas encouraged people who want to use their existing skills in organised defence to join established structures such as the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the National Defence Volunteer Forces or military commandant units.

“Since they are armed, experienced and able to navigate the terrain, we as members of the military are certainly waiting for them to join a military or paramilitary structure,” he said.

What can gun owners do in commandant units?

Suodaitis said he had asked himself several years ago how his skills as a hunter could be used in national defence. He has been a hunter for almost 20 years and said the question arose for him in 2022.

He found the answer in a military commandant unit. In his view, the service allows people to supplement their practical skills with military training, teamwork and an understanding of the law of war.

“As hunters, we know how to shoot and navigate in the forest, and we have equipment such as dogs, jeeps and weapons. But the law of war is a very important aspect,” Suodaitis said.

He said commandant units offered a range of possible functions. Knowledge of the terrain could help with the movement of military units, while service could include public security, the protection of critical infrastructure, support for the military rear and other tasks.

“Joining a commandant unit really allows you to find your place and function. You understand how many things you can be responsible for, acting as a kind of link between the military and civilians,” he said.

Service is not only for those who want to fight

Military commandant units operate throughout Lithuania. Their tasks include helping ensure cooperation between the military and civilians, carrying out mobilisation, maintaining public security, supporting the military rear, protecting critical infrastructure and performing other functions.

Commandant service may suit people who want to contribute to national defence but are looking for a more flexible form of service.

“Commandant service is flexible. The basic course lasts 12 days, and we can be called up for up to 14 days a year. There are also training courses and programmes for those who want to learn to operate drones or acquire other technical skills,” Suodaitis said.

His experience shows that commandant units can accommodate people with very different backgrounds.

“I always give the example that a 72-year-old woman completed the basic course with me last year, and she also brought her two sons,” he said.