Latvian Land Forces

The Latvian Land Forces (Latvian: Sauszemes spēki, SzS) together with the Latvian National Guard form the land warfare branch of the Latvian National Armed Forces. From 2007 to 2024, the Land Forces were organized as a fully professional standing army until the re-introduction of conscription.

Mission

The main missions of the national Land Forces are to:

• Provide for the defense of all national territories;
• Ensure combat readiness and the mobilization of units;
• Dispose of explosive ordnance;
• Provide public assistance.

Organization

• Mechanized Infantry Brigade Headquarters and Signal Company 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion Headquarters and Signals Platoon 3× Mechanized infantry companies Combat Support Company Combat Service Support Company 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Headquarters and Signals Platoon 3× Mechanized infantry companies Combat Support Company Combat Service Support Company 3rd Infantry Battalion (Training unit) Headquarters and Signals Platoon 3× Infantry companies Combat Service Support Company Artillery Battalion (M109A5Ö self-propelled howitzers) Headquarters and Signals Platoon 3× Artillery batteries Joint Fire Support Forward Observers (JFOs) Joint Air Support Controllers (JTACs) Combat Support Battalion Headquarters and Signals Platoon Reconnaissance Company Air-defence Battery Engineer Company Combat Service Support Battalion Headquarters and Signals Platoon Supply and Transport Company Technical Support and Maintenance Company Medical Company Security Company

Cooperation

Since 1996 the National Armed Forces' soldiers have been deployed on nine international peace-keeping missions in Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia, Central African Republic, Georgia, Iraq, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Somalia. Starting from January 1, 2015, Latvian Armed Forces are taking part in EU's Nordic Battle Group. On March 29, 2004, Latvia became a full member of NATO.

Equipment

Rank structure

The rank structure of the Latvian army is adjusted to the rank structure of the NATO countries in Europe. Rank insignia are worn historically on the collars and today also on shoulder marks. Starting 2016, only the Staff Battalion wears the collar insignia.

Commissioned officer ranks

The following are the current insignia of commissioned officers.

Other ranks

The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

External links