By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As a measure to bolster its defenses against potential threats, Lithuania is implementing a program to teach its citizens, including over 22,000 schoolchildren, drone operation and construction skills. This initiative, a joint effort by the defense and education ministries, will involve various age groups, with younger students building and piloting simple drones, and older students designing and manufacturing drone components. The government plans to invest €3.3m in specialized equipment, including indoor and outdoor drones and training systems, while the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union and the non-formal education agency will conduct the training. This initiative is part of Lithuania’s broader efforts to enhance its civil resistance capabilities, particularly in light of its border with Russia and Belarus and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Lithuania to give children drone training to counter Russia threat, a move that feels both futuristic and a little unsettling. It’s a stark reminder of the changed world we live in, a world where the shadow of conflict looms large and nations are compelled to adapt, even at the most fundamental levels. It’s like a modern twist on those old youth organizations, but instead of learning knot-tying and map reading, the focus is on piloting drones – a skill set that could potentially be vital in a future defined by asymmetrical warfare and technological advancement.
This shift in focus isn’t happening in a vacuum; it’s a direct response to the perceived threat emanating from Russia. No country in Europe, it seems, can afford to simply exist in peace anymore. The implications are profound, suggesting a widespread, almost involuntary, militarization of society, starting with the youngest generation. This is about more than just military strategy; it’s about a fundamental change in the way a nation prepares its citizens for the future, a future where conflict is potentially always on the horizon.
The concept of children being trained to operate drones isn’t just a practical measure; it’s a symbolic one. It speaks to a feeling of urgency and a willingness to embrace unconventional solutions. It raises questions about the role of children in modern conflict and the ethical considerations that come with it. The idea of kids piloting drones, perhaps even remotely engaging in combat, feels like something ripped straight from a science fiction novel, yet it’s becoming a tangible reality.
The parallel to the plot of “Ender’s Game” is almost unavoidable. The novel explored a world where children are trained for war through simulated combat games. In this context, the training of Lithuanian children seems to mirror that. This, however, is a real-world scenario. It’s not just about playing games; it’s about acquiring skills that could be directly applied in a conflict. This raises questions: Where is the line between training and exploitation? Where is the line between the real and the simulation?
The discussion around “Ender’s Game” reminds us that even in a world steeped in technology, the human element remains crucial. The children will either fight Russians or fight amongst themselves, showcasing the potential for conflict to persist within any group, regardless of external threats. It reinforces that, even with advanced technology, the nature of humanity and the potential for internal conflict remain constant.
The fact that AI and technological advancements are changing the nature of warfare shouldn’t be ignored. AI-assisted drones may soon be capable of navigating and operating independently. It makes us question the long-term value of drone training, as the skills children are learning today might be obsolete tomorrow. Yet, even if the technological landscape changes, the early exposure to these skills might be useful.
The speed at which events are unfolding is also remarkable. It feels like the entire world has been forced to accelerate into a new era, an era where the boundaries between peace and war are becoming increasingly blurred. Video games can provide quick reaction times. Military preparedness, it seems, is no longer confined to the battlefield or the barracks; it’s being integrated into the school system, into the very fabric of daily life. It also forces us to question what are the right moves to make in a changing world.
The sentiment that “peace comes when you want peace” may seem paradoxical in this context. However, it reflects the harsh reality that peace is not always a given; it must be actively pursued and defended. In a world where one’s neighbors are aggressive and unpredictable, it becomes imperative to prepare for any eventuality. This perspective calls for a strong defense to preserve peace.
The point about soldiers and peace is also relevant. It reminds us that even those trained for war can yearn for peace. Military forces exist in many countries that aren’t at war. The question is whether they are prepared to transition to peace. The problem is that Russia doesn’t seem to want peace.
The impact of Russia’s actions on the world cannot be understated. Russia’s campaign to destroy and subjugate has created an objectively darker and worse place. It is a constant reminder of the importance of preparing for war. The fact that Lithuania is taking action on the ground, is an example that other countries will follow.
The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the world is changing rapidly. The shift towards drone training in Lithuania is just one example of how nations are adapting to the new realities of a dangerous world. Let’s hope that this training never becomes necessary.