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 32
•    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 for the Study Year 2025/2026

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.

Plan of the study programme Naval Forces Military Leadership

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. 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 a Lieutenant of the ship crew.
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 driving and use of NAF vessels.
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 seafaring, engineering 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 "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

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.