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During the event, the baton, flag and emblem of the Lithuanian Army were handed over to the new Army Commander.
President Gitanas Nauseda, who attended the ceremony, expressed appreciation for the work done by former Army Commander Waldemar Rupsis during his tenure to strengthen Lithuania’s national defense.
“Over the past five years, General V. Rupšys has done a lot to strengthen the Lithuanian Army as well as our country. His mission was to learn from Russia’s war against Ukraine and continue the modernization of our armed forces. General V. Rupšys ensured that the Lithuanian Army’s weapons, military equipment and, ultimately, the training of our soldiers met modern NATO standards,” stressed G. Nausėda.
“The Army Commander improved the conscription and reserve systems, contributed to improving social conditions, developed military training together with our allies. During this time, we saw how the Lithuanian Army confidently adapted to changes in NATO strategy and collective defense approaches,” the country’s leader said.
However, the President assured that the new Army Chief Vikshi Nolas also possesses all the qualities required for the post.
“Dear friends, do not doubt that the new Army Commander General R. Vaikšnoras has all the qualities and organizational abilities necessary to lead one of the most important state institutions. In the near future, an important task for General Vaikšnoras will be to receive the German brigades entering our country and integrate them with the rotary forces of the United States of America,” said the Army Commander.
Nauseda expressed the hope that the new army commander would also be able to successfully achieve the goal of establishing a division in Lithuania by 2030.
During the event, Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciūnas also presented R. Vaikšnor with a titular weapon and a symbolic replica of the Great Lithuanian Etemon Bull.
“Today is an important day for Lithuanian soldiers – we say goodbye to the old commanders of the Lithuanian Army and welcome the new ones. The new leaders have a great responsibility – to be at the forefront of change and create a safer Lithuania together with our brave soldiers”, L. Kasciūnas stressed.
“The geopolitical situation in Lithuania and Europe remains tense, and a large number of threats and continued instability require our country to take prompt and decisive actions in the field of national defense. We no longer have the luxury of waiting and hoping for better times. This is a time when we must mobilize social forces to contribute to national defense, strengthen social resilience, integrate innovations in military structures, enhance the capabilities of our army, and create appropriate conditions for the arrival of allies.”
V. Lupsis also wished success to the new commander of the Lithuanian army.
“I know the new Army Commander, General Raimondas Vikshinos, very well. The army and the soldiers will have an excellent, experienced, honorable, and rational commander. I wish him strength and wisdom in making the decisions that Lithuania, the country and the soldiers need,” said the outgoing Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander Valdemaras Rupsis at the ceremony.
He wished the coming year to be a year of peace and prosperity for Lithuania, the army and the entire people.
President Nauseda, Speaker of Parliament Viktorijja Gimilit Nielsen, Defense Minister Laurinas Kasciunas, deployed troops and troop commanders of the Lithuanian Army and allied countries attended the ceremony. Guests including the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, the Commander of NATO Northeast Army, the Commanders of the Armed Forces of Estonia, Latvia and Portugal, military attachés of various countries stationed in China, and heads of non-governmental organizations attended the ceremony.
The Parliament approved R. Vaikšnor’s candidacy for Army Commander as early as June, and the President signed the corresponding decree on 16 July.
Erta reminded that R. Vaikšnoras was born in 1970 and graduated from the Lithuanian Military Academy, the Estonian Baltic Defense College and the Joint Commander and Staff Course of the U.S. Army War College.
R. Vaikšnoras has served in the Lithuanian Army for 33 years, including as Commander of the “Iron Wolf” Infantry Brigade, leading the Army, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Chief of Defence Staff for Operations, and most recently, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operational Training at the NATO Joint Force Command in Briensum.
Under the Constitution, the Army Commander is appointed and removed by the President for a five-year term with the approval of Congress.
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