Creating welfare index of Allied troops in Lithuania

Problem

The presence of Allied troops is one of the critical elements in Lithuania’s deterrence and defense posture. Lithuania is continuously hosting over 2500 Allied soldiers deployed here on rotation basis: Baltic Air Policing, NATO Enhance Froward Presence, NATO Force Integration Unit in Lithuania, U.S. rotational battalions in Lithuania and German brigade in Lithuania. In addition to NATO commitments, there are Allied troops deployed on bi-national engagements. The latest of these bi-national engagements is the commitment to deploy German brigade to Lithuania by 2027. All mentioned Allied forces contribute to strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank, and together with Lithuania’s forces ensure the security of the country and the Alliance.

Lithuania as a host country is aiming to provide civil and military support for both stationed and incoming Allied troops. Lithuania is allocating 5-10 percent of overall national defence budget to the host nation support (HNS) on an annual basis. Investments to the HNS necessary infrastructure are as well underlined among the priorities of the Ministry of the National Defence of Lithuania. To strengthen NATO presence in Lithuania, the country is planning to continue investments for the necessary infrastructure and training areas developments, procurement of necessary equipment and provision of services.

As Lithuania is investing more into the host country’s support capabilities and prepares to welcome the German brigade to Lithuania, it is timely to look into the deployed Allied troops’ satisfaction with Lithuania‘s host nation support (infrastructure, training, etc.) as well as the quality of day-to-day life (integration, culture, leisure, etc.) in the country. In essence, it is timely to inquire into the welfare of Allied troops in Lithuania, examining both military and civil elements.

Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive information on the Allied troops’ satisfaction with Lithuania’s provided living conditions and support, especially in the civilian domain. The research results will enable to assess Lithuania‘s attractiveness to the Allied forces. These results could then be used to identify good practices in Lithuania and guide the needed improvements, thereby encouraging Allied support in the field of deterrence and defence.

Project could as well serve a foundation for related studies in the future, after determining the need to continue measuring Allied troops welfare index periodically.

Goal

The project goal is to create the welfare index of the Allied troops stationed in Lithuania as an instrument helping to evaluate both military and civil needs of the deployed troops.

Participants

2024/25

Paulė Baziukaitė