Putting on my uniform, fear dissolves: RSU students in the National Guard
Writer: Linda Rozenbaha, RSU Public Relations Unit
Among Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) students, some are also members of the National Guard of the Republic of Latvia. These individuals train in the forest under all conditions, dedicating numerous weekends and considerable energy to their service. However, this experience offers valuable benefits in return. What challenges does the National Guard present? How does this experience enhance their studies, and how do students balance the demanding responsibilities of service with academic life?
During RSU Career Inspiration Week, which takes place in Latvian from 17 to 21 February, we give a broader insight into various professions and personal career stories. In this article, we focus on two of our students who are part of the National Guard: Signe Ļuļēna, who is pursuing a master’s degree in the International Governance and Diplomacy programme, and Ričards Brunovskis, a first-year student in the International Marketing and Advertising programme.
Before enrolling in the master’s programme at RSU, Ļuļēna graduated from the Riga Graduate School of Law, specialising in law and diplomacy. She joined the National Guard in the first year of her bachelor’s studies without fully understanding what it entailed, as she had grown up abroad, in Ireland.
‘I thought the National Guard was some kind of volunteer organisation, similar to the Red Cross. It was only while studying a security course at law school that I realised what it truly was,’ Ļuļēna now recalls with a smile. She immediately decided she would give it a try!
What happened then?
Then came the Covid period! That’s when I completed my basic training—each time, I had to take a test to confirm I was healthy. During that time, it was easier to balance the National Guard with my studies since they were conducted remotely. Overall, I have been a member of the National Guard for four years.
Photo: Courtesy of Signe Ļuļēna
How much time does the National Guard take up?
I’m quite actively involved! In 2024, I dedicated more than 50 days to it, well above the minimum requirement of 20 days. Over the past year, I have taken on more responsibilities as an instructor or assistant instructor and was promoted to the next service rank—Senior National Guardsman. Given my legal background, I was invited to teach new recruits about military law, regulations, and international laws of war. So far, I have trained around 200 National Guard members!
How do you currently manage to balance your studies and your service?
It’s not easy, considering that many National Guard activities take place on Saturdays and Sundays, while my master’s studies are also on Saturdays (as well as on Thursdays, with a significant amount of independent work). However, the lecturers at RSU have been very supportive, as has my battalion. They send an official notice to the university specifying the dates when I need to participate, such as a ten-day camp or training sessions.
The university has always allowed me to attend important National Guard training exercises.
According to the National Guard regulations, universities must ensure that students have the opportunity to participate in the most significant training sessions.
Balancing everything, there have been moments when I had to juggle both commitments—for example, during my bachelor’s studies, I once presented my work while in uniform. I was on duty at the time but was allowed to join remotely.
From these experiences, I’ve learned that you can combine a lot if you truly want to. If I miss something in my studies, I can always catch up later. This experience has only strengthened my belief that I am capable of more than I ever imagined.
But… [pause] if someone had told me I would be in the National Guard—running through forests with weapons or helping train others—I would have never believed it! I’ve spent nights in the forest, slept outside in minus 20 degrees… but that’s nothing! You are capable of so much more. I have built resilience and gained invaluable knowledge, which has strengthened my confidence.
Everything I have gone through has boosted my self-confidence and helped me both academically and professionally.
I have now been working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia for a year, dealing with European Union affairs. The security-related knowledge I gained in the National Guard is undoubtedly useful! It’s one thing to learn theory, but it's entirely different to be in an environment where you truly understand how to ensure internal security at a political level and how soldiers operate. For example, I have seen NATO soldiers in action. I am deeply interested in international relations—how they develop on both political and diplomatic levels. Experiencing the reality firsthand, understanding what influences security, how NATO contributes to it, and gaining insight into its inner workings has been incredibly fascinating.
And, of course, I have developed endurance!
The National Guard is made up of people from diverse fields—you meet professionals whom others might never have the chance to encounter in everyday life. Can you tell us more about that?
Absolutely! Here, you find people from all kinds of professions—from spinal surgeons to teachers, politicians, mechanics, and even mothers. Personally, I am inspired by those in the National Guard who are over 40 or even 50. Seeing women in their 50s endure ten consecutive days of sleeplessness, physical exertion, and demanding tasks while remaining so energetic is incredibly motivating! If they can do it, then so can I. Yes, it’s tough, but it’s not like moving a mountain.
