Iron Wolf Mechanised Infantry Brigade
Encyclopedia
Motorised Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" (MIB "Iron Wolf") is the core unit of the Lithuanian Army and forms the country's contribution to NATO collective defence. The MIB "Iron Wolf" exemplifies Lithuania's commitment to build modern, professional and mobile military units capable of carrying out missions at home or abroad.
. Iron Wolf is popular name for various organizations, this name wear football (soccer), rugby, basketball and other sport clubs, subdivision of lithuanian scouts etc. This name represents Lithuanian defense readiness, fighting spirit and heroic inspiration.
guide in order to defend Republic of Lithuania sovereignty
, its territorial integrity
, participate in NATO and international peace support operations,
plan and conduct brigade staff and units training, main effort preparation for peace support operations in accordance with international commitments.
Main Tasks:
of Lithuania Armed Forces, consists of the command, its elements and six battalions stationed across Lithuania and named after Lithuanian Great Dukes as the tradition of the Lithuanian Armed Forces goes:
of various levels as in Lithuania
as in abroad as well. In addition, they are conducting peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan
and stand by period in NATO Response Force
and Battlegroup of the European Union. The Brigade constantly takes part in joint projects, international operations, and wargames together with other countries' military units. Among those are the British Armed Forces
, the Army of Denmark
, the Army of the Czech Republic
, the United States Military
, Poland
and Germany
.
. According to it, Gediminas, the grand duke
of Lithuania
, had a prophetic dream that involved an iron wolf howling on a hill where the city was later built. The battalions are named after the former rulers of Lithuania
.
Etymology
According to legend, Gran Duke of Lithuania Gediminas (ca. 1275 – 1341) dreamt of an iron wolf howling like a thousand wolves on a hilltop and consulted a pagan priest Lizdeika for its interpretation. He was told: "What is destined for the ruler and the State of Lithuania, is thus: the Iron Wolf represents a castle and a city which will be established by you on this site. This city will be the capital of the Lithuanian lands and the dwelling of their rulers, and the glory of their deeds shall echo throughout the world". This city is "eternal capital" of Lithuania VilniusVilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
. Iron Wolf is popular name for various organizations, this name wear football (soccer), rugby, basketball and other sport clubs, subdivision of lithuanian scouts etc. This name represents Lithuanian defense readiness, fighting spirit and heroic inspiration.
Function
MIB "Iron Wolf" main mission is to maintain required capabilities as stated in national defenseDefense (military)
Defense has several uses in the sphere of military application.Personal defense implies measures taken by individual soldiers in protecting themselves whether by use of protective materials such as armor, or field construction of trenches or a bunker, or by using weapons that prevent the enemy...
guide in order to defend Republic of Lithuania sovereignty
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided...
, its territorial integrity
Territorial integrity
Territorial integrity is the principle under international law that nation-states should not attempt to promote secessionist movements or to promote border changes in other nation-states...
, participate in NATO and international peace support operations,
plan and conduct brigade staff and units training, main effort preparation for peace support operations in accordance with international commitments.
Main Tasks:
- Plan and conduct the tasks related to military operationMilitary operationMilitary operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
s; - Prepare trainingTrainingThe term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. It forms the core of apprenticeships and provides the backbone of content at institutes of...
and activity plans of MIB "Iron Wolf"; - Organize, conduct, evaluate and analyze training of subunitSubunitA subunit is a subdivision of a larger unit.*In military organizations, a sub-unit is smaller in size than a battalion and is commanded by an Officer Commanding.*In chemistry, the term can refer to a monomer...
s in order to achieve specify tasks and essential tasks of the mission; - Control readiness of subunits of MIB "Iron Wolf" to conduct stated missions and essential tasks of the mission;
- Coordinate main spheres of activity with the commander of MIB "Iron Wolf";
- Take part in national and international military operations, exercises and projects of the military cooperation;
- Collect information on experience gathered during exercises and make suggestions to Brigade commander;
- Provide information and reports to the higher headquartersHeadquartersHeadquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated. In the United States, the corporate headquarters represents the entity at the center or the top of a corporation taking full responsibility managing all business activities...
concerning implementation of training and activity plans; - Provide assistance to state and municipal institutions by responding to threats of a non-military nature;
- Maintain close relationship with local society and participate in their activities.
