Ceremony to Mark the Change of the Vice Rector of the National Defence Academy

On June 11 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., the Vice Rector Change Ceremony will be held at the NDAL Parade Ground. Lieutenant Colonel Aivars Leicāns will take over the position previously held by Lieutenant Colonel Ēriks Keisters, the outgoing Vice Rector of the NDAL. The new Vice Rector will assume his duties on June 11. Following the NDAL Vice Rector Change Ceremony, a reception is scheduled in the NDAL Plenary Hall for congratulations.

“As I conclude my duties as Vice Rector, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for the work we have accomplished together. It has been a great honor and privilege to work daily alongside the Academy’s permanent staff, cadets, soldiers, and civilian employees, whose professionalism, responsibility, and dedication form the strong foundation of the National Defence Academy.

Looking back on the past three years, I can conclude with satisfaction that the Academy is an excellent environment for professional growth and gaining new experiences. Working here has always given me the conviction that our contributions shape the future of the National Armed Forces of Latvia and that every task we complete has deep meaning.

In my role as Vice Rector, I had a unique opportunity to participate in processes that were crucial to the Academy’s development. I am pleased that I was able to be part of the accreditation process for fields of study and study programs, the accreditation of scientific activities, as well as to support the licensing and implementation of two new study programs.

I am particularly pleased with what has been achieved in the area of cadet development. A new sports concept was introduced, which helped improve and organize the cadets’ daily lives, and opportunities to gain international experience were expanded by sending cadets to military academies in the European Union as part of exchange programs.

Similarly, in the Academy’s academic life, national and international scientific conferences were revived and developed, promoting the advancement of academic thought and research. Significant changes were also implemented in the organization of summer field camps, transforming them into the Academy’s most ambitious training exercises, involving the entire Academy community.

I am truly proud of our shared achievements and of the people with whom I have had the opportunity to work. Cadets, faculty, instructors, and other staff have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the Academy’s values. This has been a very significant and productive phase in my professional life.

I wish the new Vice Rector success, energy, and inspiration to continue the work that has begun, implement new ideas, and reach even greater heights in the Academy’s development.

Thank you to everyone for your hard work, cooperation, trust, and the results we have achieved together. I wish the staff of the National Defence Academy continued professionalism, unity, and determination as they continue to train outstanding officers and strengthen Latvia’s security.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ēriks Keisters