The idea of state defence service is a welcome one. However, the topic of mandatory service for women is open for discussion, said President of Latvia Egils Levits in an interview to TV3 programme 900 seconds on Tuesday, 12 July.
He said he supports the plan for the creation of a state defence service, since there have been many discussions about it so far.
«We have excellent, high level armed forces, professional armed forces. You could say they are some of the best in NATO,» said the president.
However, there aren’t many reservists in Latvia with military training, Levits said, justifying the need for a new type of service.
«Our professional armed forces are in the numbers they are, and it is a limited number. In this new geopolitical situation it is necessary to have a bigger number of people who are reservists, not soldiers, and should be called in to defend their country if need be,» said the president.
According to Levits, the best way to train reservists is using a general defence service.
«We can discuss making this service mandatory for men only or to extend it to women as well. In any event, I support the principle of equality. Women should be prepared to defend their country,» said Latvia’s president.
He explained there are several forms of service, including alternative service and the National Guard.
It is also worth discussing involving citizens who live outside Latvia in mandatory service.
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As previously reported, the plan suggested by the Ministry of Defence provides for a gradual adoption of a state defence service in a period of five years. 1 January 2023 will mark the first stage of the plan, allowing volunteers to sign up.
In the first year the number of conscripts may reach 1 000 people.
It is planned to conduct conscription twice a year – 1 January and 1 July. Residents will be able to pick one of four types of service: state defence service, five-year service in the National Guard, commander course in university or alternative service at the Ministry of Interior Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Welfare.
Service is planned to last 11 months.
To join state defence service, Latvian citizen – men – have to be 18 to 27 years of age. Women will be able to sign up voluntarily.
It is planned for conscripts to receive compensation of EUR 400 to cover everyday expenses. The state will cover catering and living in barracks. Conscripts will also have access to sports infrastructure. They will also have one month of free time and weekend home-stay.
To implement this reform, Ministry of Defence plans to submit to the government amendments to regulations and a special legislative draft. The final decision will be made by the Saeima.