In the first summons for voluntary National Defence Service, a total of 488 Latvian citizens have signed up for service in the military, as reported by Latvian Ministry of Defence representative Daniela Reihenbaha.
The military draft in Latvia concluded on Monday, the 15th of May. Among the new recruits are 11 women and six Latvian citizens living abroad.
Latvian Minister of Defence stresses that the institution is happy the number of applications turned out higher than expected.
Previously it was reported that the plan was to recruit 300 youngsters to the National Defence Service.
If more than 300 youngsters get through the selection process, National Armed Forces (NBS) will provide service opportunities to all of them.
“The readiness of Latvian citizens to start their military service this summer is proof that Latvian society understands that – national defence is the responsibility of the entire society. I am convinced the National Defence Service will contribute a lot to create a morally-stable and prepared society in which everyone knows their role in national defence,” said Mūrniece.
First all applications go through the selection committee. Once the documents have been checked, authorities then look if citizens have a criminal record.
If no obstacles for military service are found during the check, the citizen will have to undergo a medical examination.
The medical examination will be performed by NBS Medical Centre. Recruits will be provided information about the time and place, as well as the necessary documents will have to bring with them.
On the 5th of April 2023 the Saeima passed in the final reading the Law on the National Defence Service in the final reading, making military service mandatory for all Latvian male citizens within one year’s time after reaching the age of 18 years or, if the citizen is in the process of acquiring secondary or higher education, to undergo military service one year after graduating, but no later than after reaching the age of 24 years.
At the same time, the law dictates that every citizen of the age of 18 to 27 years has the right to sign up for military service.
The first volunteers will enter military service on the 1st of July. From January 2024 onward, however, military service will be mandatory in Latvia. Still, Latvian citizens will be invited to sign up for military service in the second wave as well at the beginning.
If need be, the shortage of recruits between the ages of 18 and 19 will be solved by sending notifications to their e-mail or declared home address. Notifications will be handed in person as well.
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