Domestic support forces

In 2009, on the order of the Commander of the Land Forces were formed Domestic Support Forces composed of approximately 500 troops. Troops from Land Forces units will conduct an annual rotation to fulfill functions of the Domestic Support Forces.

From the 1st January 2010, the rotation is taken up by the Grand Duchess Birutė Motorised Infantry Battalion, Juozas Vitkus Engineer battalion, the Duke Vaidotas Forward Support Battalion, troops from the National Defence Volunteer Forces territorial units.

These forces are designed to conduct domestic support operations in the territory of the Lithuanian Republic and react to constantly changing situation, possible threats and provocations. Domestic Support Forces will react to sovereignty violation, provide reinforcement of the state border under the necessity, secure state and municipal objects of major importance, and defend them from terroristic and mass attack, support state institutions in case of emergencies.

Domestic support forces are not designed to defend the territory of Republic of Lithuania in the case of the war. They are designed to give a quick response to the local incidents, unlawful military actions and in the case of aggression. Domestic support forces reacting to the incident try to gain time until decision to employ larger follow-on forces will be made.   

Domestic Support Forces (those are similar to the NATO Response Force) are planned to be raised in number of troops. Forces definitely will be formed from the Land Forces units and will change on a rotation basis with the formal stand-by period lasting twelve months. Aircraft defence and Air Force assets will provide support to Domestic support Forces, if necessary.

  Domestic Support Forces affirmation exercise "Autumn Light", OCT 2009

                                     Pictures by A. Pliadis

See video from Domestic Support Forces affirmation exercises "Strong Shield 2010", conducted in 10-19 JUN 2010.