The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Minister of Defence As a result, the world already knows Latvia by Girts Valdis Kristovskis name. Th e Latvian people are valued as gift ed and skilled professionals. Th ey are valued not just as equal soldiers, but also as equal Every state and society is charged with the professionals and representatives of national essential and complex task of providing government or business. Th e results achieved stability and security. Th is endeavour demands during Latvia’s advancement towards full-fl edged huge resources and relies on the eff ort and NATO membership can be seen as Latvia’s professionalism of many people. Th e Ministry trademark, perhaps even as a certifi cate of of Defence (MoD) is the leading state institution quality. Th e development of our national defence in Latvia working to ensure that this goal is system and the National Armed Forces must, achieved. Th e MoD implements the security therefore, be continued with stout determination and defence policies set by the government so that Latvia can prove itself an equal member and it is responsible for the effi cient dispatch among NATO nations and provide a substantial of those activities required to enhance the contribution to the international security National Armed Forces (NAF) and their military environment, especially among the Baltic States capabilities. and in the region of the Baltic Sea.

As the re-establishment of the Latvian defence Reconsidering the above-mentioned ideas about system only began in the last decade of the achievements made in the fi eld of defence, I previous century, the structure of the NAF is would like to stress that these achievements are being continuously improved and this process the result of the determined, patient, systematic must be pursued consistently. Th e public’s trust and hard daily work of many people. Th erefore, I in the reliability of Latvia’s national system would like to take this opportunity to once again of defence is gaining year by year, as does thank all of our partners for their co-operation the certainty that the security of the Latvian and support in helping us to reach the goals that people is sure and their future prospects are are so vital to our state! sound for the fi rst time in recent history. Th e main reason for this growing certainty is our I invite you to familiarise yourself with the rapid advancement towards membership in the tasks associated with Latvian defence to better international collective security system. understand the many-sided activities of the MoD and to gain assurance of the high degree of Th e activities aimed at integrating our national professionalism and accountability witnessed in defence system into European and trans-Atlantic its daily work. I believe that this new knowledge security structures bring certain indirect benefi ts. will cultivate a positive attitude towards the Preparatory activities have strengthened the Latvian state! Latvian state and increased the public’s readiness for membership in the family of democratic nations, while concurrently increasing Latvia’s We have traveled a long way to bring Latvia responsibility for global processes. Th ey have into the family of secure and responsible nations. also increased the national level of confi dence, which is required for the stability, security and The seminar “Defence Reform in the Baltic States”, We should be proud to have been the ones to blaze this trail. development of Latvia. June 2003 (fi rst from the right G. V. Kristovskis) Ministry of Defence are implemented by the Ministry of Defence, the structures to tackling the security issues associated integration into NATO, the increased amount of State Secretary institutions subordinate to it and the National with classifi ed information. Th ird, the Ministry work that has resulted, and the establishment and Armed Forces. Th e scope of this work is and the National Armed Forces must work on strengthening of the Corps of Latvian Military Edgars Rinkevics determined by our invitation to join NATO, the preparing our NAF units for deployment in Attachés and Representatives abroad. As the key Reform Implementation Plan and the Declaration NATO operations. Experts from their respective to the success of our staff , a great deal of attention In the last few years, the level of responsibility on the Work of the Cabinet of Ministers from fi elds will provide more details on this process is paid to personnel policy. A plan of training taken on by the MoD has increased substantially. November, 2002. First, the MoD must work later in this booklet. When the Ministry of opportunities and possible careers is developed In order to implement the planned tasks of rigorously to improve its legal base, the most Defence was established at the end of 1991, aft er for each employee. Along with NATO integration, national defence as stated by the government, the essential documents of which are the new Draft Latvia had regained its independence, it was one the work on NATO documentation and MoD develops an Annual National Programme. National Defence Concept and the Development of the smallest ministries in terms of staff . As far international contacts will increase. Also, several Th e activities of this Programme comply with Plan for the National Armed Forces. Second, there back as 1998, there were only 94 people employed representatives of the Ministry will be transferred the NATO Membership Action Plan of Latvia, is work to be done in preparation for full-fl edged in the Head Offi ce of the Ministry. Now, there to work in the Latvian Mission to NATO and the NATO Reform Implementation Plan and the NATO membership – from sending personnel to are 180 civil and military people on our team. NATO structures; therefore, special attention is Priorities and Tasks Stated by the Minister and work in the Latvian Mission to NATO and NATO Th is is directly related to our state’s practical paid to foreign language training.