There are also many students among us—I’m not the only one. The sense of camaraderie here is truly special, almost like a family. I still keep in close contact with the group I completed my basic training with four years ago. If someone has a problem, we know that anyone from our group will pick up the phone and be ready to help.
Just recently, for example, I had no idea how to inflate my car tyre, and a fellow National Guard member guided me through it!
Photo: Courtesy of Signe Ļuļēna
Physical endurance is essential, isn’t it?
Yes, that’s why I try to go to the gym, take walks, run, and cycle. The initial phase in the National Guard can be tough, but not everyone has to run—there are infantry roles, but also positions in military cooperation, public relations, communications, and other fields.
The environment is diverse, and everyone can find their place.
I’ve also seen cases where someone had to leave training due to an injury—and they had tears in their eyes. There’s a certain spark, a deep passion that develops here!
I believe that anyone who goes through National Guard training experiences a shift in their mindset—a new perspective on things and on your comfort level. You start to appreciate life differently. For example, I’m usually afraid of walking in the forest at night. But the moment I put on my uniform, the fear disappears. I gain confidence, knowing that I don’t have to be afraid. It’s often said that the best soldier isn’t the one who feels no fear and acts anyway, but rather the one who faces their fears and moves forward in spite of them.
Here, I’ve learned to act even when I’m afraid, and that has helped me grow immensely. It has strengthened my belief that I can push myself even further. For instance, right now, I have two months left until I submit my master’s thesis. I am stressed, but I know I can do it—I can overcome my fear that I won’t succeed.
Instead of speculating on the current prospects of war, let’s consider it in theory—what role or actions do you foresee as a National Guard member in a time of unrest?
In the National Guard, everyone is assigned to a specific unit, and I already know the kind of tasks I would be given during a conflict. I would do whatever is necessary. Both military and diplomatic services go hand in hand—this has been clear from history and the current situation in Ukraine.
I can’t imagine my life without the National Guard! While others may spend their weekends socialising, I’m happy to go to the National Guard because it provides experiences you can’t get anywhere else. It has become part of my daily life.
My uniform is always ready at home, and I can’t wait to wear it again!
Under the open sky and unpredictable weather conditions
I also asked Ričards Brunovskis about his experience and the benefits he has gained from the National Guard.
What motivated you to join the National Guard?
The main reason I joined the National Guard was definitely the war happening in our neighbouring country and the growing threats to the Baltic States.
What does service in the National Guard entail practically? How much time does it require, and what are your main activities?
Serving in the National Guard means gaining theoretical knowledge and spending several weekends in the forest, under the open sky and in various, often unpredictable, weather conditions. Becoming a member of the National Guard means setting aside a few weekends each month for training. However, during the initial period, which in my case lasted a year, the training was more intense—sometimes, we had to spend several consecutive weekends in the National Guard. There, we learn to use military equipment and weapons, as well as theoretical knowledge, which we then apply in practice—either in bases or in the forest. In the exercises, we march with full gear and learn survival skills in nature.
Photo: Courtesy of Ričards Brunovskis
What professional benefits does the National Guard provide, and how might it support academic studies?
The National Guard offers the opportunity to collaborate with those around you in real-life situations, develop plans, make decisions in critical situations, and think practically.
In academic studies, we often have to work in pairs or groups to create different projects, so the collaboration skills I develop in the National Guard certainly come in handy in my studies as well.
Photo: Courtesy of Ričards Brunovskis
Can you share a memory from your time in the National Guard?
I can definitely mention the most recent training—winter survival, where every piece of equipment is crucial: socks, extra boots, and spare clothes. A cold winter, rain, snow, strong winds, and two sleepless nights behind me. In such a situation, fatigue becomes more overwhelming, and the thought of home and warmth feels especially tempting. But I have voluntarily chosen this challenge; I don’t complain, and I approach everything with full dedication. After the training, there is a huge sense of relief and satisfaction—I’ve persevered and stepped outside of my usual comfort zone.
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