Not only compulsory military service, but also voluntary civic engagement is an important element of national defence. The Lithuanian legal system provides various ways in which citizens can contribute to the country’s security – from membership in organisations to participation in special programmes and training.
Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union
The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union is a public, voluntary, paramilitary organisation operating under a separate law. Membership is open to citizens of Lithuania from the age of 11. Adult members swear allegiance to the State and commit to contributing to national defence.
Riflemen take part in ensuring national defence and public security, assisting the armed forces, the police, and municipal administrations. They also organise youth education activities, sports, patriotic education, and community training.
National Defence Volunteer Service
The National Defence Volunteer Service is part of the National Defence Volunteer Forces. It provides the opportunity to combine civilian life with military service. Volunteers train during weekends or in scheduled exercise cycles. Participants acquire military skills and enjoy social guarantees such as insurance and compensation for exercises.
Other forms of voluntary participation
Voluntary participation in defence is also possible through professional military service, or by studying at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, combining higher education with military training and receiving an officer’s rank upon graduation.
More information about these forms is available on the website of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Civil resistance training
The State and municipalities organise programmes to strengthen community resilience. Schools include the basics of civil resistance in their curricula, raising youth awareness. Municipalities may conduct exercises and training for residents on how to prepare for emergencies. The Lithuanian Armed Forces initiate programmes aimed at strengthening community resilience, crisis management, and civil resistance (e.g. initiatives from karys.lt).
Every citizen can also expand their knowledge through the digital platform of the Mobilisation and Civil Resistance Department – the Mobilisation School.
Community resilience programmes
The Ministry of National Defence, together with other institutions, implements programmes to build resilience against disinformation, hybrid threats, and crises.
important Such initiatives are based on the principle of “total defence” – every citizen, within their means, can contribute to strengthening the State.
Commandant’s Offices
Commandant’s Offices are specialised units of the national defence system that operate during peacetime but are especially important in cases of mobilisation or wartime. Their functions include maintaining public order during mobilisation or martial law, protecting strategic state facilities, infrastructure and supply chains, supporting the implementation of conscription, and coordinating evacuation if needed, as well as ensuring cooperation between the armed forces, police, municipalities, and civilian institutions.
Commandant’s Offices serve as a link between military structures and civilian institutions in times of crisis.
note The purpose of Commandant’s Offices is to ensure that national defence is effective not only on the front line but also in the rear – by safeguarding the population, maintaining order, and ensuring the continuity of essential services.
important During peacetime, Commandant’s Offices also carry out preparatory work: drafting plans, cooperating with municipalities, and organising training for residents and exercises for institutions.