Bauska National Guard prepares for war with training ammunition — In Liepāja they'd call it Sunday relaxation

Bauska has suddenly become a military activity center where national guardsmen train to be real soldiers with fake bullets. The National Defense Service soldiers have chosen the non-intensive five-year cycle, which means they can combine war games with everyday work and studies. In Riga they'd call it work-life balance, but in Liepāja we know it as regular weekend activities.

The training program includes mortar squad tasks in both day and night conditions. Apparently someone figured out that the enemy might attack even after eight in the evening, which is quite a revolutionary thought. The training ammunition makes noise but doesn't threaten lives, so local residents can peacefully continue watching television. One Bauska pensioner comments: "Well, finally something interesting is happening, just why aren't they shooting for real?"

For comparison — Lake Liepāja has always been peaceful and quiet in contrast to our sea storms, but it seems that now even Bauska's fields are becoming a louder place than our inland body of water. After training, everything will be cleaned up, as the national guardsmen are raised to respect nature and not forget to clean up after themselves.

The program requires 28 days per year, which is less than one month, but more than the average Riga resident spends outside the house without a phone. They also pay compensation for this, so for many this voluntary military service form seems more attractive than the traditional 11-month service. As one participant says: "Better to play war 28 days a year than spend a whole year listening to an officer talk about discipline."