NBS Brigadier General Leščinskis to Become Commandant of Baltic Defence College
Starting June 17, Brigadier General Egils Leščinskis of the National Armed Forces will take over as commandant of the Baltic Defence College, replacing Lithuanian Brigadier General Alvydas Šuparis.
On Wednesday, 17 June, the change of command ceremony for the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) will take place in Tartu, Estonia. Brigadier General Egils Leščinskis of the National Armed Forces (NAF) will assume the position, succeeding the previous commandant, Lithuanian Brigadier General Alvydas Šuparis. The event will be attended by Latvian Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis and NAF Commander Major General Kaspars Pudāns.
Leščinskis began his military career in 1991 when he volunteered for the National Guard. He started his service in the NAF in 1992. During his career, he has served in the Special Tasks Unit of the National Guard and the Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces. From 2011 to 2015, he was the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command and the Rector of the National Defence Academy. From 31 May 2019 to 22 February 2023, he served as the Commander of the National Guard. Since 22 February 2023, he has been the Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff for Operations and the Head of the Land Component.
Leščinskis is also a graduate of the Baltic Defence College, having completed the first Senior Staff Officer Course in 2000.
This year, several Latvian representatives will graduate from the college. Four Latvian representatives – two officers and two civil servants – will complete the Higher Command Course. The Joint Command and General Staff Course will be completed by 16 Latvian officers and one civil servant, while the Civil Servants Course will be completed by two civil servants.
