Lithuanian Riflemen's Union

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Lithuanian Riflemen's Union (Lietuvos šaulių sąjunga)
Insignia of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union
Active	1919–1940 1944–1953 (Guerrilla war in the Baltic states) 1954–1989 (in exile) 1989–present
Country	Lithuania
Allegiance	Lithuanian Armed Forces
Type	Paramilitary organization
Role	Civilian self-defence organization, Light infantry Home guard
Size	16,000[1]
Garrison/HQ	Kaunas
Nickname(s)	Šauliai
Anniversaries	June 27, 1919 (founding) September 20, 1989 (restoration)
Engagements	Lithuanian Wars of Independence Klaipėda Revolt June uprising Lithuanian partisans January Events in Lithuania
Website	sauliusajunga.lt
Commanders
Current commander	Colonel Linas Idzelis
Insignia
LRU member's badge
Flag

The Lithuanian Riflemen's Union (LRU, Lithuanian: Lietuvos šaulių sąjunga), also referred to as Šauliai (the Riflemen; from Lithuanian: šaulys for rifleman), is a paramilitary organization supported by the Government of Lithuania and regulated by the dedicated law.^[2]

It is active in three main areas: military training, sport and culture. In peacetime, it prepares Lithuanian citizens for armed and civil resistance as well as supports state institutions with volunteers during national emergencies. During the state of war, its armed formations fall under the direct command of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.