Latvia's foreign minister said any move to impose conscription by Britain and other NATO allies would make a difference to Europe's defenses against Russia.
The larger the country, the greater the difference, said Krisjannis Karins.
Asked whether he supported such a move, the chief diplomat told Sky News he “happyly shares” with colleagues the experience of his country, which reinstated compulsory military service last year in the wake of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“We think it is a very good idea for us,” the Foreign Minister said, speaking on the sidelines of a recent security conference in Germany.
“I think other NATO allies could take into consideration as well.”
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Latvia, one of NATO's three Baltic states, abolished conscription nearly two decades ago.
But it decided to reintroduce the draft as part of a plan to double the size of its armed forces – professional and reserve – to 61,000 soldiers by 2032.
“The aim of the draft is to strengthen capable, equipped and trained reserve forces,” said Karens, a former Latvian prime minister.
“It does not replace the professional military. It enhances the professional military.”
Compulsory conscription in the UK might be a good idea, Krisjannis Karens said
Asked whether he thought it would make a difference if the UK started conscription, the Foreign Secretary said: “I think it would make a difference if any European country started conscription.” [did] “Of course, larger countries will make a bigger difference.”
Regarding whether this is an idea he is pushing, he said with a smile: “It is the experience that we have that I happily share with all my friends and colleagues.”
But British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, who also spoke to Sky News at the Munich security conference last week, seemed less keen on voluntarily training citizens – an idea The head of the British Army seems to agree – Not to mention compulsory military service.
“We have a professional army of professional armed forces,” Shapps said in an interview. “It is really important that they are trained to the highest possible standards.”
“Everyone knows that in a war scenario – World War I and World War II – countries of course have to make other arrangements.
“That's not the position we're in right now. We have absolutely no plans to do that right now. So that's not something that's on the agenda right now.”
Latvia will train up to 800 recruits this year
However, a Latvian general explained that conscription is not just about providing new boots on the ground – it is also about fostering a sense of national service and the desire of every citizen to do their bit to help protect the country.
“Everyone has the right – and it is the duty to serve – to serve the nation,” said Major General Andis Delans, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the National Armed Forces and Latvia’s second-most senior commander.
“This is truly the cornerstone of democracy,” he said in an interview in Riga, the Latvian capital.
“So, we looked at this not just as a fighting force for conscription, but looking at the relationship between the public and the military in a crisis situation, in a war situation.”
Sky News was invited to visit a training base in south-eastern Latvia, near its border with Belarus, a close ally of Russia, where a mix of conscripts and other recruits were undergoing a three-week basic training course with the National Guard.
The National Guard is a branch of the armed forces made up of volunteers. In wartime, they provided support to the professional army.
“Bam! Bam! Bam!” The recruits shouted and raised their rifles, imitating the sound of gunshots, as they practiced responding to an ambush in a muddy shooting range surrounded by jungle.
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British Foreign Secretary Grant Shapps said there were “no plans at all” for conscription
One group of soldiers provided cover, while the second group moved forward, stopped and then took turns providing cover as their colleagues advanced.
Approaching the site where their alleged enemy had launched the ambush, the troops threw a dummy grenade and struck the ground in preparation for what – if carried out for real – could have had deadly impact, before rushing forward to press forward with their counterattack.
Edward, 18, was one of seven recruits in a group of about 20 people at the range. All seven were voluntary conscripts, not ordered to serve.
“I think every man in the world needs at least some experience of military life,” Edward said.
Recruits can choose to undergo 11 months of training, or extend it for five years, between their civilian lives.
Edward said he decided to do the latter so he could continue his studies as well.
Regarding what he would do if Russia attacked, the young man said: “I will defend my country.”
Maxim, 21, a second recruit, was also excited about his limited time in uniform.
“I recommend that everyone experience the feelings and experiences of military life, and then — if they like it — perhaps seek to join the armed forces full-time,” he said.
A total of 39 trainees participated in the basic training course at the Mesa Makevici Base of the 3rd Latgalian Brigade, National Armed Forces.
They are divided into smaller units of nine to 12 people, who train, eat and sleep together.
Each day starts at 6am and ends at 11pm.
Major General Andis Delans says everyone has an “obligation” to serve in the army
Trainees sleep on bunk beds in makeshift dormitories lining a single-story hangar. There is a canteen in the second barn, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Every morning, they sing the national anthem on the parade ground in front of three tall columns bearing the colors of Latvia, NATO and Ukraine – the war in that country, a constant reminder of why the three Baltic states are doing their best to marshal their forces. the people.
One of the instructors, a career soldier who was sipping soup from a bowl during his lunch break, offered his view on conscription.
Sergeant Gunnars Prince (36 years old) said: “I think the most important thing is to awaken the desire to protect and defend your country.”
“[It is] To awaken the patriots in them so that they will have the courage to stand up to the enemy if necessary.”
