Considering the threats coming from Russia and the need to improve the recruitment system, Latvia’s Ministry of Defence will suggest adopting in the country a general state defence service, as journalists were told by Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks on Tuesday, 5 July.
The modern system has exhausted its potential, said the minister, adding that there is no reason to expect a change in Russia’s behaviour.
It is planned for the general defence service to be introduced gradually over the course of five years. The first stage is planned to start on 1 January 2023. Volunteers will be able to apply.
Approximately 1 000 people are expected to be recruited.
Conscription is planned to take place twice a year – 1 January and 1 July. Recruits will be able to pick four types of service. Enter state defence service or sign a five-year contract with the National Guard (20 days a year). Recruits will also be able to choose a commander’s course in university, as well as alternatives – service in Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Welfare.
It is planned for the service to last 11 months.
To join the state defence service, a Latvian citizen – man – must be 18 to 27 years of age. Women will be able to sign up voluntarily.
Recruits are planned to be paid a compensation of EUR 400 to cover everyday expenses. The state will cover catering expenses and living in barracks. Recruits will also have access to sports infrastructure. Recruits will be given one month of break time. There is also talk of letting recruits to go home on weekends.
After completing their service, people will become reserve troops. This means they will need to return to short training to refresh their skills and knowledge.
Youngsters who refuse to participate in any of the four models will be subject to sanctions. However, the minister did not explain what those sanctions could mean. He said Latvia may look to Finland’s practice, where people who refused to enter service had travel restrictions imposed on them.
In relation to alternative service and duties, Pabriks said talks with ministries will continue. However, Ministry of Defence will propose making the period of time to be spent in alternative service will be similar to National Guard – three weeks a year five years in a row. ‘We can see that both the State Fire and Rescue Service and medical sector are in dire need of help,’ added the minister.
Adoption of a general state defence service in the first two years will be able to make do with existing army infrastructure. However, amounts may start increasing later on. By the middle of the process the costs may reach approximately EUR 120 million, explained Pabriks.
The goal set by the Ministry of Defence is ensuring National Armed Forces war time structure reaches 50 000 citizens, which would consist of 14 000 in active units, 16 000 in the National Guard and 20 000 in reserve units.
The prime minister is informed of the reform. Information has also been provided to coalition partners.
At the same time, discussions are expected about the reform suggested by the Ministry of Defence. However, according to Pabriks, the ministry is also open for other proposals.
The minister did ask to not compare the reform to mandatory military service and reminded that Latvia will still have a professional military service regardless of the reform. There have been many discussions about going back to mandatory military service in Latvia over the years. In 2006 Latvia abolished mandatory military service.
To implement the reform, Ministry of Defence plans to submit to the government amendments and a special legislative draft. The final decision regarding the reform will need to be made by the Saeima.
Both Lithuania and Estonia have mandatory military service.