Canadian troops strengthen NATO readiness in Latvia
November 18, 2025 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:00
By: Captain Michael Kearney, Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre PAO
Caption
Commander of the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre watches as LCol Strain briefs Commander CADTC on the progress of Exercise RESOLUTE GUARDIAN. The exercise was held at the Adazi Military Base in Adazi Latvia between September 30 and October 8, 2025.
Credit: Capt M.T. Kearney, October 1, 2025.
This fall, members of the Latvian National Armed Forces, National Guard Battalions, and civilian organizations came together for Exercise NAMEJS, Latvia’s annual whole-of-government national defence rehearsal that was named in honour of a 13th century Latvian chieftain. First held in 2012 in response to growing regional instability, NAMEJS has included NATO forces for the past three years. As the framework nation of NATOs Forward Land Force in Latvia, Canada has assisted to schedule, plan, and execute these important readiness rehearsals.
As military personnel deployed across Latvia to conduct training in local communities, the Multinational Brigade Latvia (MNB-LVA) headquarters played a key role by executing a command post exercise called Exercise RESOLUTE GUARDIAN (Ex REGU), nested within NAMEJS. This Canadian-led exercise provided a platform for two critical assessments: a Canadian Level 7 validation and a NATO Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL). These evaluations are designed to confirm the operational readiness of headquarters and their ability to lead major combat operations.
Throughout the exercise, Canadian Batte Task Standards and NATO Standing Orders were leveraged to identify areas where the Brigade Headquarters could augment their readiness and lethality. The process enhanced the brigade’s ability to perform core tasks and integrate effectively with flanking formations. Embedding REGU within NAMEJS ensured the exercise had the necessary scale and complexity to deliver a realistic and robust validation.
Caption
Canadian Armed Forces members work in Exercise Control during Exercise RESOLUTE GUARDIAN. The exercise was held at the Adazi Military Base in Adazi Latvia between September 30 and October 8, 2025.
Credit: Capt M.T. Kearney, October 5, 2025.
Canada’s leadership in MNB-LVA was instrumental in supporting NATO’s strategic objectives in the region. For three consecutive years, NAMEJS has facilitated the integration of MNB-LVA into Latvia’s national defence framework. As the cornerstone of NATO’s defence posture in the Baltics, the Latvian National Armed Forces benefit from these joint exercises, which foster interoperability and strengthen trust among Allies. During REGU, MNB-LVA operated alongside Latvian brigades and other NATO elements under Multinational Division North (MND-N), replicating the command structure that would be activated in the event of an invasion of the Baltics.
Canada’s involvement in NAMEJS and REGU also reflects its own evolving defence priorities. As the structure of the Canadian Army transitions to include a Manoeuvre Division, exercises at the division level are essential. The Army’s modernization initiative, Inflection Point 2025, outlines the need to lead and support full-spectrum operations, transition seamlessly from competition - to crisis - to conflict, and collaborate with partner forces, government departments, and non-governmental organizations—all of which were demonstrated during this deployment.
The insights gained from Exercises RESOLUTE GUARDIAN and NAMEJS will inform future Canadian Army force development, shaping how it is structured, trained, equipped, and sustained to meet the demands of major combat operations and support NATO’s collective defence in the region.