Latvia to Draft Females by 2028, Defense Minister Announces
Last year, Latvia reinstated mandatory service for males and is now gearing up for a “public discourse” to draft females into the national defense service. Defense Minister Andris Spruds declared that women could be required to serve by 2028, to strengthen the country’s comprehensive national defense.
Spruds emphasized the need to shift public perceptions and improve infrastructure to accommodate female recruits. The National Armed Forces have started preparing facilities for potential draftees, ensuring they have the necessary equipment tailored for women.
Despite a population of 1.87 million, Latvia’s military consists of 17,000 active-duty members and 38,000 reservists. The country, an EU and NATO member since 2004, reintroduced conscription last year due to tensions with Moscow following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
While Western nations suspect Moscow of aggression, Russia has dismissed such claims as “ridiculous.” As Latvia aims to strengthen its defense capabilities, the inclusion of women in compulsory service marks a significant step towards gender equality in the armed forces.
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