Return to the past: Latvia’s introduction of compulsory military service
In early 2023, Latvia enacted a mandatory military service law, the measures of which took full effect this past month in January 2024. In a stark return to the past, a number of European countries have put similar legislation in place, are planning to do so, or are exploring different avenues to give their domestic militaries a boost. The questions this raises for the future of security in Europe are numerous, but so are the questions regarding individual rights and duties of citizens. Those concerning military service have been transforming substantially over the past century, but with new crises demanding new security configurations, they are bound to continue to do so.
Military service in Latvia
The compulsory National Defence Service was codified into law on 18th April 2023, and entered into force at the president’s sanction the following day. In its first phase, Latvia opened the service to voluntary sign up in July, before gradually transitioning towards the first random compulsory selection in January 2024. Those who volunteered in the first round, as well as those who are called up in the second round, who fail to show up, are liable for criminal charges. The compulsory service concerns men from the age of 18, who are required to start after the completion of mandatory secondary education. Exceptions apply for those who choose to continue secondary schooling, and military service must be completed within a year of graduation. This does not apply in the case of higher education, such as university or vocational training institutions. The following options of service are available:
11 months in the National Armed Forces or National Guard
Five years in the National Guard Reserve, with minimum 28 days of training per year
180 days of training and service assignments in the National Armed Forces, and a reserve officer programme, to be completed within five years for students pursuing higher education in military institutions
For those who cannot join service on other grounds, an alternative civil service is also available, and conscription lists must be made known at least six months before the start of service.
The European security context
An important reason cited for the reintroduction of compulsory military service, after its abolition in 2006, has been the perceived deteriorating security situation in Europe, particularly since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Indeed, fears of international security breaches, and even outright attacks have been running high in former Soviet republics and other countries bordering both parties to the conflict. The Baltic states have thus been at the forefront of growing, consolidating, and modernising their defence and security apparatus, even while being among the largest donors of military aid to Ukraine itself. Ensuring that the Latvian military has enough personnel, both in professional capacity and civilian reserves can be seen as a logical next step.
Indeed Latvia is not the only country introducing, or contemplating the introduction of such legislation. Around 16 countries across Europe, 10 of which are formal members of the NATO security alliance, have some form of compulsory military service, although enforcement also varies. As security concerns continue to rise, and voluntary military service numbers continue to dwindle, others are joining the discussion. Simultaneously, existing military and political leadership need to weigh their priorities carefully. Answers to questions such as whether compulsory but short-term military service confers any benefits on a country’s fighting strength in an actual conflict, or whether such service breeds greater patriotism (both of which are reasons that have been used to justify such policies) are far from clear. Scholarship suggests that specific training environments and conditions play a substantial role in how conscripted individuals evaluate compulsory service. Furthermore, those who undergo such training may experience negative effects on physical and mental health, even if they do not serve in combat situations. At the same time, polls conducted post-2022 invasion of Ukraine consistently show widespread majority support for compulsory service in countries where it has been introduced.
Looking forward
Compulsory military service will, nevertheless, continue to be a hotly debated issue across European societies, especially since the younger generation of most countries has not been socialised into the notion of conscription. A semblance of freedom has so far been maintained in most places, including in Latvia, with a number of options available for fulfilling this national duty. At the same time, it would not be wise to underestimate the polarising potential such debates might have in European politics. With many countries bordering both Russia and Ukraine already routinely subject to influence and disinformation campaigns, there are further challenges facing European governments bent on replenishing their military reserves and securing their futures. As with many political issues of the day, education and awareness are crucial. The fight will always be as much for the hearts and minds of citizens as it is for physical security.