Since the end of February, when Russia the army began an invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has received 645 applications to join the National Guard, explained the National Armed Forces.
–
–
Content will continue after the ad
Advertising
–
Between 22 February and 4 March, 645 applications were received. About half were received by the 1st Riga Brigade. The Russian army invaded Ukraine on February 24.
National Guard Commander, Brigadier General Egil Leshchinski, said last week that since the introduction of Russian troops into Ukraine, interest in joining the National Guard has been on average five to six times higher than in previous days.
Leščinskis emphasized that a suitable occupation will be found for everyone in the National Guard, and the civil professions and hobbies of individuals are valued in this area.
According to the National Defense Concept, the National Guard must have 10,000 people by 2024, and 12,000 by 2027. At present, there are approximately 8,100 National Guards in Latvia who are sufficiently active.
The information disseminated by the National Guard shows that the National Guards develop their military skills from their main job in their free time – on weekends, holidays or weekdays, if the National Guard has this time. At the same time, the Service in the National Guard has the opportunity to improve its general physical fitness and broaden its horizons by participating in military exercises both in Latvia and abroad.
During the service, the National Guard chooses to acquire one of the military specialties, for example, a communicator, a sniper, a scout, an anti-tank weapon operator, a military doctor, a soldier-rescuer, a machine gunner, a military transport driver, an explosive, a radio station operator, etc.
In addition, for the performance of official duties and participation in training, the National Guard receives compensation starting from 32 euros per day and paid meals or its compensation in the amount of 9.96 euros.
The National Guard does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, education, specialty or experience, however, the candidate must be a Latvian citizen aged 18 to 55 with at least intermediate (B1) knowledge of the state language, with appropriate health status and physical fitness.
–