Current Composition
MIB "Iron Wolf" - the biggest unit of land forcesLithuanian Land Forces
The Lithuanian Land Forces form the backbone of the country's defence force, capable of acting as an integral part of NATO forces...
of Lithuania Armed Forces, consists of the command, its elements and six battalions stationed across Lithuania and named after Lithuanian Great Dukes as the tradition of the Lithuanian Armed Forces goes:
- The King Mindaugas
MindaugasMindaugas was the first known Grand Duke of Lithuania and the only King of Lithuania. Little is known of his origins, early life, or rise to power; he is mentioned in a 1219 treaty as an elder duke, and in 1236 as the leader of all the Lithuanians...
Mechanised Infantry Battalion , stationed in PanevėžysPanevežysPanevėžys see also other names, is the fifth largest city in Lithuania. As of 2008, it occupied 50 square kilometers with 113,653 inhabitants. The largest multifunctional arena in Panevėžys is the Cido Arena...
; - The Grand Duke Algirdas
AlgirdasAlgirdas was a monarch of medieval Lithuania. Algirdas ruled the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from 1345 to 1377, which chiefly meant monarch of Lithuanians and Ruthenians...
Mechanised Infantry Battalion , stationed in RuklaRuklaRukla is a small town in Kaunas County in central Lithuania. As of 2001 it had a population of 2376.-References:*This article was initially translated from the Lithuanian Wikipedia....
; - The Grand Duchess Birutė
BiruteBirutė was the second wife of Kęstutis, Grand Duke of Lithuania, and mother of Vytautas the Great. There is very little known about Birutė's life but after her death a strong cult developed among Lithuanians, especially in Samogitia.-Marriage:...
Motorised Infantry Battalion , stationed in AlytusAlytusAlytus is a city with municipal rights in southern Lithuania. It is the capital of Alytus County. Its population in 2007 was 68,835. Alytus is the historical centre of the Dzūkija region. The city lies on the banks of the Nemunas River. The major highways linking Vilnius, Kaunas, Lazdijai, and...
; - The Grand Duke Kęstutis
KestutisKęstutis was monarch of medieval Lithuania. He was the Duke of Trakai and governed the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 1342–82, together with his brother Algirdas , and with his nephew Jogaila...
Motorised Infantry Battalion , stationed in TauragėTaurageTauragė is an industrial city in Lithuania, and the capital of Tauragė County. In 2011, its population was 26,444. Tauragė is situated on the Jūra River, close to the border with the Kaliningrad Oblast, and not far from the Baltic Sea coast....
; -
The General Romualdas Giedraitis artillery battalionGeneral Romualdas Giedraitis artillery battalionThe General Romualdas Giedraitis Artillery Battalion, equipped with 105mm howitzers, was founded in December 2000, under a joint Lithuanian-Danish project - LITART...
, stationed in RuklaRuklaRukla is a small town in Kaunas County in central Lithuania. As of 2001 it had a population of 2376.-References:*This article was initially translated from the Lithuanian Wikipedia....
; -
The Lithuanian Duke VaidotasVaidotasVaidotas or Wojdat was a son of Kęstutis, Grand Duke of Lithuania. In reliable historical sources he is mentioned only twice....
Forward Support Battalion , stationed in RuklaRuklaRukla is a small town in Kaunas County in central Lithuania. As of 2001 it had a population of 2376.-References:*This article was initially translated from the Lithuanian Wikipedia....
.
History
The unit originated in June, 1990, when a separate Defence Squad was created. Same year, in autumn, the Honors Guards Company was created.- January 13, 1991 - both the Defence Squad and the Honors Guard Company defend the LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
's Parliament building, the Hall of Press, the Ministers' Council building, the Vilnius TV towerVilnius TV TowerThe Vilnius TV Tower is a tower in the Karoliniškės microdistrict of Vilnius, Lithuania. It is the tallest structure in Lithuania, and is occupied by the SC Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre ....
