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The high standards set for officer training lead to the enhancement of the entire study process at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, aligning with modern leadership development, military training and university study programmes involving the entire academic community.

 

According to Brigadier General Almantas Leika, commandant of the Lithuanian Military Academy, the Academy has chosen a path outlined in its new strategy up to 2030: to fulfil the assigned task. The strategy aims to educate, train and inspire competent, motivated and educated Lithuanian military leaders, capable of leading in today’s and future battlefields.

 

‘The implementation of the strategy 2030 at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania is based on more than 30 years of targeted activity. We will not start with a blank sheet of paper, which we have in front of us and on which many important things are written. We will add new necessary activities and improve existing ones,’ stated Brigadier General Almantas Leika. ‘We must be open to common trends in the training of European and US officers, university study requirements, NATO doctrine and requirements arising from a changing environment. It is our community that is the source of energy and knowledge with immense potential to achieve all this.’

 

The new strategic plan defines long-term goals in detail. However, it is essential to anticipate how they will be pursued and what measures will be used for that purpose. Therefore, the Lithuanian Military Academy presents short-term plans in conjunction with the strategy, supporting and facilitating the achievement of these objectives.

 

The first strategic direction outlines activities aimed at fostering value-based military leadership and patriotism. The Academy aspires to develop officers who primarily embody leadership – individuals characterised by a robust ethical foundation. They are expected to comprehend the significance of their responsibilities and proficiently execute assigned missions with their troops. The educational process will encompass the imparting of theoretical knowledge, followed by practical reinforcement within a training environment under the guidance of mentors. The entire Academy community will actively participate in the programme, with each member expected to serve as a role model.

 

The second strategic direction is centred on military training, aiming to train officer leaders who evolve into adept tacticians equipped with the requisite knowledge to prevail over adversaries in today’s and future battlefields. The education will adhere to the requirements of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and leverage insights from conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine war and other military engagements. The identified lessons will be integrated into the content of the currently updated Military Training Programme of the Academy.

 

The third strategic area is dedicated to university studies, where graduates will obtain a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, providing them with the qualifications to better perform service tasks and enhance their expertise. The studies will be conducted in accordance with national and international quality requirements, with faculty and researchers engaging in high-level scientific research. Opportunities for international exchanges will be leveraged, aiming for maximum participation of military personnel in student exchanges with other country’s military academies.

 

The fourth strategic direction defines support for the national defence system and the public, by educating and solidifying the Lithuanian Military Academy as a national centre for leadership, defence and military competence. This involves ensuring foreign language instruction and providing support to Ukrainian military training institutions. The Academy will be prepared to effectively execute wartime tasks, activate alumni organisation activities, and initiate public discussions on pertinent national security and military issues.

 

The fifth strategic direction focuses on the Academy’s activities that contribute to implementing the first four strategic directions, and creating a conducive environment for achieving these tasks. This includes qualification courses for working and serving personnel, creating favourable working conditions, developing the Academy’s infrastructure, and implementing modern tools for publicising study and research achievements.

 

According to the Academy’s commandant, its mission will continue to be the training of military leaders and other personnel essential for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, concurrently developing other related meaningful and beneficial activities. ‘The Lithuanian Military Academy will be a high-level university, leading in the field of defence studies in Lithuania and beyond, serving as a centre for leadership, defence and military competence. Our activities will significantly contribute to ensuring the national security and defence of our homeland, Lithuania,’ says Brigadier General Almantas Leika.

 

The Strategy 2030 of the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania is available at >>>