The Latvian Land Forces ( lv, Sauszemes spēki, SzS) together with the Latvian National Guard form the land warfare branch of the

Latvian National Armed Forces The Latvian National Armed Forces ( lv, Latvijas Nacionālie bruņotie spēki), or NBS, are the armed forces of Latvia. Latvia's defense concept is based on a mobile professional rapid response force and reserve segment that can be called upon re ...

. Since 2007, land forces are organized as a fully professional standing army.

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.

Structure

Insignia of Latvian Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade

Mechanized Infantry Brigade ** Latvian Land Forces logo

Headquarters ** Latvian Land Forces logo

Headquarters and Signal Company ** NBS 1

1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion *** Headquarters and Support Company *** 1st Mechanized Infantry Company *** 2nd Mechanized Infantry Company *** 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company *** Combat Service Support Company ** NBS 2

2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion *** Headquarters and Support Company *** 1st Mechanized Infantry Company *** 2nd Mechanized Infantry Company *** 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company *** Combat Service Support Company ** SzS 3KB emblema

3rd Infantry Battalion (trains active service soldiers, national guardsmen and reserve soldiers) *** Headquarters and Support Company *** 1st Infantry Company *** 2nd Infantry Company *** 3rd Infantry Company *** Combat Service Support Company ** UZSUVE PNG

Artillery Unit ( M109A5Ö howitzers) ** Insignia of the Combat Support Battalion (Latvia)

Combat Support Battalion *** Staff and Signal Company *** Anti-tank Company ( Spike-LR missiles) *** Fire Support Company *** Engineer Company *** Military Intelligence Company *** Forward Air Control Unit ** Kaujas nodrosinajuma bataljons emblema

Combat Service Support Battalion *** Staff and Signal Company *** Supply and Transport Company *** Technical Support and Maintenance Company *** Medical Company

Cooperation

Since 1996 till today the National Armed Forces' soldiers have been deployed on nine international peace-keeping missions in

Afghanistan Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,; prs, امارت اسلامی افغانستان is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. Referred to as the Heart of Asia, it is bordere ...

Albania Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), or , also or . officially the Republic of Albania ( sq, Republika e Shqipërisë), is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea and shares ...

, Bosnia,

Central African Republic The Central African Republic (CAR; ; , RCA; , or , ) is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Chad to the north, Sudan to the northeast, South Sudan to the southeast, the DR Congo to the south, the Republic of th ...

, Georgia (country), Georgia, Iraq, Kosovo, Macedonia (country), 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 fully fledged member of the 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.

References

External links

Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Latvia

{{Allied Land Command Military of Latvia Military units and formations established in 1918 Military units and formations disestablished in 1940 Military units and formations established in 1991 1991 establishments in Latvia