, and other buildings during the USSR's armed forces assault on the newly-independent Lithuania; - February 22, 1991 - a Training Regiment is created;
- November 14, 1991 - Training Regiment reorganized as Rapid Reaction Mechanized Infantry Brigade . Brigade's subunits, stationed in various parts of LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
, are considered equal to battalions; - Spring, 1992 - First draftees are assigned to the newly-formed Brigade, with battalions stationed VilniusVilniusVilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
, KaunasKaunasKaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the center of a powiat in Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. During Russian Empire occupation...
, KlaipėdaKlaipedaKlaipėda is a city in Lithuania situated at the mouth of the Nemunas River where it flows into the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest city in Lithuania and the capital of Klaipėda County....
, ŠiauliaiŠiauliaiŠiauliai , is the fourth largest city in Lithuania, with a population of 133,900. It is the capital of Šiauliai County. Unofficially, the city is the capital of Northern Lithuania.-Names:...
, TauragėTaurageTauragė is an industrial city in Lithuania, and the capital of Tauragė County. In 2011, its population was 26,444. Tauragė is situated on the Jūra River, close to the border with the Kaliningrad Oblast, and not far from the Baltic Sea coast....
, and two companies are stationed in AlytusAlytusAlytus is a city with municipal rights in southern Lithuania. It is the capital of Alytus County. Its population in 2007 was 68,835. Alytus is the historical centre of the Dzūkija region. The city lies on the banks of the Nemunas River. The major highways linking Vilnius, Kaunas, Lazdijai, and...
and MarijampolėMarijampoleMarijampolė is an industrial city and the capital of the Marijampolė County in the south of Lithuania, bordering Poland and Russian Kaliningrad oblast, and Lake Vištytis. The population of Marijampolė is 48,700...
(the two latter later growing into full battalions); - January 2, 1992 - Renamed as Field Infantry 1st Mechanized Brigade ;
- June 6, 1992 - Unit's first parade on Cathedral SquareCathedral SquareCathedral Square may refer to:*Cathedral Square, Brisbane, Australia*Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand*Cathedral Square, Glasgow, Scotland*Cathedral Square, Moscow, Russia*Cathedral Square, Mobile, Alabama, United States...
in VilniusVilniusVilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
; Brigade is awarded the name "Iron Wolf" ; - April 1, 1995 - KlaipėdaKlaipedaKlaipėda is a city in Lithuania situated at the mouth of the Nemunas River where it flows into the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest city in Lithuania and the capital of Klaipėda County....
's battalion is reassigned under the Navy command; KaunasKaunasKaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the center of a powiat in Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. During Russian Empire occupation...
's battalion reassigned under the Army HQ's command; - January 26, 1996 - Field Infantry Brigade reorganized as "Iron Wolf" Mechanized Infantry Brigade ;
- October 27, 1996 - Brigade's battalions in Šiauliai (the "Grand Duke Vaidotas" battalion) and Tauragė (the "Grand Duke Kęstutis" battalion) are reassigned as separate units;
- In 2004 - the bilateral project between DenmarkDenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
and LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
LITBRIG has started; - August 31, 2006 - in Denmark, HaderslevHaderslevHaderslev is a town and municipality on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula in south Denmark. Also included is the island of Årø as well as several other smaller islands in the Little Belt. The municipality covers and has a population of 56,414 . Its mayor is Jens Christian Gjesing,...
, a contemporary Chief of Defense of Lithuania Maj. Gen. Valdas Tutkus and Chief of Defense of Denmark Gen. Hans Jasper Helso have signed the Memorandum of MIB "Iron Wolf" affiliation with Danish DivisionDanish DivisionDanish Division , short DDIV, is the only remaining military land Division in Denmark. It is also the most potent single formation of the Danish armed forces.It was created January 1, 1997 as the successor of Jutland Division...
.
Commanders
- Col. Česlovas Jezerskas (February 22, 1991 - January 27, 1995);
- Col. Jonas Vytautas Žukas (January 27, 1995 - August 21, 2001);
- Col. Vitalijus Vaikšnoras (August 21, 2001 - October 1, 2003);
- Col. Gediminas Jurgutis (October 1, 2003 - May 19, 2005);
- Col. Darius Užkuraitis (May 19, 2005 - June 27, 2008);
- Col. Vilmantas Tamošaitis (June 27, 2008 - present).
