New Latvian light infantry company deploys to Kosovo; first female commander in history
Latvian soldiers were ceremonially sent off to the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. For the first time, a woman will command the Latvian contingent in an international operation.
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On July 22, a ceremonial send-off was held for soldiers who will soon depart for the NATO-led peacekeeping operation in Kosovo. This rotation marks a historic milestone – for the first time in the history of the National Armed Forces, a woman will serve as the commander of the Latvian contingent in an international mission.
Defence Minister Raivis Melnis and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the National Armed Forces, Major General Georgs Kerlins, presented the soldiers with the traditional "ceļamaize" – a Latvian flag and a loaf of rye bread.
Latvia participates in Kosovo with a light infantry company integrated into the US-led multinational battalion. The main tasks of the Latvian soldiers include providing mobile force protection, conducting patrols, crowd control measures, and maintaining rapid reaction capabilities.
Participation in this operation allows the National Armed Forces to continue developing interoperability with allied forces, strengthening tactical capabilities, and contributing to European and transatlantic security, the Ministry of Defence stated.
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