Youth urged to apply for 2027 state defense service by September 30

The Ministry of Defense of Latvia has announced that young people aged 18 to 27 can voluntarily apply for the state defense service in 2027 until September 30. Enlistment is possible in two intakes: January 2027 and July 2027.

Applicants can choose from several service types. The July intake offers an 11-month military service in the regular forces of the National Armed Forces or the National Guard units, as well as a five-year service in the National Guard. The January intake provides a five-year service in the National Guard or a five-year reserve officer program designed for university and college students.

Applications are submitted through the unified recruitment platform "klustikaravirs.lv/valsts-aizsardzibas-dienests". According to the Ministry, in 2027 up to 2,800 individuals can be accepted for the 11-month service, up to 600 for the five-year National Guard service, and up to 100 for the reserve officer program during the winter intake.

The 11-month service will be conducted at eight locations: in Ādaži (Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Military Police, and Support Command), Lielvārde (Air Force Air Defense Division), Alūksne (National Guard 25th Combat Support Battalion), Lūznava (National Guard 36th Combat Support Battalion), Skrunda (military base "Mežaine"), and the military base "Sēlija". When applying voluntarily, recruits can indicate their preferred location, which is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

The five-year National Guard service requires at least 28 days of training per year, including a basic training course, collective training, and qualification courses. A new intensive course has been introduced, held at the National Guard 19th Combat Support Battalion. This course will take place in one continuous month each year, starting from June 29 to July 27, 2027. It is especially suited for athletes, students, Latvian citizens living abroad, and others who prefer to complete their service in a single continuous period.

The reserve officer program for university and college students requires a total of at least 180 days of training and duty. It includes a basic training course, a junior instructor course in Dobele, and a reserve platoon commander course at the Latvian National Defense Academy. Service locations can be chosen from four National Guard battalions: in Riga, Vidzeme, Latgale, and Kurzeme.