Induction Ceremony of Major General Almantas Leika into the BALTDEFCOL Hall of Fame

The Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) hosted the third induction ceremony of the college's Hall of Fame on Tuesday 12th April 2016. The tradition of the Hall of Fame was brought to life in 2015 to honour our alumni who have distinguished themselves in their military and/or civilian careers. Major General Almantas Leika, the Lithuanian Land Forces Commander, was chosen as the third member of the Baltic Defence College Hall of Fame. MG Leika has graduated from the both – operational and senior level courses at the Baltic Defence College and served as the Course Director of Higher Command Studies Course.

'The Baltic Defence College Hall of Fame was established to provide a prestigious and visible means of recognition to the Baltic Defence College Graduates who have attained the highest positions in their nation's armed forces, or who have held an equivalent position or responsibility in a ministry,' explained the Commandant of the college, Major General Vitalijus Vaikšnoras within his opening remarks.

'Let me thank you for this distinct honour to be inducted into the Baltic Defence College Hall of Fame,' said MG Leika, 'It is difficult to express how much I feel today privileged and honoured to be among the other two inductees whom I personally know very well and deeply respect. I feel even more humbled and privileged due to the fact that I am the first Lithuanian officer to join this honourable club.'

As a part of the tradition, every Hall of Fame inductee provides a lecture to the students and faculty of the college after their induction ceremony. In his speech about leadership, MG Leika emphasised the importance of a good education as an essential foundation of an officer’s career. 'The Baltic Defence College played an extremely significant role in my professional life and my professional development. I would like to encourage you to use this unique opportunity to take as much as possible from your studies here at the Baltic Defence College,' MG Leika told the students of HCSC and JCGSC.