The nation that is today called the Republic of Lithuania (Lietuvos Respublika) was once a part of the Soviet Union, during which time it was the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1990, the nation became the first Soviet Republic to declare its independence. With approximately 15,000 active duty personnel, the Lithuanian Armed Forces (Lietuvos ginkluotosios pajėgos) encompass the Ground Forces, Air Force, Navy and Special Operations Forces. Under the Ministry of the Interior are the Border Guards and other internal security forces. Lithuania is a member of NATO, and has been a participant in several recent peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan (as part of ISAF), Iraq, Kosovo, and Bosnia.
