Kauliņš takes over as Latvian military deputy chief

Colonel Gunārs Kauliņš has become deputy chief of the Latvian National Armed Forces Joint Staff for operational matters and head of the Land Component, replacing Brigadier General Egils Leščinskis, LSM’s news desk reported.

Kauliņš took up the post on August 1. Leščinskis became commandant of the Baltic Defence College in June.

Kauliņš began serving in Latvia’s National Armed Forces in 1992 and received his military education at the National Defence Academy of Latvia and the Baltic Defence College.

During his career, he has held various positions in the Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade, the National Guard and the Joint Staff. He has served as commander of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade’s Combat Support Battalion and as commander of the National Guard’s 2nd Vidzeme Brigade.

Kauliņš gained international service experience in NATO’s international operation in Afghanistan, as Latvia’s military representative at NATO headquarters and as a defence attaché in the Nordic countries.

He has been awarded the Order of Viesturs and received awards from the Ministry of Defence and the commander of the National Armed Forces for exemplary service.