New digital tool “Ąžuolas” will help people identify their role in national defence
The Total Defence Association today opened public access to “Ąžuolas”, a digital tool that helps individuals and organisations identify their role in national defence and develop a practical plan for preparing for a crisis or war. “Ąžuolas” is the first guide of its kind in Lithuania to bring together the key areas of defence preparedness in one place: identifying a potential role, creating an individual preparedness pathway, completing practical tasks, finding training, volunteering and service opportunities, locating shelters, preparing a 72-hour emergency kit, and developing a family action plan. Technology company Mainline.inc transformed the Association’s vision and concept into a functioning digital solution. The tool is available at www.visuotinegynyba.lt (external link).
“We know that total defence concerns everyone, yet many people still lack an answer to the question: ‘What exactly can I do?’ Rather than creating another information repository, ‘Ąžuolas’ turns fragmented information into a personal plan and provides a clear starting point for taking action today,” says Tomas Godliauskas, Head of the Total Defence Association.
After completing a test that takes approximately two minutes, an individual or organisation can identify their potential wartime role under the State Defence Plan. Based on the user’s objective, interests, location, available time and preferred civilian or military pathway, the tool creates a personalised preparedness card. It selects one of six pathways, recommends the first practical step, and identifies suitable courses, training programmes, volunteering opportunities or forms of service. At launch, the catalogue contains 32 verified opportunities.
“Defence is effective only when it involves everyone. It is therefore important for individuals, communities and businesses to contribute. As a company, we are playing our part by donating this tool to the Total Defence Association. It was created so that everyone can prepare for Day X and clearly understand their role. I invite you to explore how you can contribute as well,” says Audrius Zujus, founder and CEO of Mainline.inc, the technology company that developed “Ąžuolas”.
“Ąžuolas” also allows users to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit, create and print a family action plan, locate the nearest shelter, and access information about warning signals, mobilisation, evacuation and civil protection. A separate guide for businesses and non-governmental organisations helps them assess their potential role in maintaining seven categories of functions vital to the state. No account or personal data are required to use the tool, and users’ selections are stored solely on their own devices. Its content draws on the State Defence Plan, LT72, and materials published by the Ministry of National Defence and other responsible institutions. “Ąžuolas” is not an official government service.
