On Thursday, the 19th of December, Commander of Latvian National Guard, Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns was approved for the post of Commander of Latvian National Armed Forces with a majority vote in the Saeima, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.
“As Commander of the National Guard, Brigadier General Pudāns has led our largest and broadest component of the National Armed Forces with excellence and passion. This experience has given him a deep understanding of our country’s defence needs and resources. I am fully confident that Brigadier General Pudāns, with his expertise, strategic thinking and unwavering commitment, will lead our army towards new achievements,” said Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.
The ceremonial changeover ceremony of the Commander of the National Armed Forces, where Brigadier General Pudāns will replace the previous Commander Lieutenant General Leonīdu Kalniņš, will take place on the 24th of January, 2025.
Brigadier General Pudāns has been serving in the National Armed Forces since 1994 and has been serving as Commander of the National Guard since February 22, 2023. He received his military education at the National Defence Academy of Latvia, the Baltic Defence College in Estonia, the Military Academy in France. Brigadier General Pudāns holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master’s degree in Comprehensive Quality Management.
Brigadier General Pudāns has more than 20 years of service in the National Armed Forces, serving in the Land Force, the National Guard, the Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces. He has gained international service experience in the international operation in Afghanistan, as well as serving as a military representative in the military representation in NATO/EU Brussels.
In accordance with the Law on the National Armed Forces, the Saeima approves the Commander of the National Armed Forces for a term of four years and releases him from office on the proposal of the President of the State.