Naval Forces Military Leadership

The results of the centralized examination certificates in Mathematics, Latvian and Physics (preferably), and a test in English are 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 ( exam results are taken into account)
•    knowledge of the state language (C1),
•    no criminal record
•    good health and physical fitness

Admission rules 2023/2024 for the study year

Before imatriculation (enrolment in the university's list of students) in the professional bachelor's study programme, you must complete a pre-study course - Cadet Candidate Course, which consists of:
•    Basic Military Training Course (level 1 and 2) at the NAF Infantry School from September to December (13 weeks);
•    Junior Leader Course from January to February (6 weeks).

FIRST YEAR OF STUDIES
After completing the Military Basic Training Course and the Junior Leader Course, the Naval Forces Military Leadership Cadet starts his first year of studies by studying English, Mathematics and Physics to prepare for further study of professional subjects at a partner university. Maritime education is based on your choice of the sub-programme - Vessel Driving or Ship Mechanics. To become a seaman, students take the Naval Forces Basic Training Course and an internship on Naval Forces ships in their first semester.

SECOND YEAR OF STUDIES
The second year of studies continues with training at the NDAL and a maritime education institution. During the academic year, cadets take the Naval Specialization Course (helmsman-signalman or ship's electrician) and a four-month traineeship on Naval Forces ships to increase their level of competence. Sailing, an integral part of the seafaring profession, is also taught. In addition, cadets participate in the Summer Field Camp to reinforce basic soldier skills in the field.

THIRD YEAR OF STUDIES
The third year of studies is spent studying academic and professional subjects both at the NDAL and at the maritime education institution - Project Management, Military Pedagogy, Military Leadership, Ship Management and Watchkeeping, Navigation and Logistics, Maritime English, etc.

FOURTH YEAR OF STUDIES
Cadets start their fourth year of studies with professional military subjects - Combat Equipment and Weapons, Engineer Support, Communications, Medical Sustainment, etc., finishing with a Combat Endurance Course to test their physical and mental strength. Continuing to build their competence as sailors, the cadets undertake their final training, the Naval Tactics Course, which culminates in an internship with a Naval Forces unit to reinforce their acquired knowledge.

FIFTH YEAR OF STUDIES
Cadets spend their final semester working on their Bachelor's Theses and studying optional subjects. In the first half of June, the cadets defend their Bachelor Theses and graduate from the NDAL.

The content of the study programme may be updated and developed during the study period.

The relevant courses will be covered during the course of your studies:

•    Basic Naval Training Course,
•    Naval History,
•    Military Law,
•    Construction and Capabilities of Small Arms 
•    Military Leadership,
•    Naval Forces Specialization Course,
•    Viability of Warships,
•    Naval Combat Assets,
•    Combat Equipment and Armaments,
•    Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense,
•    Communication 
•    Combat Endurance Course,
•    Naval Tactics,
•    Theoretical Mechanics,
•    Maritime Safety,
•    Sailing Basics and other courses.

“Vessel Driving” sub-programme will include:

•    Maritime Astronomy,
•    Vessel Driving and Watchkeeping
•     Navigation and Location,
•    ECDIS.

“Ship Mechanics” sub-programme will include:

•    Ship Diesel Equipment and Turbines,
•    Auxiliary Machinery and Systems,
•    Ship Electrical Equipment and Electronics,
•    Ship Design and Theory,
•    Internship at the Workshop.

1. Prioritize the development of the learner as a leader and his/her creative personality.
2. Provide students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills in planning, leading and controlling military and non-military tasks.
3. Develop students' ability to formulate analytical and objective decisions in high-risk and crisis situations.
4. Provide in-depth theoretical knowledge in such areas as military leadership and psychology, individual and collective armament, combat equipment, communications, engineering and vocational orientation study courses, at the same time developing and improving practical skills within the chosen specialty internship, which meets the requirements of the NAF officer standard.
4.1. The sub-programme “Vessel Driving” provides in-depth theoretical knowledge in areas such as maritime astronomy, navigation and sailing directions.
4.2. The sub-programme “Ship Mechanics” provides advanced theoretical knowledge in areas such as engineering graphics and sculptural geometry, ship design and theory.
5th Acquire self-learning and research skills by studying literature in the field, conducting research, completing Study papers and Bachelor's theses, projects and other tasks related to national defense in the chosen specialization.
6. Promote further development of the study programme content and study process in accordance with the NAF development plans, tasks and technological developments.

Requirements for obtaining the professional qualification: the professional qualification is awarded after successful completion of the professional Bachelor's study programme "Naval Forces Military Leadership" and the development and defense of the Bachelor's Thesis.

Opportunities to continue your education in an academic or professional Master's degree programme by meeting the admission requirements of the relevant Master's programme..

Study programme director

Lieutenant Commander Artis Strautiņš E-mail: artis.strautins@mil.lv mob.t. 29902332

Latvian National Defense Academy
Methodologis, Naval Forces Department

Ksenija Ločmele E-mail: Ksenija.Locmele@mil.lv mob.t. 28305726

Teaching staff

Ieva Bērziņa E-mail:  ieva.berzina@mil.lv mob.t. 29277566

Komandkapteinis Nauris Lakševics E-mail: Nauris.Laksevics@mil.lv mob.t. 29414931

Study base: National Defense Academy of Latvia and cooperation university premises, as well as at the Naval Forces units

Lieutenant Ilva Linuža

The challenges - do not give up! I think that is the biggest challenge, because there are different degrees of difficulty, different situations. When things are bad and you start to think maybe you shouldn't go on, you just have to look around you. We need to look at the rest of our colleagues. We should not forget that they are in an identical situation. Yes, it is a challenge, the challenge is to fight with yourself. You have to be able to find the motivation and remember that first day, that first week, when we were all called here at the Academy and why we came here. That helped in my case.