Latvia - Land Forces - Order of Battle
Latvia requires two infantry brigades and a number of other measures to withstand an attack by Russia, according to a September 2015 study of Russian security policy 2015-2020 and its impact on Latvia. Conducted by the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA), the study looked into the main methods and means of warfare that Russia could employ against the Baltic countries, in various proportions and succession. According to the study's conclusions, the National Armed Forces should consider increasing the size of the Army to at least two cohesive professional brigades, which would be able to advance and join battle within 12-24 hours after receiving orders, and operate until NATO reinforcements arrive.
The main task of these Land Force units would be to prevent an adversary from capturing cities and towns, transport infrastructure objects, and establishing supply corridors. The size of a brigade may vary, but usually one brigade is 2,000 to 3,000 strong, suggesting considerably more recruitment and training is required. Latvia's full-time armed forces numbered fewer than 5,000 in total in 2015, though there were plans to increase the number to 6,600 by 2018. There were also 8,000 members of the Zemessardze (national guard) with plans to increase this number to 12,000 by 2020.
 Mechanized Infantry BrigadeThe Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade is the unit that provides comprehensive combat preparation for national battalions, combat support and support units, assembles and sends its units to the area of operations, ensuring their continuous combat capabilities and mission. The origins of the Land Forces Infantry Brigade can be traced back to the time when the country became a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO ), so it was necessary to adapt the armed forces to the new challenges. In 2004, the reorganization of the Land Forces into a unified brigade structure was started, during which time the list of staff of the brigade headquarters, headquarters company and Communications Company was approved. The Battalion Headquarters was established on April 29, 2004, and on November 2, 2009, the Headquarters Company and the Communications Company were merged into one structure. Rota provides management, control and support functions, as well as logistical and administrative support.In 2006, a new structure of the Land Forces was introduced, according to which the regular units of the Land Forces - the 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalions - were transferred to the Commander of the Land Forces Brigade. Mechanization of the Land Forces Infantry Brigade has been identified as one of the priority capabilities identified in the National Armed Forces Development Plan. On July 12, 2017, a combat readiness test was organized in the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces, during which the brigade subdivisions conducted a tactical march to check the readiness of the units to deploy and their ability to perform the specified national defense tasks.
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 1st Infantry Battalion The 1st Infantry Battalion of the Land Forces was established on October 17, 2000 by the Order of the Minister of Defense No. 284. The battalion was established on the basis of the Latvian contingent of the former Intelligence / Latvian Peacekeeping Force Battalion (IDB / LATBAT ), taking over the historical traditions of the previous unit. On February 9, 2016, the 1st Infantry Battalion in the brigade changed its name to become the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion. The change of name indicated the battalion's further specialization, namely the beginning of the mechanization process. |  2nd Infantry Battalion The founding day of the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Land Forces is August 7, 2002, when the NAF Commander's order was issued to establish such a unit. On October 16, 2002, the Commander of the Land Forces ordered the subordination of the 2nd Infantry Battalion to the Commander of the Land Forces. The battalion was formed with the task of preparing conscripts for the NAF reserve, and mainly the soldiers completed a military course in the Aluksne Mobile Rifle Battalion. In 2003, the battalion's tasks changed and the unit was additionally tasked with preparing professional military soldiers for infantry in peacekeeping operations. In 2004, the battalion consisted of battalion headquarters, headquarters and supply ornaments, combat support ornaments and three infantry ornaments. |
 3rd Infantry Battalion The 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces was founded on August 28, 2018. The 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces prepares national guards and reserve soldiers for national defense tasks in Latvia. The tasks of the 3rd Infantry Battalion are to train and prepare professional service soldiers, land guards and reserve soldiers for the performance of national defense tasks and to provide a base for the training of SzS MKBde instructors and young soldiers. | |
 Combat Support The Combat Battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces prepares professional soldiers for supply tasks. The Combat Support Battalion includes the Battalion Headquarters, the Headquarters and Communications Command, the Supply and Transportation Company, the Technical Support and Repair Company, the Security Company and the Medical Company. Tasks of the Battle Support Battalion are to prepare and maintain the Battle Security Subunit for the performance of national defense tasks; to ensure the re-supply of units of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces; perform transportation tasks; to organize and perform maintenance and repairs of motor vehicles, combat and other equipment; and to provide medical support, as well as to organize and conduct medical training. |  Battle Support Battalion Based on the order of the NAF Commander of December 9, 2010, the staff of the Battle Support Battalion of the Land Forces Infantry Brigade was approved and the establishment of this unit was started. The tasks of this battalion included the assembly of the intelligence and combat support elements of the brigade, as well as their preparation for international peacekeeping operations and ensuring the further development of the military specialties represented in the battalion in accordance with the needs of the brigade and all NAF. |
 EOD Platoon |  Artillery Battalion planned ??? |
Latvia - Land Forces - Order of Battle - 2003 Plan
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