Ģirts Savins takes command of Kurzeme Brigade

Lieutenant Colonel Ģirts Savins has taken command of the 4th Kurzeme Brigade of the National Guard, LSM reported. He succeeds Colonel Edmunds Svenčs, who led the brigade for more than two years.

The change of command took place during a ceremony on Kuldīga’s old arched bridge, featuring speeches of thanks, well wishes and the military tradition of handing the brigade flag to the incoming commander.

Svenčs is currently at the disposal of the Commander of the National Armed Forces pending his next assignment. He said the brigade had achieved a great deal during his tenure, including improving its operational capability, developing cooperation with other brigades, particularly those near Latvia’s eastern border, organising National Defence Service for new recruits and strengthening cooperation with NATO allies.

“The Kurzeme Brigade is, for now, a rear area in most plans. NATO forces see it as a safe environment to enter in order to support Latvia in NATO operations,” Svenčs said. He added that Kurzeme could quickly receive and accommodate large numbers of NATO troops and integrate them into combat operations.

Savins began serving in the National Armed Forces in 1995 and has held several senior positions. He gained international experience in military operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo, as well as on NATO’s international staff in the United Kingdom, where he served as the Defence Ministry’s military representative.

As brigade commander, Savins has identified three areas of activity for the brigade.