Latvia Introduces Consription SLP 3333
Based on Law No. 75 on the State Defense Service a new law has entered into force. The new law introduces compulsory military service for males and establishes the rules for voluntary military service for females.
Under this new legislation, military service becomes mandatory for every able-bodied male citizen as of January 1, 2024. Conscription in Latvia has been reintroduced after it was abolished in 2006. According to the country's leadership, the new geopolitical situation requires a larger number of people to participate in securing the defense of the country.
The new Law on State Defense Service is a response to a new regional security challenge. It also aims to strengthen all defense capabilities within a comprehensive national defense strategy.
Male citizens in the age range of 18 to 27, born after January, 2004, are subjected to mandatory conscription. The draftees have to choose between 11 months of active service in the regular branch of the armed forces or National Guard, five years in the National Guard Reserve involving a minimum of 21 days of individual training each year, or completing within five years a reserve officer program for university and college students in a military educational institution that involves at least 180 days of training and service.
Conscripts not drafted within a year after reaching 18 years of age or within one year of graduating from school are removed from the conscription list and placed in the armed forces reserves instead.
Under this new legislation, military service becomes mandatory for every able-bodied male citizen as of January 1, 2024. Conscription in Latvia has been reintroduced after it was abolished in 2006. According to the country's leadership, the new geopolitical situation requires a larger number of people to participate in securing the defense of the country.
The new Law on State Defense Service is a response to a new regional security challenge. It also aims to strengthen all defense capabilities within a comprehensive national defense strategy.
Male citizens in the age range of 18 to 27, born after January, 2004, are subjected to mandatory conscription. The draftees have to choose between 11 months of active service in the regular branch of the armed forces or National Guard, five years in the National Guard Reserve involving a minimum of 21 days of individual training each year, or completing within five years a reserve officer program for university and college students in a military educational institution that involves at least 180 days of training and service.
Conscripts not drafted within a year after reaching 18 years of age or within one year of graduating from school are removed from the conscription list and placed in the armed forces reserves instead.