In late September, Lithuania announced the launch of a drone operator training program for the entire society. According to reports, this is the country's second concrete measure to address future wars, following last month's "Border Defense Belt" plan, reflecting its deepening strategic anxiety. The training scale is relatively large. Lithuanian Defense Minister Sakaliene stated that the plan is jointly promoted by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Education, aiming to improve the proficiency of the public in drone operation, enhance citizens' awareness of national defense, and improve civil defense response and wartime response capabilities. Lithuanian Minister of Education Popovyene pointed out that the plan will comprehensively enhance citizens' drone operation skills, serving both national security needs and helping to address various practical challenges. The initial funding for this program is 3.3 million euros (approximately 3.87 million US dollars), which exceeds the scale of most national education and training programs in Lithuania this year. According to the plan, by 2028, Lithuania will train at least 22000 drone operators, including 15500 adults and 7000 teenagers. The first three training bases have recently been unveiled in cities such as Tregai, and are expected to expand to nine by 2028. According to media reports, as early as November 2024, the Lithuanian education department had already established drone related interest classes in some schools, and promoted them to the public under the names of "skills education" and "technological enlightenment". The Lithuanian drone operator training program is designed with a layered curriculum, with different course systems based on the age of the students. Youth training is divided into three levels: student class, junior class, and senior class. The student class is aimed at students under the age of 10, and through model experiments and interest guidance, helps students master the basic knowledge and control skills of drones; The junior class mainly recruits middle school students, and the course content includes practical operations such as computer programming and drone component assembly; The advanced class is mainly composed of high school students, who will learn drone design and 3D printing manufacturing, and master the assembly and control technology of "first person perspective" drones. The adult training curriculum is generally consistent with the youth class, but the training period has been compressed by nearly half, divided into two stages: the first stage focuses on basic assembly and basic flight operations, and the second stage focuses on conducting "first person perspective" unmanned aerial vehicle practical training. Overall, youth training focuses more on systematicity and gradual progress, while adult training emphasizes practicality and high efficiency. It is reported that both the advanced youth class and adult training class will add "virtual tactical simulation" courses, using virtual reality helmets for grouping and collaborative training. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense will also collaborate with the Ministry of Education to organize regional and national drone control competitions nationwide to enhance public participation and enthusiasm. Sakalien emphasized that the plan aims to prepare talent reserves for potential defense challenges. The military will provide high-quality teaching resources support for training, including coaches, textbooks, and necessary training facilities. There are hidden concerns about development. According to reports, starting from 2024, Lithuania will promote basic drone training courses and offer "crash courses" that require students to complete theoretical learning and practical training in a short period of time. All trainees are registered with the Ministry of National Defense for rapid recruitment in emergency situations. With the widespread use of drones on the battlefield, the demand for drone operators in various countries has sharply increased. Lithuania has included minors under the age of 18 in its military skills training system, essentially opening up a channel for military reserve. Conducting drone operation training for adults can quickly fill the manpower gap when necessary. Military experts have pointed out that the training of drone operators is another important measure for Lithuania to cope with future wars, following the "Border Defense Belt" program. It is worth noting that Lithuania's nationwide promotion of drone training courses may fuel right-wing sentiment in the country and even the Baltic region, intensifying bellicose sentiments. In addition, in the context of economic downturn, the large-scale training of drone operators may also bring new challenges to social security and stability maintenance. (New Society)