32 Years of Close Cooperation Continue: Latvia and the Michigan National Guard Participate in Joint Exercise “SĒLIJA CASTLE”
From June 1 to 14, the annual training of the Michigan National Guard will take place in Latvia and the United States. This training is organized by the U.S. in cooperation with the Latvian National Armed Forces, with a primary focus on strengthening the long-standing partnership with the Latvian National Guard. The annual training includes a military exercise called “SĒLIJA CASTLE.”
As part of the military exercise “SĒLIJA CASTLE,” three main activities are planned. Soldiers of the Latvian National Armed Forces and U.S. engineers will conduct joint training in construction work at the Sēlija training area. At the same time, Michigan National Guard infantry will conduct joint military training with soldiers and Latvian National Guard members of the Latvian National Armed Forces in various locations across Latvia. Meanwhile, soldiers and Latvian National Guard members of Latvian National Armed Forces will travel to Michigan to participate in training in various military specialties alongside the Michigan National Guard.
The “SĒLIJA CASTLE” exercise represents another step in the strategic cooperation between the United States and Latvia, a relationship that has continued for 32 years. This cooperation spans a wide range of areas, including defense capability development, technological exchange, collaboration in international operations, and strengthening societal resilience.
The partnership between Latvia and Michigan began in 1993, becoming one of the first initiatives of the State Partnership Program following the end of the Cold War. Since then, the collaboration has grown into one of NATO’s most active partnerships, encompassing not only training and personnel exchanges but also joint service in Afghanistan, cooperation in cybersecurity and unmanned technologies, as well as support for the development of Latvia’s defense infrastructure.
Prepared by:
Latvian National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters
Information Analysis and Management Department
Communications Division
Email: prese@mil.lv
Phone: +371 67071032
