According to reports from the Latvian Ministry of Defense and official military portals, pulkvežleitnants Ģirts Savins will assume command of the Zemessardzes 4. Kurzemes brigāde during a ceremonial handover on Friday, August 14, at 3:00 PM on the historic brick bridge in Kuldīga. He replaces pulkvedis Edmunda Svenčs, who has led the unit since 2024 and is transitioning to service with the Air Forces.
Leadership Handover on the Historic Bridge
The change of command ceremony in Kuldīga brings together high-ranking military officials, including Nacionālo bruņoto spēku komandieris ģenerālleitnants Kaspars Pudāns and Zemessardzes komandieris brigādes ģenerālis Aivars Krjukovs. According to official announcements, the event features personnel from the 4. Kurzemes brigādes five subordinate battalions—located in Liepāja, Ventspils, Dobelē, Kuldīgā, and Jelgava—alongside regional partners and invited guests.
Career Path of Incoming Commander Ģirts Savins
Pulkvežleitnants Savins brings three decades of military experience to the post, having started his service in 1995 at the Latvian National Defense Academy, as outlined in official records. His career includes leadership roles as an Izlūkdienesta bataljona vada komandieris and Sauszemes spēku 1. kājnieku bataljona rotas komandieris, as well as later serving as the head of the Kaujas atbalsta bataljona and the Kaujas atbalsta pārvaldes priekšnieks within the Joint Headquarters Operational Planning Department. Internationally, he has served as the Latvian contingent commander in Afghanistan and Kosovo, as well as a Ministry of Defense military representative officer at the NATO international headquarters in the United Kingdom.
Pro Tip: Professional military education for pulkvežleitnants Savins includes training at the Hammelburg Infantry School in Germany, the Baltic Defence College, and the U.S. Army Intelligence Center, complemented by specialized parachute training.
Legacy and Next Steps for Colonel Edmunda Svenčs
Outgoing commander pulkvedis Svenčs departs the 4. Kurzemes brigāde after steering significant developments since taking over the position in 2024, according to defense communications. His tenure focused on strengthening combat capabilities, refining training processes, and notably advancing the “Mežaine” military base to prepare it for receiving State Defense Service soldiers in 2026. Svenčs now moves on to serve within the Latvian Air Forces, leaving behind a brigade operating under the motto “Vairogs tautai, zobens Tēvzemei.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the change of command taking place?
The ceremony takes place on Friday, August 14, at 3:00 PM on the historic brick bridge in Kuldīga, according to official reports.
Who is taking over command of the 4. Kurzemes brigāde?
Pulkvežleitnants Ģirts Savins assumes command, replacing outgoing commander pulkvedis Edmunda Svenčs, as stated by the Ministry of Defense.
Which units fall under the 4. Kurzemes brigāde?
The brigade oversees five battalions: three infantry battalions in Liepāja, Ventspils, and Dobelē, a supply battalion in Kuldīga, and a combat support battalion in Jelgava, founded on June 30, 1992.