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The president indicated Tuesday that the military could extend a helping hand to the NVSC. Such experience is said to apply in Spain.
However, the spokesman for the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Maj. Tom Balkus said that in the spring the military assisted in the fight against COVID-19, but now no one has formally requested military assistance from the NVSC, and it is doubtful that the troops can provide it.
“In the spring, the President of the Republic of Lithuania ordered the Lithuanian Armed Forces to support the efforts of the state in the fight against the pandemic: provide support to the institutions to manage the current situation; prepare plans for the provision of assistance by the Lithuanian Armed Forces to civil institutions as the situation deteriorates. JEGNausėda was constantly interested in the situation, preparation and activities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and NATO-allied troops in Lithuania, especially during the period of the pandemic ”. 15 minutes noted by T. Balkus.
Sigismund Gedvila / 15 minute photo / State flag raising ceremony
Army: The health system had time to prepare
According to him, in response to the pandemic wave that started in the spring, the military immediately clarified what help was needed. By order of the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, between 100 and 200 soldiers were assigned to assist the NVSC and the State Border Guard Service on a daily basis.
Logistics, medical, operations and communications planning officers were also assigned to support the Ministry of Health, helping to plan and coordinate emergency management and possible military support. In addition, the Military Police crews guarded an object and patrolled together with the Police Department officers.
The health system had time to prepare for the second wave of the virus and adapt to the new conditions, as did all other areas of the state.
“Currently, at the end of the period of their assignment to the health system, the same officers are still ready to cooperate as needed, but not formally assigned, as they have to perform the assigned tasks, which they have suspended during the spring and summer. . The health system had time to prepare for the second wave of the virus and adapt to the new conditions, as did all other areas of the state. With the help of the Lithuanian Armed Forces at the beginning of the unforeseen situation (spring and summer), he provided support and knowledge for further adaptation of the system to the circumstances of the new emergency situation, ”said T. Balkus.
Sigismund Gedvila / 15min photo / Closed tickets to Nemenčinė
It is true, and in the fall the army receives requests for help. The Lithuanian army was approached from Raseiniai according to established procedure this month, but when it became clear that it was no longer necessary to allocate resources and that the civil system was recovering, there was no need to react. Another request to one of the army battalions for the appointment of a tent was not received according to the established procedure, but due to preparation for the main autumn exercises, the battalion was unable to designate it.
“The Lithuanian Armed Forces have not received any other requests to support the country’s civil institutions in handling the second wave of the virus,” says T. Balkus, which means that no one has officially requested assistance from the NVSC.
Can help when requested by the head of VEKS
As required by law, the Armed Forces may be called upon to provide assistance to the forces of the civil protection system (Fire and Rescue Department, Police Department, State Border Guard Service, Public Security Service dependent on the Ministry of the Interior, etc.) in an emergency.
“During an emergency situation, operations are directed and are responsible by the forces of the civil protection system, the Lithuanian Armed Forces do not assume their functions, have no powers and do not have the right to give mandatory instructions, except to the Military Police The Lithuanian Armed Forces can be used to assist the forces of the civil protection system when the Minister of National Defense receives a written request from the chairman of the State Emergency Commission to assist the forces of the civil protection system in carrying out of rescue tasks and other emergency tasks, ”said the spokesman.
Erik Ovcharenko / 15min photo / Press conference on medical articles
Furthermore, according to T. Balkus, in the event of an emergency situation, the Lithuanian Armed Forces can be used to carry out rescue tasks and other emergency tasks performed by the forces of civil protection entities in the emergency center.
For example, the Lithuanian Armed Forces can be used when it is necessary to install a crossing point (checkpoint), control the entry of residents to the territories, evacuate and supervise the wounded, carry out armed escort, perform protection against industrial materials dangerous, strengthen the protection of facilities.
Soldiers can also be used for other activities that do not require Soldiers to have authority over people outside of their control.
“An emergency situation, such as quarantine, does not cancel the tasks of the army; soldiers continue their service in the same way as guards or firefighters. Military training must continue to ensure the main task of the army: the armed defense of the state, ”says T. Balkus.
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