About 1,000 troops begin Firm Shield exercises in southern Lithuania

About 1,000 troops are taking part in the Firm Shield field exercises, which began Monday near Alytus and Varėna, LRT reported. The Lithuanian Armed Forces said the exercises will run through Sunday.

The drills are being held by the Dainava District 1st Unit of the National Defence Volunteer Forces. They are the final stage of a three-year military training cycle and will assess soldiers’ readiness to carry out tasks, as well as the ability of headquarters and infantry companies to plan and conduct operations and coordinate their actions.

In Alytus city and district and Varėna district, troops will practise territorial protection and defence tasks, including assessing battlefield conditions, setting up observation posts, ambushes and raids. The exercises will also test the work of supply, transport and medical units.

Tasks will take place during both daylight and darkness. Soldiers will travel on foot and in wheeled military vehicles, and use training ammunition, special equipment and smoke charges. Some activities will take place in civilian areas, with their use agreed in advance with local authorities.

Members of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union will also take part. The exercises involve cooperation with state and municipal institutions, non-governmental organisations and private-sector representatives.