| Degree Professional bachelor's degree |
| Diploma Professional bachelor's diploma |
| Qualification Lieutenant |
| Accreditation The field of study is accredited until December 31, 2024 (Law on Higher Education Institutions) |
| Tuition fee State-paid studies |
| Duration 4 years |
| Language Latvian |
| Credit points 242 |
| Type Full-time intramural |
The purpose of the study programme is to prepare students for mid-level leadership who will serve in the National Armed Forces, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) / EU (European Union) multinational units, with strong leadership abilities, high motivation and professional competence.
Learning outcomes: be able to manage personnel, control the work of subordinate structural units, be able to take responsibility for the decisions made and their consequences; act ethically, legally and understand responsibility for the impact of professional activity on the environment and society, ensuring cooperation with state, foreign and local government institutions, legal and natural persons within the scope of their competence; be able to use the knowledge gained in business management and personnel psychology in accordance with the goals, following the progress of their implementation, making decisions and making adjustments to optimize operations.
Admission
The results of the centralized examination certificates in Mathematics, Latvian and Physics (preferably), a test in English is taken into account to determine the level of proficiency.
To apply for studies at the National Defense Academy of Latvia (NDAL), there are the following admission criteria:
• a citizen of the Republic of Latvia,
• age between 18 and 30,
• at least a secondary education (centralized examination grades are taken into account),
• knowledge of the state language (C1),
• no criminal convictions,
• good health and physical fitness.
Pre-study Phase
Pre-study Phase before imatriculation (enrollment in the list of students at the university) in the professional bachelor's study programme, you must complete the pre-study course -Cadet Candidate Course, which consists of:
• Basic Military Training Course (Level 1 ad 2) at the NAF Infantry School from September to December (13 weeks);
• Junior Leader Course from January to February (6 weeks).
Content of the study program
FIRST YEAR OF STUDIES
Initially, in the first year of studies of the Land Forces Military Leadership, you will learn logic, rhetoric, the basics of security policy, defense strategy, and professional English, as well as acquire the necessary knowledge of military leadership, psychology and ethics for a junior leader. An understanding of the structure and capabilities of small arms, communication and means of transport, types of combat operations, as well as the military history of Latvia will be formed.
SECOND YEAR OF STUDIES
In the second year of studies, you will gain knowledge about pedagogy, project management, military law, the history of the art of war, as well as acquire the skills to use the ammunition and weapons available to the National Armed Forces (NAF), to recognize combat equipment and armament. You will practically learn how to lead an infantry unit, organize stationary shooting exercises for subordinate soldiers and improve your military leadership skills.
THIRD YEAR OF STUDIES
In the third year of studies, you will learn the tactics of infantry sub-units, learn to plan and lead infantry platoon and company operations, as well as lead tactical shooting exercises, gain insight into battlefield reconnaissance. Your acquired knowledge of military leadership, physical and psychological abilities, resilience and suitability for the profession of an officer will be tested in the Combat Endurance Course.
FOURTH YEAR OF STUDIES
Finally, in the fourth year of studies, you will learn optional humanitarian and management subjects, you will understand the planning and management of infantry battalion operations, and you will also learn subjects related to your future specialization (commander of a mechanized infantry platoon, engineer, reconnaissance platoon, indirect fire support, communications or sustainment platoon). A significant part of the study year will consist of internship in courses organized by the NDAL and at your next duty station in the NAF unit, which will provide an opportunity to strengthen the acquired knowledge and skills. In conclusion, you will certify that you have obtained the necessary qualifications by developing and defending a Bachelor's thesis.
The content of the study programme may be updated and changed during the studies.
Curriculum
Courses
In the course of studies, the following subjects will be acquired:
• Military Law;
• Military Leadership;
• Construction, Use and Maintenance of Vehicles;
• Environmental Protection, Work Safety and Civil Protection;
• Security Policy and the Basics of the Defense Strategy;
• Defense Economy;
• Shooting Training;
• Communication;
• Engineer Support;
• Introduction to Land Forces Tactics;
• Planning and Leadership of Infantry Platoon/Company Operations;
• Platoon Tactics;
• Maintenance of Combat Skills;
• Battlefield Reconnaissance;
• Combat Equipment and Armament;
• Capabilities and Use of Anti-aircraft and Anti-tank Weapons;
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense;
• Reconnaissance, Fire Support, Security and Communications Platoon Commander courses and others.
Objectives of the programme
Ensure the acquisition of necessary knowledge and skills in the field of military leadership.
Cultivate students' ability to make decisions, solve problems and lead the personnel of the subordinate subdivision in various and constantly changing or uncertain conditions during peacetime and in case of national threats, including in a military operational environment, promoting the improvement of personality and leadership traits. Prepare competent, internationally competitive military leaders who are able to use their knowledge, acquired skills demonstrating professionalism.
Opportunities to continue studies
Opportunities to continue education in academic or professional master's study programmes, fulfilling the admission requirements of the relevant master's programme.
Teaching staff and location of studies
Director of the study programme
 |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Military methodologist of the Study and Methodical Support Department
 |
Katrīna Bekere |
Teaching staff
 |
Captain |
 |
Captain Lieutenant |
 |
Sergeant First Class |
Study base: The premises of the National Defense Academy of Latvia, as well as units of the Land Forces
ALUMNI
 |
Lieutenant |
I have gained a lot directly from the lecturers invited by the National Defense Academy of Latvia, who have given me knowledge about critical thinking and decision-making. All this is very essential to become a good officer.