Due to record-high interest from youth, an additional application period has been announced for the July call of this year in the State Defense Service (SDS), reports TV3 News.
The initial application phase ended in January; however, due to high interest, an opportunity to apply again was provided, notes TV3. Many young people are motivated by the possibility of studying later at the state's expense. The question arises — will the state be able to provide this in the future?
Currently, young people have been undergoing State Defense Service for two and a half months. Each had their own reasons — some signed up to develop discipline, while others considered the possibility of studying at a state-funded budget place after service.
Mikus Lapinš shares that he applied for service along with three friends to challenge each other:
"I mostly didn’t think about it, but it’s also a very big plus. We were also taken to the 'Skola 2026' exhibition, where we could explore these options, see what is interesting and what is not. And there are a few ideas in my head. Gradually, as the service goes on, the thought arises… maybe it wouldn’t be bad to stay."
Alexandra Orbidana was driven to service by a more pragmatic consideration — the opportunity to study at the state's expense afterward.
In his opinion, for many young people, this is one of the main factors in deciding to join the service:
"I think the biggest motivation for young people is the opportunity to enroll in university, and I also believe there is a positive attitude towards service among young people. Honestly, I signed up so I wouldn’t be drafted later, and there was also the possibility that my university would be paid for afterward — and that was the biggest motivator."
Alexander previously studied agricultural engineering but decided to interrupt his studies to join the service.
"Actually, just six months ago, I didn’t think I would be here serving in the State Defense Service. Before the service, I had already started studying, and unfortunately, I had to pause it a bit, but now yes — after the service, I will continue studying and also working. The studies will be paid for — that’s also one of the reasons why I’m here," says State Defense Service soldier Alex Didenko.
On average, about 30% of State Defense Service members continue their service in the National Armed Forces after completing it. However, in recent calls, interest in the possibility of state-funded education after service has slightly decreased, says the director of the State Defense Service department, Kristers Grauze.
"But that doesn’t negate the fact that those who come to service really see it as a significant advantage. For now, we are definitely sticking to the plan — it is a very important element in the context of the State Defense Service, so yes, for all volunteers, we still maintain this advantage: they can enroll in state universities and colleges. At the moment, our department has no plans to change this," says the director of the State Defense Service department of the Ministry of Defense, Kristers Grauze.
Next year, the State Defense Service plans to recruit 1,220 more servicemen than this year.
