Improvement of the pistol combat firing training model in the Lithuanian Land Force

The topic of the Master’s thesis of Public Security and Defence Study Programme is directly related to the Lithuanian national security issues. It is not sufficient for a state to have its armed forces and expect that they will ensure the security of the state. It is necessary to encourage their continuous development and make servicemen well-trained professionals ready to perform given tasks. Servicemen are expected to use force to carry out their duties by resolutely obeying commanders’ orders given according to the laws and international humanitarian law. Servicemen have to be able to use well their weapons, whereas their authorities must ensure professional training. This attitude requires reviewing service a pistol firing training model to prevent weapon misuse. A pistol was chosen due to its frequent use in daily military duties at the units and also because it is the simplest weapon from military arsenal. The object: pistol firing training model. The aim: to analyze pistol firing training model used by the Lithuanian Land Force and present methodological recommendations. The objectives: 1. To analyze the pistol firing methods used in the interwar period in Lithuania; 2. To analyze the pistol firing methods used by the U.S. infantry and experienced riflemen in other foreign countries; 3. To analyze the pistol firing methods used by the Lithuanian Land Force and prepare a desirable pistol firing model; 4. To find out experts’ opinions on pistol firing methods used by the Lithuanian Land Force. The hypothesis: the pistol firing model used by the Lithuanian infantry does not ensure an efficient use of pistol in very short (0–5 m) and short (5–15 m) distances. Working methods: the following theoretical research methods were used in the thesis: scientific literature analysis, document analysis, historiographical analysis, comparative analysis, empirical research method (research part): partially structured an expert interview. The method was used with the aim to survey experts on the evaluation of present pistol firing training model at the Lithuanian Land Force and get proposals how to deal with the situation. Conclusions: The analysis of the interwar literature sources revealed that pistol firing training model in modern army is very simplified with no dry fire drills and pneumatic weapons (airguns). In the interwar period the focus was placed on a human nature, i.e. leading eye and main arm. Servicemen participated in mass competitions, such as Prizinis šaudymas (Prize Firing), involving not only sportsmen but servicemen as well. The experience of the United States and United Kingdom showed that pistols have different technical requirements for ergonomics, accessories and quick use. The number of servicewomen is likely to influence the pistol ergonomics requirements. The analysis of the U.S. Army Field Manual revealed the main difference between the requirements for the U.S. and Lithuanian servicemen. The latter are not trained to fire at very short and short distances that is one of the key functions of a pistol. With reference to foreign authors, the thesis presents the improved pistol firing training model of the Lithuanian Land Force by defining psychological dimension and systematizing military training based on servicemen battle effectiveness. Having summarized the experts’ opinions, a change of pistol purpose was introduced. A pistol is not just a serviceman’s weapon; it is also a self – defence means of every serviceman