Latvian Land Forces

The Latvian Land Forces (Sauszemes spēki, SzS) together with the Latvian National Guard form the land warfare branch of the Latvian National Armed Forces. Since 2007, land forces are organized as a fully professional standing army.

Mission
The main missions of the national Land Forces are to:
 * Provide for the defense of all national territories;
 * Ensure combat readiness and the mobilization of units;
 * Dispose of explosive ordnance;
 * Provide public assistance.

Structure



 * Insignia of Latvian Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade.png Mechanized Infantry Brigade
 * Latvian Land Forces logo.png Headquarters
 * Latvian Land Forces logo.png Headquarters and Signal Company
 * NBS 1. Kājnieku bataljons emblem.svg 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (LATBAT)
 * Headquarters and Support Company
 * 1st Mechanized Infantry Company
 * 2nd Mechanized Infantry Company
 * 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company
 * Combat Service Support Company
 * NBS 2. Kājnieku bataljons emblem.svg 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion
 * Headquarters and Support Company
 * 1st Mechanized Infantry Company
 * 2nd Mechanized Infantry Company
 * 3rd Mechanized Infantry Company
 * Combat Service Support Company
 * SzS 3KB emblema.png 3rd Infantry Battalion (trains active service soldiers, national guardsmen and reserve soldiers)
 * Headquarters and Support Company
 * 1st Infantry Company
 * 2nd Infantry Company
 * 3rd Infantry Company
 * Combat Service Support Company
 * UZSUVE PNG.png Artillery Unit (M109A5Ö howitzers)
 * Insignia of the Combat Support Battalion (Latvia).png Combat Support Battalion
 * Staff and Signal Company
 * Anti-tank Company (Spike-LR missiles)
 * Fire Support Company
 * Engineer Company
 * Military Intelligence Company
 * Forward Air Control Unit
 * Kaujas nodrosinajuma bataljons emblema.png Combat Service Support Battalion
 * Staff and Signal Company
 * Supply and Transport Company
 * Technical Support and Maintenance Company
 * Medical Company

Cooperation
Since 1996 till today the National Armed Forces' soldiers have been deployed on nine international peace-keeping missions in Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia, Central African Republic, Georgia, Iraq, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Somalia. Starting from January 1, 2015, Latvian Armed Forces are taking part in EU's Nordic Battle Group. On March 29, 2004, Latvia became a full member of NATO.

Equipment
==Rank structure == The rank structure of the Latvian army is adjusted to the rank structure of the NATO countries in Europe. Rank insignia are worn historically on the collars and today also on shoulder marks. Starting 2016, only the Staff Battalion wears the collar insignia.