| Established | 16th century, as part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth |
| Key conflicts | Napoleonic Wars • World War I • World War II |
| Current status | Well-equipped and highly-trained force dedicated to national defense |
| Role in Latvian independence | Pivotal in securing independence from the Russian Empire in the early 20th century |
The Latvian Army is the land-based branch of the Latvian Armed Forces, responsible for the defense of the Republic of Latvia. With origins dating back to the 16th century, the Latvian Army has a storied history as part of the armed forces of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later the independent nation of Latvia.
The roots of the Latvian Army can be traced to the 1560s, when Latvian soldiers were first incorporated into the Commonwealth's military to defend the region against incursions by the Russian Empire. These early Latvian units, recruited from the Baltic provinces, gained a reputation for their skill in light cavalry and infantry tactics.
Over the next two centuries, Latvian regiments fought alongside Commonwealth forces in a number of European conflicts, including the Livonian War, the Polish-Swedish War, and the Napoleonic Wars. They earned distinctions for their bravery and discipline, cementing the Latvian military's status as an elite component of the Commonwealth's armed forces.
With the collapse of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the late 18th century, Latvia came under increasing Russian domination. However, the Latvian military preserved its distinct identity and traditions. In the early 20th century, Latvian soldiers played a key role in the independence movement, fighting against Russian rule and securing Latvia's sovereignty in 1918.
The newly-formed Latvian Army underwent a major modernization program in the 1920s and 1930s, adopting the latest military technologies and doctrines. By the outbreak of World War II, it had become one of the most capable and well-equipped armed forces in the Baltic region.
During WWII, the Latvian Army initially fought against the invading German forces, only to later be conscripted into German military units after the Soviet occupation of 1940. Latvian soldiers resisted fiercely on both fronts, earning a reputation for their bravery and tenacity in combat.
In the aftermath of the war, Latvia was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union. The Latvian Army was dissolved and replaced by Soviet military units. However, Latvian servicemen continued to resist Soviet rule, engaging in a decades-long guerrilla campaign known as the Forest Brothers.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Latvian Army was re-established as the primary military force of the independent Republic of Latvia. It has since undergone another extensive modernization process, integrating advanced NATO equipment and training methods.
Today, the Latvian Army maintains a standing force of over 5,000 active personnel, complemented by a substantial reserve component. It is organized into several infantry brigades, supported by artillery, armor, and air defense units. The army's mission is to provide for the territorial defense of Latvia, as well as participate in international peacekeeping and crisis response operations.
The Latvian Army remains a source of immense national pride, with its long history of defending Latvian sovereignty woven into the country's cultural identity. Its soldiers are renowned for their discipline, combat skills, and unwavering commitment to the defense of their homeland.
