Conscripts in Latvia's State Defence Service could get state-funded driving licences

Soldiers serving in Latvia's State Defence Service (VAD), the country's compulsory military service, could be offered the chance to obtain a driving licence at the state's expense. Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said this on Monday, 9 November, on the Latvian Television programme "Rīta panorāma". The idea would directly affect the educational options available to young people called up for service.

Melnis suggested that driving instruction could supplement the educational opportunities already offered during service. In his words, young people would gain skills during their time in uniform that they could also use afterwards, while the armed forces would benefit as well. "If such a programme could be offered, it would be paid for by the state," the minister said.

No timeline yet

Melnis did not say when such an option might become available. He noted that an internal analysis must be carried out first.

Assessment of the current model

Asked about the existing VAD model, the minister called it sufficient. At the same time, he stressed the need to maintain high service-quality standards and to keep young people interested in serving.

According to Melnis, interest can be sustained through soldiers' everyday routine: full-fledged training, cooperation with allies and the chance to learn to use various equipment and systems. Suitable infrastructure for rest, the opportunity to meet loved ones and the possibility to study are also important, he said.