Draft:Duke Margiris Infantry Battalion
| Duke Margiris Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 2018 June 10 – Present |
| Country |  Lithuania |
| Branch | Lithuanian Armed Forces |
| Type | infantry battalion |
| Part of | Lithuanian Land Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Šiauliai |
| Motto(s) | „Tau, tėvų žeme!“ |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt. Col.. Mindaugas Spėčius |
| Chief of Staff | mjr. Marius Bliūdžius |
| Insignia | |
| Battalion flag |  |
Duke Margiris Infantry Battalion is a military unit of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, operating within the Land Forces of the Lithuanian Army and forming part of the Motorized Infantry Brigade "Griffin"
The main function and tasks of the battalion are to be ready to defend the territorial integrity of the state of Lithuania, maintain combat readiness, prepare for international operations and participate in them, as well as assist the public in extreme situations.
History
[edit]On June 10, 2018, considering the geopolitical situation, emerging threats to security, fulfilling the country's international obligations to NATO, and developing the Motorized Infantry Brigade Griffin, the Margiris Duke Infantry Battalion is established.
The battalion is named after Duke Margiris, following the tradition of naming modern army infantry battalions after the interwar army regiments. This newly established battalion inherited its name from the former Sixth Infantry Pilenai Duke Margiris Regiment.
On June 11, 2020, a solemn ceremony took place at Šiauliai's Prisikėlimo Square, during which the battalion was presented with the combat flag.
In 2021, new modular barracks with an area of 2500 m² were constructed for the battalion in Radviliškis.
Battalion commanders:
- Lt. Col. Ramūnas Liaučys (July 16 2018 - February 4 2021)
- Lt. Col. Deimantas Čyžius (June 21 2021 - July 19 2023.)
- Lt. Col. Mindaugas Spėčius (July 20 2023 - present)
Badge
[edit]On April 17 2020, Minister of National Defense Raimundas Karoblis, by his order No. V-302, approved the insignia of the Duke Margiris Infantry Battalion. In a green shield surrounded by a yellow and black border, a raised sword is incorporated, enveloped by a spreading yellow flame. The raised sword symbolizes the soldiers' infinite determination to resist, while the flame, known since ancient times as a defender against darkness and evil. The green color represents the Lithuanian Land Forces.
Banner
[edit]On May 27 2020, the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania, Raimundas Karoblis, approved the standard of the combat flag for the Duke Margiris Infantry Battalion by his order No. V-424.
Assignment
[edit]The Duke Margiris Infantry Battalion undergoes military training to be able to receive orders and, with subordinate and assigned units, carry out redeployment to the designated operational area (military territory). Their primary objectives include executing defensive tasks to prevent hostile forces from dominating and controlling critical areas.