On Thursday, 30 April, the Saeima adopted amendments to the National Guard Law. The amendments expand the composition of the National Guard, clarify recruitment and service procedures, improve social guarantees, and introduce a new status – that of a National Guard Supporter.
The status of National Guard Supporter enables people who, due to health or age, are unable to serve in the National Guard, yet wish to contribute through their knowledge and skills, to provide support to the National Guard. Latvian citizens aged 18 and over may be granted supporter status. Supporters will be subject to security and reputational requirements, as well as rules governing participation in unit training and task implementation, and provisions on social and material support.
Public organisations or associations thereof may also be granted the status of National Guard Supporter. The Cabinet of Ministers will determine the conditions and procedure for granting this status.
The amendments also provide that educational institutions and employers may release members of the National Guard from studies or work duties for up to one and a half years not only for participation in international operations and rapid reaction forces, but also for training before and after such assignments. The amendments further provide for 20 calendar days of paid rest following a return from an international operation.
The law introduces the possibility of granting partial compensation in cases where the death of a National Guard member or damage to health has occurred during service but is not related to the direct performance of duties or to malicious intent.
In future, National Defence Service conscripts and reserve soldiers may also be enlisted in the National Guard. Latvian citizens serving in internal affairs institutions may likewise be admitted to the National Guard, thus enabling these employees to acquire military skills, which was previously prohibited by law.
The amendments also define the liability of a National Guard veteran, including provisions addressing unlawful conduct by a veteran.
Saeima Press Service