“It is important to us that people make a conscious choice and come to stay,” said Mārtiņš Vērdiņš, a military expert, LSM reported.
Latvia’s National Guard faces a recruitment challenge as enlistment numbers return to pre-war baselines following a historic surge in 2022.
Around 800 citizens join the volunteer force annually, but an equal number depart, leaving active ranks at roughly 10 tūkstoši members against a stated goal of 12 tūkstošu.
The shortfall stems partly from ongoing demographic contractions and competition with the National Defense Service, which draws young adults aged 18 to 25. Brigadier General Aivars Krjukovs, commander of the National Guard, said that young people increasingly choose full-time state service.
“This is clearly due to the demographic gap that has formed over time, but the other is the National Defense Service and the young generation that our National Guard is also very interested in – young people between the ages of 18 and 25,” Krjukovs told LSM.
Soldiers who complete the state defense service without entering the professional military can transition directly into the National Guard as high-readiness reservists.
Public support for national armed forces remains high, but citizens have adjusted to a new normal. Military training standards remain demanding, and leaders refuse to lower requirements to boost numbers.
Retention proves more difficult than initial recruitment due to shifting life circumstances, growing families, and increased workplace duties.
Rather than adding more burdens, commanders try to align training tasks with individual skills.
“From the perspective of the National Guard, it is important not only that a person enlists,” Vērdiņš said, emphasizing long-term commitment over short-term numbers.
The National Guard launched a campaign named “Atved savējo” during the state holiday month, encouraging current guardsmen to recruit colleagues, friends, and family members. Former members also retain the option to return to active service.
“There will be a good battalion in the relevant region with meaningful training, there will also be national guardsmen,” Vērdiņš told LSM on Monday.