The Saeima of Latvia has conceptually endorsed a legal amendment proposing that state defense education be accessible through distance learning and non-formal educative frameworks. This change is crucial as it establishes mandatory state defense training for high school students starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, equipping youth with essential skills to respond during crises and fostering citizenship awareness. The initiative is coordinated by the Jaunsardzes Center, which aims to broaden educational access across different learning modalities.

Under the proposed changes, the accessibility of defense education will significantly expand, impacting thousands of students engaged in either distance learning or non-formal education. Currently, numbers reveal that approximately 2,302 students began 10th grade in distance learning in September 2025, with an additional 2,849 in 11th grade. Furthermore, 262 special education students were enrolled in 10th grade non-formal programs, with 265 in the 11th grade, indicating a growing number of youth benefitting from this educational reform aimed at enhancing national security.

The authors of the amendments emphasized the importance of defense education at the high school level, underscoring its role in providing knowledge about the national security system and developing psychological resilience among youth. For these amendments to take effect under the State Defense Education and Youth Guard Law, they will need to pass further legislative hurdles, indicating that while there is initial support, the full implementation still awaits procedural advancements in the Saeima.