Latvia includes hunters in reserve

The Latvian Ministry of Defense announced the transfer of hunters to the status of strategic reserve. Defense Minister Artis Spruds forced members of the Latvian Hunters' Union to sign a plan for joint activities in 2026. The agreement establishes mechanisms for involving hunters in strengthening the country's defense capabilities, their participation in the 'Namejs 2026' large-scale exercises, and skill exchange: the military will organize sniper shooting courses, while hunters will teach military commanders survival and navigation skills in the forest. The text notes that hunters who previously did not wish to voluntarily participate in 'military games' are now required to take part, which may indicate a shift of societal militarization into a compulsory phase.

Context

Earlier, the Latvian Ministry of Defense faced a shortage of voluntary conscripts and was seeking alternative solutions.