Latvian Land Forces | |
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Sauszemes spēki | |
Latvian Land Forces emblem
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Active | 1918 - 1940 1991 - present |
Country | Latvia |
Role | Land force |
Size | ~5,000 professionals, 8,000 National Guard and 11,000 reserve personnel [Military of LVA] |
Part of | Latvian Armed Forces |
Motto(s) | Vienotībā spēks (Power in unity) |
Anniversaries | April 30, Land Forces Day May 4, Independence Restoration and Armed Forces Day |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Commander | Colonel Ilmārs Atis Lejiņš |
War of Independence
Iraqi war (2003)
Afghanistan War (2001)
The Latvian Land Forces (Latvian: Sauszemes Spēki, SzS) together with the Latvian National Guard form the land warfare branch of the National Armed Forces. Since 2007, land forces are organized as a fully professional standing army.
The main missions of the national Land Forces are to:
Land Forces Infantry Brigade
Since 1996 till today the National Armed Forces' soldiers have been deployed on nine international peace-keeping missions in Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia, Central African Republic, Georgia, Iraq, Kosovo, 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 fully fledged member of the NATO.
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.