Latvia reinstated compulsory military service

6 April, 2023 Armed forces of Latvia. Photo of open sources Mandatory military service conscription has been reinstated in Latvia.

The Ministry of Defense of the country announced this. On Wednesday, April 5, the Seimas of Latvia adopted the relevant law in the final reading. Conscription will be introduced for men between the ages of 18 and 27, who will have to serve in the military for 11 months and will also be given a month of leave.

Women of this age can also voluntarily join the service. The first conscripts will start service on July 1 this year on a voluntary basis. The plan is that 300 conscripts will be recruited within it.

Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Latvia.

Photo from open sources

From January 1, 2024, the service is defined as "mandatory". There will also be an opportunity to complete civil or alternative service. It is noted that if a citizen of Latvia would be pursuing a degree at the time of conscription, they must serve within a year after graduating from an educational institution, but no later than reaching the age of 24.

Graduates of military academies and those experiencing specific health or family circumstances are exempted from compulsory service; Latvians permanently living abroad will also not be eligible to be conscripted. Separately, the possibility of postponing the service is provided, as well as alternative service based on health, religion, or other beliefs. The Ministry of Defense of Latvia proposed to bring back the general military service in the country due to threats from Russia.

Photo illustration to the news.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Latvia

Also, coming back to this principle of staffing will improve the system of recruiting servicemen to the country's armed forces.

At the end of their military service, those who have passed it will be considered the military reserve and will periodically be required to undergo short-term training to refresh their skills and knowledge.