Command of the NATO-unit in Lithuania is back in German hands. Dutch Lieutenant Colonel Bas Schillemans handed over the baton in Rukla at the beginning of February. He commanded more than 1,300 soldiers from six different countries for six months. Lieutenant Colonel Malte Bolanz from the German Armed Forces will now command the 17th rotation.
Schillemans – who was the first non-Bundeswehr officer to lead the 16th rotation – looks back on a “unique and special time”. “We were ready to adapt to multinational conditions,” he said. “From the Norwegians to the Luxembourgers and from logistics to infantry, we accepted each other as professional soldiers with a common task. We were prepared to support each other without expecting anything in return. That means ‘stronger together’ in practice.”
“The Russian threat is far from over. The Lithuanians are well aware of this. So never forget that you are making an important contribution to peace and stability in Europe.”
Oberstleutnant Bas Schillemans in seiner Abschiedsrede
Schillemans will now be replaced by Malte Bolanz. The latter is in command of Panzergrenadierbataillon 33 from Neustadt am Rübenberge. It will be the first battalion to regularly deploy with the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In contrast to the future permanent German brigade in Lithuania, the battalions will take their tanks and howitzers with them on this mission and back again. The soldiers will deploy to Rukla for six months at a time to train together with the Lithuanians and the other allies involved, primarily from the Netherlands.
As announced by NATO some time ago, the NATO Battle Group is no longer referred to as “enhenced Forward Presence” (eFP), but only as “NATO Multinational Battle Group” (MN BG LTU). Addressing the 17th rotation, Lt Col Schillemans continued: “You are also improving your warfighting skills. I am convinced that, like us, you will become better soldiers and better people in the next six months.”
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