Is state defence training compulsory for 16-year-old vocational school students in Latvia?

A reader named Santa contacted the editorial office of the Latvian news portal LA.LV (Latvijas Avīze). Her 16-year-old daughter studies at a vocational school (tehnikums) and does not want to attend state defence classes. The mother asked whether the classes are mandatory, whether parental consent is needed and what happens if her daughter skips them. She says her daughter is emotional and anxious about security topics. The editors put these questions to the Youth Guard Centre (Jaunsardzes centrs), the body responsible for the course in Latvia.

Is the course mandatory?

The centre explains that state defence training (VAM) is part of secondary education. If a student enters a vocational secondary programme after basic education, the course is compulsory, including for minors. What matters is the programme being studied, not the name of the institution or the student's age. The law provides some exceptions for certain programmes and places of study, but simply not wanting to take part is not grounds for exemption. Only the VAM summer camps are voluntary.

The law does not require separate parental consent. Parents are, however, entitled to information about the course's place in the programme, how classes are organised, their content and assessment.

Adjustments and absences

The law on state defence training and the Youth Guard allows the course to be adapted, including an individual plan where religious beliefs or other objective circumstances prevent a student from completing part of the content. The plan is drawn up by the head of the school with a Youth Guard Centre instructor, involving support staff if needed. Tasks, pace or form of participation can be adjusted. Emotional distress does not automatically exempt a student from the course, but it is a reason to seek suitable support.

Absences can make it harder to learn the required skills, and if assessments are not completed, a grade may not be obtained. That can affect completion of the course and of the whole programme. If a test was missed for a valid reason, the instructor sets a new deadline.

The centre advises first talking to the school and, if necessary, submitting a written request to its head, listening to the student and recording any adjustments in writing.