In order to improve the National Armed Forces' combat readiness and foster effective all-embracing national defense, work is underway on creating a permanent military unit in Latgale, the easternmost region.
Professional combat support units with anti-aircraft capability will be created as part of the Home Guard's 3rd Brigade, and deployed in Daugavpils, Rezekne and Preili.
"I am pleased that we have been ordered to create National Armed Forces' unit in Latgale, thereby improving the Armed Forces' combat readiness and ensuring a greater Armed Forces presence in eastern regions of Latvia. This will not only contribute to strengthening national defense, but also enable residents of Latgale to serve closer to their homes," said Chief of Defense Raimonds Graube.
The government has already approved the plan tasked the Defense Ministry with creating the permanent National Armed Forces' unit in Latgale by October 30 next year.
While it is perhaps surprising that no permanent military unit is already based in such a large area of the country, the Defense Ministry said it also hopes to encourage recruitment in Latgale.
Interested candidates can already fill in an application form online at the armed forces website www.mil.lv.
Dienests bruņotajos spēkos var būt tava nākotnes profesija! Kļūsti #karavīrs! pic.twitter.com/i7HaRV1Zl9
— NBS (@Latvijas_armija) December 12, 2016
