Prof. dr. Valdas Rakutis was born 17 June 1969 in Kaunas. He studied History at the Faculty of Humanities, Vytautas Magnus University.  Prof. dr. Rakutis worked at Lithuanian Technical Museum (later the Lithuanian Aviation Museum), in 1994–1996 - Vytautas Magnus Military Museum. In 1994 he got Bachelor‘s degree, in 1996 he defended thesis for Master‘s degree on the topic „Army of the Great Duchy of Lithuania reforms in 1764–1788“. In 1996 prof. dr. Rakutis was accepted to Vytautas Magnus University where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on the topic „

In 2000–2003 prof. dr. Valdas Rakutis was elected the Chairman of Lithuanian War History Association. Since 2001 he has been the director of War History Centre of the General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania and Vytautas Magnus University. Since 1996 m. he has conducted lectures on History Military Art.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of Polish and Russian languages, very good English, elementary German, basic knowledge of Belorussian, Ukrainian as well as basics of Latin.

Areas of interest

Universal history of military art, Lithuanian warfare history in the XVIII c., history of fortification and marine.

Social activities

In 1990 prof. dr. Rakutis was an active member of Lithuanian Scouts Organisation (in 1994–1996 head of the organisation), a member of the Council of Reform Movement of Lithuania (Sajudis). In 2000–2006 he was chief Executive of Neighbourhood of Kaunas region. In 2002 prof. dr. Rakutis was awarded Senior Scout‘s degree. V. Rakutis organised regional-national camps and courses, composed and organised military-historical games, in 2008 he headed Lithuanian Scouts national camp  „The Legend is Continuing“.  Prof. dr. Rakutis has been a member of War History Association Board, member of „Pilis“ (Castle) Association as well as  one of initiators and establishes of Kaunas Fortress association.

Hobbies

Yachting, crafts, cycling