E. Rinkevics at a meeting of the leadership of the MoD, May, 2003 An Inter-agency meeting at the MoD, June, 2003 (on the left).

The Ministry of Defence is proud of its stable staff of personnel, with most of its staff working long-term. The members of our team are characterised by their professionalism, accountability, a creative approach to their work and a willingness to develop and broaden their fi eld of vision. The Procedure for Issuing Legal Documents

The State President promulgates laws passed by Parliament

The Presidium forwards the laws passed by Parliament to the State President for promulgation

After thorough review, the draft laws are adopted in several readings

Draft laws approved or issued by the CoM in accordance with Paragraph 81 of the Latvian Constitution are submitted to Parliament. Parliament decides to forward each draft law to the appropriate committees and defi nes the committee in charge, or rejects the draft law

Dz. Rasnacs Draft legal documents are submitted to Legislation through intense work to ensure the compliance the CoM for approval. In accordance with The Mobile Infantry Training Centre in Parliamentary Secretary Dzintars Rasnacs of Latvian legal documents with NATO co- Paragraph 81 of the Latvian Constitution, Adazi in May, 2003. operation principles. the CoM may issue regulations Th e basis for the implementation of the goals In the near future, there will be several by act of law and tasks defi ned by the Latvian Defence and clarifying amendments made to the laws and Security Policy is an accurate legal base in full regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers (CoM) The draft legal documents are harmonised compliance with international law. stipulating the status and operation of the with the state administrative institutions Legislation stipulates that national defence Latvian Armed Forces. A lot of things will defi ned in the meeting of the MoD State Our determined work on should be based on the political and conceptual depend on the new Defence Concept and the Secretary and also, in many cases, with improving our legal base statements of the government and the MoD. planned structure for the coming years. non-governmental organisations Since the early 90s, when Latvia started to demonstrates our serious establish its military system, our military MoD experts prepare the legal documents attitude towards the doctrine and structures have developed rapidly. (draft laws and draft regulations implementation of national Th us, enhancing our legal base is a continuous of the Cabinet of Ministers (CoM)) process. I would like to emphasise that, during defence policy. the last four years, a lot has been achieved Development Planning of system along with the development of self- development, the basic principles of the system’s National Armed Forces must be ready to react the Defence System defence capabilities. Th erefore, our goal is to further development and guidelines for the effi ciently to both changes in the international purposefully improve our defence system to development of the NAF. security environment and new types of threats Director of the Defence Policy and Planning Department ensure that Latvia becomes an effi cient member Th e priorities for the defence system’s (organised crime, international terrorism, Sintija Visnevska of the Alliance as soon as possible. development, which are based on available biological weapons). Th e planning of Latvian defence is based fi nancial resources, are defi ned annually in the Th e continued enhancement of the state’s Aft er becoming a full-fl edged member of on a range of documents, which are revised in Annual National Programme. Th is process helps level of readiness is essential to prevent any NATO, Latvia will be responsible for upholding accordance with amendments to the Latvian us to complete all of the activities required for kind of threat, overcome risks and deal with all one of the organisation’s most essential Defence Strategy or changes in the international incorporation into the NATO collective defence possible catastrophes. Th erefore, co-operation principles – “all for one and one for all.” security situation. planning system. between civil society and the armed forces is With its invitation to join NATO, enhancing Th e foundation of Latvian defence Th e development of the Latvian defence of special value. Our goal is to establish tight the principles of collective defence has planning is the National Defence Concept. system is oriented towards building up the co-operation between the military and civil become the basis of the Latvian defence Th is concept defi nes the strategy for defence security environment in Latvia and abroad. Th e institutions at all levels.

S. Visnevska The leadership of the MoD and the NAF attending National Armed Forces’ Day in Jelgava, April, 2003. We have established a well- functioning defence planning system, which we will continue to develop by applying the results achieved thus far, as well as the experience of Latvia’s allies and partners.

(fi rst from the left Brigadier General R. Graube) The Air Force during an international training operation at the Skede training base, May, 2003.

(opposite) Latvian military police offi cers in Kosovo, July, 2002.

MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE JOINING NATO • Revise the National Defence Concept and the structure of the armed forces; • Prepare NAF units to be deployed on NATO missions; • Integrate the Baltic States’ Air Surveillance System into the NATO Integrated Air Defence System; • Ensure information security; • Implement a system for host-nation support; • Improve the military education and training system; • Prepare personnel for work in NATO structures; • Develop a System of Planning, Programming and Budgeting; • Improve personnel policy.

NATO Integration the neutralisation of unexploded ordinance, its host-nation support capabilities by the end of Until now, Latvia has achieved Executive Secretary for NATO Integration military police units, peacekeeping units, as well 2004. Brigadier General Raimonds Graube as NBC units and mine-removing divers) must World events also aff ect the security and remarkably determined be continued. A professional infantry unit fi t for development of Latvia. Th erefore, Latvia actively progress in its development. Latvia was invited to begin accession talks to participation in NATO-led operations must be participates in both global and regional security join NATO in November, 2002. In spite of this prepared by the end of 2004. processes. Apart from becoming a member of I am sure that we will fact, we must still complete a whole series of jobs Th e accreditation of a unifi ed Air Surveillance NATO, our goal is to participate in European successfully complete all of the before becoming a full-fl edged NATO member- System for the Baltic States (BALTNET) must security and defence policymaking. Th ese are state. be completed before incorporating it into the interconnected and complementary processes tasks ahead of us to become Latvia must assume its responsibility for the unifi ed NATO Air Space Surveillance System. A and interaction between them increases stability an equal partner in regional collective defence of the Alliance and must be long-range radar is being installed in Rezekne and security in Europe and the whole world. and international security able to provide a certain amount of input. At the and a short-range radar is being installed in same time, modernisation and specialisation Ventspils for this purpose. organisations. (developing military medical teams, experts in Latvia has to complete the development of Budget expendable resources. Th e PPBS provides a Head of the Finance Division Maija Skudra clear picture and substantiation of the resources required for each task. Th e Law on Financing National Defence Our goal is to enhance the quality of planning stipulates the portion of the budget allocated and budgeting, which is based on project- for Latvian national defence. In accordance effi ciency calculations and progressive- with this law, Latvia is committed to allocating calculation methods. In order to more 2% of its GDP to fi nance defence and NATO effi ciently control the conformity of budget integration. Th ese fi nancial resources allow for expenditures to the planned activities, projects the implementation of the planned development and budget priorities it is important to enhance of the defence system; ensure the level of capital budget expenditure accounting and reporting investment necessary for procuring weapons procedures. and equipment, modernising infrastructure and improving compatibility capabilities within NATO standards; and decrease dependence on material aid from other countries. Th e Defence Budget is planned according to the following priorities: • NATO integration; • NAF development (enhancing the command and control system, modernising weapons and equipment, preparing personnel to participate in international operations and to The Air Force search and rescue helicopter MI-8 work at NATO Headquarters); along with its gear. • Th e development of an air-surveillance system; It provides a great sense of Capital Costs • Maintaining and developing infrastructure Investments Ls 10 266 739 Ls 9 590 000 fulfi lment to see that the (a gradual increase in the fi nancial resources movable property and investment of funds in Latvian defence system is available for reconstructing and building new real estate, 12% accordance with the Law infrastructure is planned); exhibits in museums, 11% on State Investments. becoming better organised • Providing social guarantees for soldiers (it overhaul. is important for us that the representatives of the with each passing year and defence system feel socially protected and that their 51% 26% Ls 83 405 909 that our armed forces have social guaranties, as stated by law, are increased). Maintenance Costs A continuously increasing defence budget become more professional Remuneration Ls 41 707 091 results in more responsibilities and new duties Ls 21 842 079 social tax, and better equipped. feeding costs, to enhance the system for the effi cient use and salaries, uniforms, bonuses, control of budgetary funds. Th erefore, a Planning, equipment, armour, benefi ts, Programming and Budgeting System (PPBS) utility costs, remuneration to freelancers. in compliance with the planning principles movement costs, of NATO states was introduced to elaborate transport maintenance, subsidies, the programmes to be implemented and to The breakdown of the 2003 defence budget by types training costs etc. achieve the maximum possible effi ciency from of expenditure COUNTRIES INVOLVED IN THE MOST 89,1% of the Latvian population ACTIVE COOPERATION: supports co-operation between the The USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, Baltic States, which would help foster France, Denmark, Norway, Poland, the more successful co-operation in Czech Republic, Sweden international organisations.

