2024-07-25 08:58:20
During the event, the scepter, flag and insignia of the Lithuanian army were handed over to the new army commander.
President Gitanas Nausėda, who participated in the ceremony, praised the work done by Valdemar Rupšis, the former commander of the army, in strengthening Lithuania’s defense during his term of office.
“Over the past five years, General V. Rupšys has done a lot to strengthen the Lithuanian army, as well as our country. He was tasked with continuing the modernization of our armed forces, learning from Russia’s war against Ukraine. General V. Rupšys ensured that the Lithuanian army’s weapons, military equipment, and ultimately, the training of our soldiers would meet modern NATO standards,” stressed G. Nausėda.
“The army commander improved the conscription and reserve system, contributed to the improvement of social conditions, developed military training together with our allies. During this period, we saw how confidently the Lithuanian army adapted to the changes in the NATO strategy and approach to collective defense,” said the country’s leader.
However, the president assured that the new commander of the army, R. Vaikšnoras, also has all the necessary qualities for this position.
“Dear friends, do not doubt that the new commander of the army, General R. Vaikšnoras, has all the qualities and organizational abilities needed to lead one of the most important state institutions. In the near future, General R. Vaikšnor will have the essential task of accepting the German brigade in our country and integrating it and the rotary forces of the United States of America”, the head of the country named the most important task of the new army commander.
G. Nausėda expressed the hope that the new army commander will also succeed in realizing the goal of establishing a division in Lithuania by 2030.
During the event, Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas also presented R. Vaikšnor with a nominal weapon and a symbolic copy of the bull of the Great Etemon of Lithuania.
“Today is an important day for Lithuanian soldiers – we see off the old commander of the Lithuanian army and welcome the new one. A serious responsibility will lie on the shoulders of the new leader – to be at the forefront of changes and to create a safer Lithuania together with our brave soldiers”, emphasized L. Kasčiūnas.
“The geopolitical situation of Lithuania and Europe remains tense, the abundance of threats and constant instability require quick and decisive actions in the field of our country’s defense. We no longer have the luxury of waiting, hoping for better times. At this time, we must mobilize society, contribute to defense, increase its resilience, integrate innovations in military structures, strengthen the capabilities of our army and create suitable conditions for the arrival of allies,” he emphasized.
V. Rupšys also wished success to the new commander of the Lithuanian army.
“I know the new commander of the army, General Raimundas Vaikšnors, very well. The army and our soldiers will have a good, experienced, honorable and rational commander. I wish him strength and wisdom in making the decisions needed by Lithuania, the nation and the soldiers”, said Valdemaras Rupšys, the outgoing commander of the Lithuanian army, during the ceremony.
“May the coming year be a year of peace and prosperity for Lithuania, the army and all our people,” he wished.
The ceremony was attended by President G. Nausėda, Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kaščiūnas, commanders of the deployed forces and units of the Lithuanian army and allies. Also the chairman of the NATO military committee, the commander of the NATO North East Corps, the commanders of the armies of Estonia, Latvia and Portugal, the defense attaché of foreign countries, heads of non-governmental organizations and other guests.
The Seimas approved R. Vaikšnor’s candidacy for army commander back in June, and the president signed the corresponding decree on July 16.
ELTA reminds that R. Vaikšnoras, born in 1970, graduated from the Lithuanian Military Academy, the Joint Commanders and Staff Officer Courses at the Baltic Defense College in Estonia and the Land Forces War College in the United States of America.
R. Vaikšnoras has been working in the Lithuanian army for 33 years, he has served as the commander of the “Iron Wolf” infantry brigade, he has led the Land Forces, he has held the position of deputy chief of the Defense Staff for operations, and most recently he worked as the deputy chief of staff for combat training of the NATO Joint Forces Command in Briunsium.
According to the Constitution, the commander of the army is appointed and dismissed for five years by the president with the approval of the Seimas.
2024-07-25 08:58:20