A country is secure when every citizen knows their role in the nation’s defense. The example of Finland confirms this. In Finland, citizens, organizations, and institutions know their role in total defense and are prepared to act. Lithuania has an opportunity to prepare for total defense just as effectively as Finland and to do so quickly - by 2030. We are doing everything we can to ensure deterrence.
The military is at the forefront of defense, but the conditions for victory are created by universal engagement. People, communities, organizations, and institutions will be safe when they themselves participate in total defense. This is the reality demonstrated by Ukraine, Israel, and Finland - countries where the “we all act” approach prevails.
Total defense delivers two equally important benefits - not only security but also social and economic benefits. Security against an external enemy is the most frequently cited benefit of universal defense, but it is important to understand that this is only part of its value. The other part of the benefits of total defense is related to positive social and economic effects, as it reduces social exclusion, brings people together into communities and strengthens them, creates jobs, generates revenue for municipalities, small businesses, and the state, and encourages innovations that can be exported.
Total Defence
Tomas Godliauskas
On the action plan of the Total Defence Association.
Edmundas Jakilaitis
On Lithuania’s total defence system, whose testing would prove too costly for any aggressor, while enabling citizens and organizations to connect their future with a secure Lithuania.
Jonas Tamulis
On the need for Lithuania to build, within four years, a defence system that will ensure the survival of the state, requiring universal involvement.
Mantas Mikuckas
On the implementation of a Finnish-style total defence model in Lithuania by 2030, and on the social and economic benefits generated by the total defence model.
In-Bum Chun
Former Commander of the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command, on South Korea’s total defence model and the lessons it has learned that can be applied in Lithuania.
Saar Tzur
Former Commander of Israel’s Northern Corps and Multi-Domain Maneuver Formation, on how total defence differs from the conventional defence model. The state must defend everyone, but everyone must also make their own contribution.
In-Bum Chun
Former Commander of the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command, on the importance of universal conscription in the national defence model, in which both men and women are called up for service.
Timo Kivinen
Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, on Finland’s total defence model and its applicability in Lithuania.
In-Bum Chun
Former Commander of the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command, on the non-military benefits of universal conscription for society — social inclusion.
Saar Tzur
Former Commander of Israel’s Northern Corps and Multi-Domain Maneuver Formation, on Israel’s universal conscription model.