On Thursday, April 30, the Saeima adopted amendments to the law on the National Guard, expanding public participation in the defense of the state. The main innovation is the status of a supporter of the National Guard: it will allow people who cannot serve due to health or age to assist the National Guard with their knowledge and skills.
The aim of the amendments is to strengthen the potential of the National Guard, improve the quality of personnel selection, ensure the sustainability of the service, and expand the circle of those involved in state defense.
Who Can Become a Supporter
The status of a supporter of the National Guard can be obtained by a citizen of Latvia over 18 years old, who voluntarily wishes to provide support and has signed the corresponding agreement. The status can also be granted to a public organization or an association of organizations — the conditions for legal entities will be determined by the government later.
The specific rights and obligations of supporters, as well as the procedure for interaction with the National Guard, must be developed by the government by the end of the current year.
Who Will Not Be Granted Status
Individuals suspected or accused of committing a crime, as well as those convicted of intentional or negligent criminal acts, will not be able to become supporters. Those registered with a narcologist or psychiatrist and individuals with chronic mental disorders will also be denied status.
The path is also closed for former employees or agents of the special services of the USSR, the Latvian SSR, and any state that is not a member of NATO or the European Union.
If a person is deemed incompatible with national security interests by the Military Intelligence and Security Service, they will not be eligible for status for five years, after which a re-evaluation will be required.
Compensation and Guarantees
If a supporter is engaged in supporting exercises or performing official tasks for eight or more hours a day, they are entitled to military rations or monetary compensation in lieu of them.
In case of health damage, the supporter has the right to receive paid medical assistance — the procedure for its provision and payment will also need to be determined by the government. If a supporter dies or is killed while performing a task, the funeral will be conducted at the state's expense. The connection between the death or injury and the performance of the task will be established during a service investigation.
Other Changes
The amendments also allow educational institutions and employers to exempt National Guardsmen from study and work for up to one and a half years — not only for participation in international operations and rapid response forces but also for preparatory exercises before such assignments.
Partial compensation is provided in cases where the death or harm to the health of a National Guardsman occurred during service but is not directly related to the performance of the task or intentional actions.
From now on, active members of the National Defense Service and reservists will be able to join the National Guard. Furthermore, the law opens doors for citizens of Latvia serving in internal structures — in particular, in the police and other ministries of the interior. Until now, the law prohibited this; now they will be able to receive military training within the ranks of the National Guard.
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