Background
The group, then called SKAT (Savanoriškoji krašto apsaugos tarnyba - "Voluntary National Defense Service"), was established when Lithuania attempted to reclaim its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. The unit was formed when a group of young volunteers agreed to serve without pay and were sworn in. The Soviet army still had full control over Lithuania. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declared its independence. The Soviet Union responded by imposing an economic blockade and later by using military force in events of January 1991. The volunteers, as well as unarmed civilians, played a role in defending Lithuanian government institutions.
In 1992, the Democratic Labour Party of Lithuania (LDDP), the former Communist Party of Lithuania, won a majority in the country's first democratic elections and formed the government. At the time, Lithuania's military was still very weak, and Russian troops were still in the country despite the end of Soviet links. The volunteers were seen as disloyal to the new, formerly communist government, so there were plans to dissolve the SKAT. Funding was reduced, not enough weapons and uniforms were provided, and several incidents between SKAT and the police took place, with the volunteer group portrayed as criminals.
Read more about this topic: Coup Of The Volunteers
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