No. The Riflemen Union is not a private militia or an armed group outside state control. It is a voluntary civic organization that operates openly under Lithuanian law and under the supervision of the Ministry of National Defense. In wartime, its trained members are fully integrated into the Lithuanian Armed Forces and serve under military command. In peacetime, its activities focus mainly on civic, educational, humanitarian, and resilience-building work.

No. The Riflemen Union is a non-political, non-partisan, and democratic organization. It does not support any political party or ideology. Its values are transparency, civic responsibility, and service to society. Membership is open to all citizens regardless of political views, religion, or social background, as long as they respect Lithuania’s democratic system and the rule of law.

Membership is completely voluntary. Anyone who wishes to contribute to national defense and community resilience may apply — from young people (11–18) in the Youth Riflemen program, to adults of various professions, to Lithuanian diaspora communities abroad. The Union has more than 17,000 members, including doctors, engineers, teachers, IT specialists, and students, many of whom serve in non-military roles.

No. The Riflemen Union is not a nationalist movement and does not promote ethnic or political exclusivity. Membership is open to all Lithuanian citizens, regardless of ethnic background. Among its members are people of many nationalities living in Lithuania, including Lithuanians, Poles, Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars, Italians, and others. In addition, foreign citizens residing in Lithuania can take part in Union activities as supporting members. What unites everyone is a commitment to Lithuania’s democratic values, security, and resilience — not ethnicity or ideology.

Most of the Union’s activities are non-military. Riflemen assist state institutions in disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and crisis response (such as floods, wildfires, pandemics, and evacuations). They contribute to information security, psychological resilience, and cultural projects. Youth programs focus on civic education, leadership, and survival skills. The Union thus strengthens Lithuania’s ability to cope with both natural and man-made challenges.

In the event of armed conflict, Riflemen are integrated into Lithuania’s Armed Forces as trained reservists and specialists. Their skills — ranging from drone operations and cyber defense to logistics and medical support — act as a force multiplier for professional soldiers. This integration is regulated by law and ensures full accountability within the national defense system.

The Riflemen Union reflects Lithuania’s concept of “total defense” — a modern security approach that involves not only the military but also the entire society. The Union provides citizens with a legal, transparent, and democratic way to contribute to defense and resilience without becoming professional soldiers. By combining armed readiness with civic support functions, the Riflemen Union strengthens both the military and society.

The Union is financed through a combination of state funding, membership fees, and donations. Its finances are transparent and subject to oversight, ensuring accountability.