The Latvian Saeima (unicameral parliament) has passed in the final third reading a law that reintroduces mandatory service in the military for Latvian men aged 18–27.
Students are eligible to defer conscription into the army. The standard term of mandatory military service will be 11 months. Provisions have also been made for alternative forms of civilian service.
The first conscription drive will run on a voluntary basis, beginning on July 1, 2023. Women can voluntarily join the Latvian army. The Defense Ministry expects 300 volunteers to sign up. Starting in 2024, conscription will become mandatory.
Latvia had repealed its mandatory military service law in 2007, and has since maintained a professional army. Its Defense Minister Ināra Mūrniece says that mandatory conscription is Latvia’s answer to the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“Without a morally stable and prepared society, it’s impossible to counter the aggressor,” said the defense minister.
