Young Latvians invited to step forward for military service / Article

At the same time, voluntary applications for the 11-month service in the July 2027 conscription window will also continue.

Young people have the opportunity to choose the most suitable type of service for themselves. In the January 2027 conscription, young people have the opportunity to choose 11 months of full-time military service in the Air Force and the Headquarters Battalion, five years of part-time service in the National Guard, or a five-year reserve officer programme intended for university and college students.

In the July conscription, young people will have the opportunity to choose 11 months of military service in the regular forces of the National Armed Forces or National Guard units, or five years of service in the National Guard.

To apply voluntarily, citizens are invited to use the unified recruitment platform here.

There are several incentives to promote voluntary enrolment instead of waiting for a compulsory call-up. Most notably, soldiers who voluntarily apply for 11 months of service will receive a monthly compensation of 600 euros – twice as much as conscripts.

Another significant benefit is the opportunity for volunteer soldiers, after successfully completing 11 months of service, to apply for studies in budgeted places at state universities and colleges in full-time and part-time study programmes, provided they meet the minimum requirements of the university and study programme admission regulations.

If the required number of soldiers is not reached after the voluntary application period ends, the remaining soldiers will be recruited for 11 months of service in the regular forces and National Guard units of the National Armed Forces by lottery.

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