PARATROOPERS of LATVIA

Special Intervention Group (SIG), Government Security Service

SIG serves as Latvia's primary counterterrorist and hostage rescue unit, under the direct control of the Deputy Minister of the Interior. The unit falls under the Government Security Service which commands the three other elite federal units; the Escort (Bodyguard) Division, Drivers Section, and Criminal Investigation Section. Despite it's SWAT-like appearance, however, SIG would also play a role as a direct action special operations unit in time of war. This transition would not be a difficult one, as SIG members receive training in demolitions and weapons primarily from former Spetsnaz officers and, in fact, many current members are former veterans of the KGB, MVD, Spetsnaz, and parachute units. Training is primarily conducted at the Adazi Spetsnaz Polygon in Adazi, Latvia and includes such topics as car bomb detection, close quarters battle (CQB), and sniping. It has been reported that the fledgling unit is quite professional and capable and has enjoyed some successes against the growing presence of organized crime, even against reports that the unit has had to make due with outdated equipment and weaponry

The Army has 2134 personnel. The regular component of the Army consists of the LATBAT light infantry battalion and training centers. The reserve component consists of the National Guard and is made up of 32 light infantry battalions.

International Airborne Society jumps with the Lativian Airborne Reconnaissance "Lynx" Battalion

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