The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LŠS), a paramilitary organisation under the auspices of the government, is kicking off a major exercise involving its 700 members.
The Black Hawk 2024 exercise, which will run in the central city of Kaišiadorys, will place armed members of the organisation under the control of the commandant’s offices, which would take over local administration in case of war.
“Such exercises aim to coordinate and test in practice how we can operate alongside other riflemen, officials from other institutions, and the local community in an emergency or under a threat of war,” LŠS commander Linas Idzelis said in a press release.
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As part of the drills, checkpoints will be set up at various locations in Kaišiadorys, with the riflemen securing key locations in the town. They will also train in providing emergency medical aid, transporting the wounded, and enforcing curfew regulations.
The exercise will also involve the Kaisiadorys District Municipality's Emergency Operations Center, the Lithuanian Air Force, the National Defence Volunteer Force (KASP), and the Military Medical Service, as well as the town's police and fire and rescue officers.
The three-day exercises will see uniformed and armed members of LŠSpatrolling Kaisiadorys and using mock ammunition.
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