Adequate state preparation for defence is impossible without a comprehensive approach and the use of different instruments of state power. Leadership at the highest state level is required to develop and put into practice a model of global defence. The Ministry of National Defence is one of the most important institutions with the greatest work in planning the individual elements of defence preparation.
The concept of universal defence.
The Ministry of National Defence is actively contributing to the development of a conceptual model of global defence that will combine the use of military and non-military means. According to the best international practices, the model of global defence must bring together not only the public sector, but also public organizations and citizens. There must be a regular dialogue with private business to exchange information and shape public expectations of the private sector in the field of national security.
Preparing for mobilization and crises.
Experience from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the management of the pandemic and illegal migration crisis of recent years show that the country must be prepared for a variety of unforeseen situations:
- The development of the mobilization system must focus on the practical preparation of its participants, regular mobilization exercises, including at national level, and evaluation of individual institutions and the mobilization system as a whole, promoting institutional involvement and accountability, as well as adapting the mobilization system to national defence needs;
- The compatibility of the state’s existing preparedness systems for various unexpected situations (mobilization, crises, and emergencies), the ability to react promptly, the transition from one legal regime to another, the optimal use of state resources must be ensured.
Preparing for civil resistance.
Civil resistance is an integral part of the principle of universal defence, however, a practical system for preparing for civil resistance has not yet been established:
- The strategy of preparing the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania for civil resistance will combine the elements of citizens’ will, resistance to threats and skills development and will reflect the needs of Lithuania’s defence;
- The Ministry of National Defence aims to become the coordinating state institution in the field of civil resistance, but it is important to establish the responsibilities and role of other institutions, with a special focus on the inclusion of the education system;
- It is necessary to exploit the potential of civil society organizations in mobilizing and preparing citizens for civic resistance. The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union has been given a unique role in participating in both armed defence and unarmed civilian resistance, thus the activities of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in these areas need to be further strengthened, with a particular focus on capacity building for unarmed resistance. Other non-governmental organizations must be involved in preparing for civil resistance.