Staff of Lithuanian Grand Duke Mechanised Infantry Battalion participated in joint training “Intelligent Wolf” of the Baltic Battalion staff in Tartu (Estonia) on April 21-25. The exercise, also attended by the Baltic Battalion Staff representatives from Estonia and Latvia, was headed by Commander of the Baltic Battalion Maj. Remigijus Baltrenas.

The exercise focussed on training battalion staff for improved decision making procedures by methods of using map in tactical exercise, and organising general staff-level as well as separate subdivision-level consultations. Staff personnel was also introduced to procedures standard for battalion-level headquarters and experience of stabilisation operations in Afghanistan mission.

This is the second exercise organised for the trilateral battalion which was formed in May 2007 to complete tasks in composition of NATO Response Force. On 5-7 February 2008 training was held in Algirdas Battalion to introduce personnel to the tasks of the Baltic Battalion staff and subdivisions and a course of lectures read on that subject.

The exercise was three-fold. The first part was devoted for introducing general decision making process to the Baltic Battalion staff; work in syndicates differentiated according to sectors of functions for improved planning procedures followed. In the second part, practical exercise with a map, participants brushed up each step of decision-making process through analysis of outcome of each stage, commander’s remarks and further instructions for the planning process. With regard to the fact that the Baltic Battalion is a trilateral unit, the greatest part of time was devoted for the practical part to make all the staff understand the planning process to the maximum. In the third part the staff was introduced to the future standard procedures of the Baltic Battalion HQs and experience of Estonian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Exercise participants were visited by the Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo to whom Commander of the Baltic Battalion Maj. R. Baltrenas represented progress made on the preparation for duty in NRF plan, and present and prospective challenges. The Minister had the opportunity to see the battalion staff conducte operation planning.

According to Maj. R. Baltrenas, the first practical exercise reached its goals, i.e. facilitated integration of the joint staff soldiers into one unity – the staff of the Baltic Battalion.

Algirdas Battalion information