Lithuania and the United States have had a healthy relationship for the longest time due to shared values and interests. The two nations have continued to nurture the connection through various ways, including the Joint Combined Exchange Trainings (JCETs) (Richmond, 2022). With the arrangement, both countries benefit from the program even though it strictly involves the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) deployed to train in Lithuania. Successful JCETs depends on proper communication between the United States and Lithuania’s departments or agencies responsible for defense and foreign relations issues. Therefore, identifying those bodies to reach out to for assistance when conducting JCETs is critical.
One of the departments to contact for help relating to the JCET program is the Ministry of National Defence. The reason is that its mission includes cooperation with foreign countries in matters concerning defense. Another essential agency is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which controls, organizes, and coordinates the country’s enforcement of security policy, foreign affairs, and international relations. Lastly, the State Security Department of Lithuania is equally a substantial body that can provide assistance when doing JCETs. It is involved in collecting intelligence on threats, both domestic and foreign. The Chief of Mission is the leading individual engaged in organizing the programs with the host country, Lithuania.
The main goal of the Chief of Mission for Lithuania is to engage the country’s support and partnership to enhance stability and security in Europe. Being an ally and member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Lithuania is critical in the broader efforts for global defense relating to terrorism, cyber security, and nuclear security (Integrated Country Strategy, 2020). The JCET conforms with these objectives as it aims to provide skills in leadership and planning, collective war fighting, and a variety of new skills to the host country’s forces. Another critical element of the JCET that aligns with the Chief of Mission’s primary goal is to foster a healthy bilateral relationship between the two nations, which is essential in promoting collaboration for global security. Thus, JCETs are crucial in supporting Lithuania’s efforts in security issues with the European Union.
References
Integrated Country Strategy. (2020). Lithuania. Web.
Richmond, G. (2022). How to fix the joint combined exchange program. The Modern War Institute. Web.