International Co-operation United States of America, the United Kingdom, Air Surveillance System (BALTNET), the Baltic We know the importance Deputy Director of the International Relations Department Denmark, France, Norway, Canada, Germany, as Naval Force squadron (BALTRON), and the of help received at the right Tamara Klavina well as Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL). Th ese Th ese countries have provided substantial projects ensure practical progress and tighter time. Now, we are prepared International co-operation in the defence fi eld material aid and support in the training of integration with the security system of Western to provide it to others – our is one of the most signifi cant parts of Latvian civil and military personnel, through language countries. I would also like to point out that national security and defence policy. In its twelve- training and by providing military knowledge on Latvia has reached a level of development knowledge, experience and year history, a re-established and independent diff erent subjects. Th e support and experience of whereby it has changed from an aid and security material resources. Latvia has witnessed great changes and states outside of the Alliance, especially Sweden recipient to a donor country. Aft er Ukraine and development and has become more determined and Finland, is also highly valued and includes Georgia announced their desire to join NATO, and diverse. Every year, Latvia has increased the the areas of training and education, as well as Latvia joined the ranks of those nations ready to scope of its international co-operation. At the developing mobilisation and logistics systems. share its experience and provide support in their moment, we maintain contacts with more than While speaking about international co- process of democratisation. 30 countries. Agreements on Co-operation in the operation, Latvia and the other Baltic States must Our goal is to continue to deepen this already Defence Field have been signed with 26 countries. be praised for the successful implementation existing co-operation, to look for new partners The NAF receiving a gift from Switzerland, Lielvarde, Among NATO states, our most active of their joint projects – the Baltic States’ and to become more involved in sharing July, 2003. partners in international co-operation are the Peacekeeping Battalion (BALTBAT), the Unifi ed experience and providing aid to other countries. T. Klavina and M. Skudra

