"After evaluating the professional experience, education and qualifications of General Kaspars Pudāns, as well as the skills and cooperation ability demonstrated in the position of National Guard commander, I consider Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns suitable for the position of commander of the National Armed Forces," said the President.
"Brigadier General Pudāns' military knowledge and previous service experience make him an excellent candidate for the post of commander of the National Armed Forces," said Defense Minister Andris Sprūds of the announcement.
Brigadier General Pudāns has been in the National Armed Forces since 1994, and from February 2023 he has been Commander of the National Guard. He received his military education at the National Defense Academy of Latvia, the Baltic Defense College in Estonia, and the French Military Academy. He has a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree in Total Quality Management.
Pudāns has more than 20 years of service experience in the National Armed Forces, serving in the Ground Forces, the National Guard, and the Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces. He gained international service experience in the international operation in Afghanistan, as well as performing the duties of a military representative to NATO and the EU in Brussels.
According to the Law on the National Armed Forces, the Saeima approves the commanders of the National Armed Forces for a period of four years and dismisses them from office upon the nomination of the President.
The current NBS commander was quick to express his support for his likely successor on social media, saying: "I proudly congratulate Brigadier General Kaspar Pudan on his nomination to the post of NBS commander. The position of NBS commander is a great responsibility and honor. I am sure that his knowledge, professional experience and vision will contribute to the development of the armed forces and strengthen the security of our country."
The appointment must be approved by a Saeima vote, though this is likely to be a formality.
