Air 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 32,
•    at least a secondary education (centralized examination grades are taken into account),
•    knowledge of the state language (C1),
•    no criminal record,
•    good health and physical fitness.

Admission Rules for the Study Year 2025/2026

Before imatriculation (enrolment in the university's list of students) in the professional bachelor's degree 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, you will start your studies at the NDAL as a full-fledged cadet. In the first year, you will study Mathematics, Physics, English and other subjects that will help you study at a civil university. Alongside this, you will learn military subjects such as military ethics, civil protection, combat skills, military law, the design and capabilities of small arms and other equally important subjects. Starting from the first year, you will be gradually introduced to your future post-graduation career in a subject such as Introduction to Air Force Specialization.

SECOND YEAR OF STUDIES
The second year of the course is to be spent at a civilian university, where it is planned to study subjects closely related to the specifics of the Air Forces and to acquire the necessary knowledge of technical mechanics, fundamentals of communication systems, aerodynamics and flight dynamics, aircraft construction, computer networks, aircraft radar systems, etc. Alongside studies at the civilian university, military knowledge will be provided in subjects such as the Military Leadership, Military Psychology, Shooting, etc. Soldiers' professional skills are maintained and developed in courses and camps such as the Summer Field Camp.

THIRD YEAR OF STUDIES
The third year is structurally the same as the second year, as it is organized in cooperation with a civilian university. In this course you will continue to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of global navigation satellite systems, aviation communication systems and networks, aviation legislation, basic logistics, airline technical process management, aerodrome management, etc. In this course, cadets go on their first placement in an Air Forces unit, where they get to know the working environment and the specifics of the units, touching upon the most important tasks of each unit. In the same way as in the second year, cadets participate in the Summer Field Camp and, in parallel with their studies at the civilian university, study military subjects; Latvian Military History, Military Pedagogy, Military Leadership, History of Military Arts, Introduction to Air Force Specialization, etc. 

FOURTH YEAR OF STUDIES
In this year, the cooperation with the civilian university has ended and the studies are fully conducted at the NDAL, where the cadets continue to study military subjects - Combat Equipment and Armament, Introduction to Fire Support, Engineer Support, Communications, Air Support, Land Forces Tactics, Medical Sustainment, etc. During this course, cadets go on a second internship with an Air Forces unit, where each cadet is individually assigned to the specific unit where they will serve after graduation from the NDAL. At the end of the internship, cadets are required to write and defend an Internship Report. In parallel, during this phase, cadets have the opportunity to focus on writing their Bachelor's Thesis.  

FIFTH YEAR OF STUDIES
In this course, cadets are given time to concentrate as much as possible on the national examinations - writing their Bachelor's Thesis - but they are also required to take free electives, which include humanities/social studies, management and communication studies courses. In parallel, in the course "Introduction to Air Forces Specialization" cadets continue to acquire knowledge about the Air Forces. 
The content of the study programme may be updated and developed during the study period.

Plan of the study programme Air Forces Military Leadership

In the course of studies, the following subjects will be acquired:
•    Military Law,
•    Military Leadership,
•    Shooting Training,
•    Combat Equipment and Armament
•    Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense,
•    Communication,
•    Air Forces Sustainment, 
•    Air Tactics and Air Defense 
•    Basic Aerodynamics,
•    Aviation Engine Theory,
•    Aero Gas Turbine Engine Design
•    Digital Electronic Instrumentation Systems
•    Aviation Communication Systems and Networks
•    Global Navigation Satellite System
•    Aircraft Radar, Radio Navigation and Power Supply Systems
•    Organization and Provision of Technical Aircraft Operation 
•    Aircraft Maintenance and Diagnostics, etc.

1. It is a priority to consider the formation of the student as a leader and the development of his creative personality.
2. To establish a concentration of basic courses for the formation of a military leader in Mandatory Part A, so that students gain theoretical understanding and practical skills in planning, conducting and controlling tasks of a military and non-military nature.
3. To develop students' abilities to analytically formulate and make objective decisions in high-risk conditions and crisis situations.
4. To acquire leadership and military-technical knowledge, incl. combat engineering support, individual and collective armament, communications and combat equipment that meet the requirements for the professional qualification of an Air Forces lieutenant.
5. To provide such a block of interdisciplinary complex Restricted Electives Part B courses of a specific specialization that students acquire knowledge in engineering study courses and aviation industry issues, the practical knowledge of which can be applied to the proper operation of a NAF aircraft.
6. To acquire self-education and research work skills by studying industry literature, conducting research, preparing semester, Study and Diploma paper, preparing projects and other types of tasks related to aviation, engineering and national defense.
7. To promote further improvement of the content of the study programme and study process in accordance with the development plans, tasks and technological development of the NAF.

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

Studiju programmas direktors

Captain Mārtiņš Zābelis  E-mail: martins.zabelis@mil.lv

National Defense Academy of Latvia 
Methodologis, Air Forces Division

Inna Vertļina-Kovaļska E-mail: inna.kovalska@mil.lv mob.t. 28305726

Teaching staff

Valdis Kuzmins E-mail: valdis.kuzmins@mil.lv mob.t. 29373810

Andis Landrāts E-mail: andis.landrats@mil.lv mob.t. 26599689

Toms Rostoks E-mail: toms.rostoks@mil.lv mob.t. 29557994

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

Lieutenant Ieva Būmerte

I studied in the Air Forces programme and was happy with it. In my internship, which I really enjoyed, I saw it again and realized it was the right place for me. If I had the chance to turn back the clock and start again, I wouldn't change my studies.