International Cooperation
The soldiers of the brigade participate in exercisesMilitary exercise
A military exercise is the employment of military resources in training for military operations, either exploring the effects of warfare or testing strategies without actual combat...
of various levels as in Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
as in abroad as well. In addition, they are conducting peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
and stand by period in NATO Response Force
NATO Response Force
The NATO Response Force is a "coherent, high-readiness, joint, multinational force package" of up to 25,000 troops that is "technologically advanced, flexible, deployable, interoperable and sustainable"...
and Battlegroup of the European Union. The Brigade constantly takes part in joint projects, international operations, and wargames together with other countries' military units. Among those are the British Armed Forces
British Armed Forces
The British Armed Forces are the armed forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.Also known as Her Majesty's Armed Forces and sometimes legally the Armed Forces of the Crown, the British Armed Forces encompasses three professional uniformed services, the Royal Navy, the...
, the Army of Denmark
Military of Denmark
The armed forces of the Kingdom of Denmark, known as the Danish Defence is charged with the defence of the Kingdom of Denmark.The Chief of Defence is the head of the Danish Armed Forces, and is head of the Defence Command which is managed by the Ministry of Defence. Constitutionally, the...
, the Army of the Czech Republic
Military of the Czech Republic
The Army of the Czech Republic comprise the land forces, the Czech Air Force and support units. From the late 1940s to 1989, the extensive Czechoslovak Armed Forces formed one of the pillars of the Warsaw Pact military alliance...
, the United States Military
Military of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
and Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
.
International Joint Projects
- ARTBALT, a joint project with DenmarkDenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
to create an artilleryArtilleryOriginally applied to any group of infantry primarily armed with projectile weapons, artillery has over time become limited in meaning to refer only to those engines of war that operate by projection of munitions far beyond the range of effect of personal weapons...
battalion in LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark... - BALTBAT, a multinational project aimed to create and train a joint infantry battalion between LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
's, LatviaLatviaLatvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
's, and EstoniaEstoniaEstonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
's militaries. The project is executed in cooperation with several ScandinaviaScandinaviaScandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
n nations, Great BritainGreat BritainGreat Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
, and the USA. - LITPOLBAT, a project to create a joint battalion with PolandPolandPoland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
's military. - LITBAT, a project aimed to reorganized the Grand Duke Algirdas Battalion into a mechanized infantry battalion, capable of operating together with NATO forces. Executed with the help of DenmarkDenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
's military instructors. - Grunwald Wind, a biannual military practice in PolandPolandPoland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
. The Brigade's HQ and the Duchess Birtutė Battalion take part in those. - The biannual Amber Hope military practice, together with other BALTBAT members.
- The NATO military practice Strong Resolve 2001 and Strong Resolve 2002 in PolandPolandPoland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
. - The Cooperative Lantern 2002 military practice in the NetherlandsNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, attended by soldiers from the Brigade HQ and the King Mindaugas Battalion.
International Peacekeeping Missions
- UNPROFOR (CroatiaCroatiaCroatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
); - IFORIFORThe Implementation Force was a NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina under a one-year mandate from 20 December 1995 to 20 December 1996 under the codename Operation Joint Endeavour. Its task was to implement the military Annexes of The General Framework Agreement for...
(Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
); - SFORSFORThe Stabilisation Force was a NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina which was tasked with upholding the Dayton Agreement. It replaced the previous force IFOR...
(Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
); - KFOR (KosovoKosovoKosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
).
Name
The name of the brigade relates to the foundation legend of the city of VilniusVilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
. According to it, Gediminas, the grand duke
Grand Duke
The title grand duke is used in Western Europe and particularly in Germanic countries for provincial sovereigns. Grand duke is of a protocolary rank below a king but higher than a sovereign duke. Grand duke is also the usual and established translation of grand prince in languages which do not...
of Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
, had a prophetic dream that involved an iron wolf howling on a hill where the city was later built. The battalions are named after the former rulers of Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
.