Lithuania moves to expand background checks for riflemen and applicants

The Lithuanian parliament’s National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK) has approved proposals to tighten integration of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LŠS) into the state defence system, including expanded background checks for current and prospective members, LRT reports.

Under the draft laws, security vetting would assess riflemen’s and applicants’ activities, associations, and other factors that could affect their reliability, vulnerability, loyalty, or pose risks to national security. The checks would not apply to junior riflemen, with data provided by the State Security Department (VSD) and other authorised agencies.

Deputy Defence Minister Tomas Godliauskas told the committee the measures aim to ensure “only trustworthy individuals” serve in the organisation. The Riflemen’s Union currently has 12,000 members, with Lieutenant Colonel Gediminas Latvys noting that vetting existing members will require a “broad timeframe” before systematic checks for new recruits begin. Currently, applicants only submit a declaration of no criminal record.

A separate proposal would amend the Martial Law Act to automatically incorporate Riflemen’s Union specialised units and commandant offices into the armed forces if martial law is declared. These units, tasked with armed defence duties, would also undergo health checks via the Lithuanian military’s medical commission, with readiness overseen by the National Defence System’s chief inspector. The changes are set to take effect in January 2027.