The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of ~14,500 active personnel (~2,100 of them - civilian). Conscription was ended in September 2008.
Lithuania's defence system is based on the concept of "total and unconditional defence" mandated by Lithuania's national National Security Strategy. The goal of Lithuania's defence policy is to prepare their society for general defence and to integrate Lithuania into Western security and defence structures. The defence ministry is responsible for combat forces, search and rescue, and intelligence operations.
The 4,800 border guards fall under the Interior Ministry's supervision and are responsible for border protection, passport and customs duties, and share responsibility with the navy for smuggling / drug trafficking interdiction. A special security department handles VIP protection and communications security.
Read more about Lithuanian Armed Forces: Structure
Famous quotes containing the words armed and/or forces:
“A womans beauty is a storm-tossed banner;
Under it wisdom stands, and I alone
Of all Arabias lovers I alone
Nor dazzled by the embroidery, nor lost
In the confusion of its night-dark folds,
Can hear the armed man speak.”
—William Butler Yeats (18651939)
“... we shall never become an immense power in the world until we concentrate all our money and editorial forces upon one great national daily newspaper, so we can sauce back our opponents every day in the year; once a month or once a week is not enough.”
—Susan B. Anthony (18201906)