National Guard recruitment returns to pre-invasion levels

Interest in joining Latvia’s National Guard has fallen back to levels seen before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, LSM reports. Around 800 people join each year, but roughly the same number leave.

The Guard saw an unprecedented influx of recruits in 2022, as people became more interested in the country’s defence and wanted to be prepared. The Guard now has about 10,000 members, below its target of 12,000.

Guard commander Brigadier General Aivars Krjukovs said recruitment figures vary over time and that such turnover is normal. He cited demographic decline as one challenge, while noting that young people aged 18 to 25 are also joining Latvia’s State Defence Service in large numbers.

Young people who complete State Defence Service but do not stay in professional military service become high-readiness soldiers and can join the National Guard, Krjukovs said.

Military expert Mārtins Vērdiņš said recruitment had stalled, reflecting a public that has grown accustomed to the “new normal” despite increased support for the National Armed Forces. He added that some people see service in the Guard as physically demanding. Military training is currently at a good level, he said, and the standard cannot be lowered.