All young men aged 18 are subject to conscription. Former Minister of Defence of Latvia spoke about preparations for war.

Latvia restores mandatory military conscription

In order to strengthen its defense capability, Latvia is restoring mandatory military conscription. Starting from 2024, all young men aged 18 to 26 will be subject to an 11-month mandatory service. This was announced by the former Minister of Defence of Latvia, Artis Pabriks.

Our army consists of five brigades: one professional mechanized brigade and four Zemessardze brigades, the National Guard, meaning in principle they are volunteers, but they are an integrated part of our defense system. Last year, we renewed the conscription of young men into the army

According to Artis Pabriks, young men aged 18 to 26 will be conscripted in Latvia for 11 months of service. However, not all of them can be drafted at once, as there is a lack of qualified personnel to train such a large number of people. In the first year, only 600 recruits were drafted, and in two years they will draft about 4000 men each year.

Young people can choose a convenient Time for conscription. They have the right to choose when it will be convenient for them to serve. For example, if you want to study at university after finishing school, you can decide to be conscripted at the age of 22 or 23. If you do not want to serve in the army, you can join the National Guard for five years. Therefore, you have a choice, but you will serve in any case

The Latvian army system aims to make the mandatory service as comfortable as possible for the recruits. Recruits are allowed to choose a convenient time for conscription and to serve in units located close to their place of residence.

Mandatory service in the country is organized on the principle of a standard working week, and conscripts are given the opportunity to return home on weekends. In addition, Latvia pays conscripts a salary of €600 per month. By the end of the service, each recruit receives €1100.

To make the service as comfortable as possible, recruits are given the opportunity to serve together with friends.

According to Artis Pabriks, Latvia has also introduced military training for high school students in all secondary schools, as well as a reservist training program.

In Latvia, we take possible military challenges very seriously. We have a good and proper motto: 'Our country - our responsibility'