Zemessardze
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zemessardze (from Latvian National Guard) — is a Latvian volunteer military self-protecting formation, similar to German Landwehr. Zemessardze is a part of Latvian army and a regular force reserve.
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[edit] History
The Zemessardze organized in 1991 as the first defense force of the newly independent Latvia, Zemessardze's roots can be traced to a pre-WWII National Guard organization. An all-volunteer force, its initial strength was approximately 16,000 men with very little in the way of weapons, but with a fierce determination to defend the newly formed democratic Latvian government. Over the years the Zemessardze has retained its volunteer status, but has under-gone a number of reorganizations, retiring some of its older members, streamlining its organization, and closing some of its first military bases which were inherited from the Soviet Union. Beginning in 1993, the Zemessardze formed a partnership with the United States Michigan State National Guard, providing the Zemessardze with help in organization and training.

