Braze supports conscription for women

RIGA - Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) supports Chief of Defense Leonids Kalnins' proposal on drafting of women into military service, as the minister said in an interview with Latvian Radio on Thursday.

The word "compulsory" may not sound very nice, but Braze believes that women have opportunities, skills, and also duties.

"We are not inferior to men in any way. In the Armed Forces there are also opportunities for specialization, just like in the National Guard. As I have been told by the National Guard soldiers, where there are women, men become more disciplined, there is a better atmosphere. I think it's a win-win situation for everyone," said Braze.

As reported, Latvia's Chief of Defense, Lieutenant General Leonids Kalnins has proposed considering mandatory military service also for women.

Around 1,000 conscripts are planned to be enlisted in the national defense service in 2025. Later, the annual number of conscripts is expected to grow to 4,000.

Kalnins admitted in an interview with Latvian Radio that Latvia's unfavorable demographic situation causes concerns about its ability to provide the necessary 4,000 soldiers per year. The National Armed Forces (NAF) will need to seek ways to motivate people to enlist in the national defense service.

"It is my conviction that a volunteer soldier is the best and most effective soldier. And I hope that volunteering for the national defense service will also motivate other Latvian citizens, so that the percentage of those who get conscripted will not be high," said NAF commander.

According to the law which passed the final reading in parliament on April 5, male citizens are drafted to the national defense service within a year after reaching the age of 18. Citizens who continue their education also after reaching the age of 18, except for higher education, are drafted to the national defense service within a year after graduation, or within a year after they reach the age of 24 if they have not graduated by that time.

Male and female citizens, aged 18-27, may volunteer for the national defense service.

The drafted persons receive compensations, but voluntary recruits receive additional compensations. People serving in the national defense service also have additional social guarantees.