Public Aff airs Director of the Public Relations Department Airis Rikveilis

Th e implementation of national defence policy would be unthinkable without society’s support and involvement. First, national defence is the responsibility of society as a whole. Second, the implementation of defence policy is fi nanced by tax-payers. Th ird, we want to be open and transparent so that the public believes in our work and knows that we do it selfl essly and honestly! All of the above is only possible if society is provided with comprehensive and objective information. Th erefore, one of the MoD’s priorities is to inform the public about issues related to defence and security, as well as the tasks, activities and priorities of the Ministry and the National Armed Forces. With the old backbone of defence changing and its importance in the development of Latvia increasing, the responsibility of public relations professionals has grown as well. A new challenge for public relations experts will be to work together with NATO public aff airs experts – we have already made contacts with our colleagues from other countries. I will name just a few of the activities we have performed to ensure the successful implementation of MoD public relations policy. We have prepared information materials on a Participants in the TV reality show “Talent Factory” diverse set of up-to-date issues in the defence at the Mobile Infantry Training Centre in Adazi in When informing the public, fi eld. We maintain an up-to-date homepage June, 2003. (second from the right Rear-Admiral we consistently follow the containing lots of information. We have good co- G.A.Zeibots) operation with non-governmental organisations A. Rikveilis principles of publicity and and other institutions. We organise exhibitions (On the previous page) National Armed diligent operation; we work and seminars and we co-operate with the mass Forces’ Day in Jelgava, April, 2003. media. When informing the public, we try to professionally and purposefully. balance those issues which may be of interest You are welcome to ask questions related to the public with those issues that they should to national defence and security! know about concerning the security and defence MoD home page: www. mod.gov.lv Phone (Public Relations Department): of their country in order to participate fully in 7335135 the implementation of defence policy. Environmental Protection the Lieluika and Mazuika Lakes; the fact that Advisor to the State Secretary Ilona Ekmane soldiers clear off garbage left on the territory of the shooting-range and around the Lieluika and Th e requirements of environmental protection Mazuika Lakes by neighbouring residents… have become stricter throughout the whole I would like to assure you that the Latvian world and the public has actively involved itself NAF is one of the most environmentally friendly in implementing these requirements. Our armed armed forces in the world. Th is same conclusion forces are a part of the Latvian public and, was reached by US military personnel when therefore, actively participate in this process. they visited the Adazi shooting-range and I would like to mention a few facts that learned about the environmental requirements describe the involvement of Latvian soldiers in and regulations especially designed for this solving important environmental issues. Every shooting-range to protect endangered plants year, soldiers from the National Guard and and animals. When guests asked about the main seamen from the Coast Guard fl otilla participate elements taken into account when planning in activities to protect salmon spawning grounds. military training in this area and our soldiers Every year, the Coast Guard removes illegal nets clearly replied that these were the environmental placed in the sea totalling tens of kilometres protection regulations, the American military in length. Th e Naval Forces are also the fi rst to environmental experts admiringly stated, react to sea pollution and they rush to eliminate “You are the greenest-thinking and the most it quickly. Every year, the Land and Sea Forces environmental friendly army we have ever seen!” neutralise several thousand explosive objects left from World Wars I and II found in the sea or on land. Compared to the former Soviet Army, our armed forces do not posses an amount and density of military equipment that would threaten the environment. Currently, aspects of environmental protection are thoroughly assessed when procuring equipment for the military. At the same time, a great deal of attention is paid to educating military personnel on the issues of environmental protection. Th ese issues will also be closely monitored in the future because success in this fi eld, which is so vital to society, depends on the attitude and I. Ekmane understanding of each individual. Th ere are a lot of things to be said about the Adazi shooting-range: the fact that due to the We defend our country by careful attitude of military personnel and defi ned restrictions, several extinct fl oral and animal protecting the environment, species have been preserved there; the fact that, because we would like to keep it in the Adazi shooting-range, soldiers strictly follow environmental protection requirements unpolluted, beautiful and safe and take care of the natural reserve around for future generations. Defence Attaché’s Service servicemen. A citizen in uniform – the new of the Alliance and the accession of the Baltic our unshakeable desire to become a member of Lt. Col. Vitauts Mihalovskis, philosophy about serviceman – has changed States to it from the very moment Latvia re-gained the Alliance. Th is constant reminder had to be Military Attaché to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands these tasks and the work of defence attachés as its independence. By sending a defence attaché maintained. It had to be done diplomatically and well. Nowadays, the work of defence attachés is to these countries, fi rst and foremost, Latvia without ostentation so that we would not become Defence Attaché – a soldier at a cocktail party or based on the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic diplomatically conveyed its high appraisal of these wearisome, but would consistently convey our a scout in the embassy? Th is was the question the and Consular Liaisons from 1961 and 1963. countries for their great support in the fi eld of message to those who understood us well and German military expert, Axel Schwartz, asked Latvian attachés observe the Constitution of the security and defence and, secondly, confi rmed supported us fully. when writing about the history and development Republic of Latvia, Latvian laws and international its desire to encourage and develop bilateral Upon assuming the status of a NATO nation, of the German Defence Attaché Corps. A similar agreements, as well as other legal documents. co-operation. Working to achieve one of the the tasks facing our defence attachés will change question is oft en asked of Latvian civil and Attachés consistently observe the legislation and most vital goals of our foreign policy – Latvia’s as well. Political issues will take up less space military personnel – what is our work, why are traditions of the country of their accreditation. full-fl edged membership in NATO – was my on our list of tasks and issues of military co- defence attachés needed? Up until May, 2003, I served as a defence primary task during these years. When giving operation will be dealt with to a greater extent. In the past, defence attachés were mediators attaché in Denmark, Norway and Island – all lectures to politicians and meeting with students Changes in the world’s security environment also between belligerents and the companions of NATO states, which supported the enlargement and servicemen, I always reminded them of make for changes in the work of a defence attaché.

NATIONS HOSTING ACCREDITED LATVIAN DEFENCE ATTACHÉS: The USA, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Denmark, Norway, Island, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Spain, Sweden, Estonia, Finland.

THE DUTIES OF AN ATTACHÉ: • provide information about military activities in the country of residence Lt.Col. V. Mihalovskis (based exclusively on legal information sources); • represent the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces in the country of accreditation; • perform the functions of advisor to the Ambassador on military issues; • lead military co-operation and weapons Simply announcing the desire procurement programmes. to achieve a goal does not guarantee that the goal will be achieved. Until then, the issue The inauguration of the Military Attaché to Denmark, has to be kept “hot”; this is the Norway and Island, Capt. V. Dreimanis work of a defence attaché.