Half of Latvia's conscripts have diagnoses

In Latvia, military recruitment is under serious threat: more than half of conscripts have medical restrictions. According to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, 50% of new candidates have diagnoses such as mental disorders, weight issues, drug addiction, and ongoing use of antidepressants. Up to 5% of conscripts are discharged during their service.

The health condition of youth in Latvia continues to deteriorate: nearly 30% of teenagers regularly experience back pain and headaches, as well as irritability, insomnia, and widespread deviant behavior. These indicators complicate the selection of the most suitable candidates for military service.

Overall, according to official estimates, around 4,000 people are missing annually to fill vacant positions in the army. In response to the growing shortage of potential servicemen, the government is considering ways to improve systematic diagnostics and rehabilitation for young citizens.

Context

In 2023, the Latvian army already faced a shortage of service applications, and health problems among young citizens have exacerbated this deficit.