Latvian SFOR-soldier wear M90

[P18]

Why does a Latvian SFOR-soldier wear M90 and a ID badge with the swedish designation "Vaktofficer"? I´m just curious, especially about the badge.

[ostius]

I do not know, but I can guess. In very early 1990ties Baltic States started to send soldiers to former Yugoslavia. As we had neither equipment nor know-how for peacekeeping operations, Scandinavians supported us. I have seen many photos about Estonian soldiers wearing Danish and Norwegian uniforms. By the way, small Baltic squads or platoons served inside Scandinavian units.

[goat89]

Wow. Interesting. I thought there was some kind of typo error lol. P18? You a peacekeeper?
PS: Nice avatar!

[Moxica]

Sweden among some other countries supported them with equipment so they could have a defence force of their own giving away in Swedens case mostly stored equipment (some new some obsolete). A kick in the nuts for all the tax payers:-*$ for giving away millions of tax money just like that

[Sniffit]

Sweden among some other countries supported them with equipment so they could have a defence force of their own giving away in Swedens case mostly stored equipment (some new some obsolete). A kick in the nuts for all the tax payers:-*$ for giving away millions of tax money just like that

Or if you acuatlly think about it, giving away all that equipment to the baltic states probably did more for the swedish national defence then having it locked away in storages here and there or selling it of for almost nothing to the swedish public as surplus.

[Storstark]

Most of the equipment we sent was stored IB77 (Infantry Brigade 1977) stuff. Which was finally scraped ~-94 after have been stored and obsolete for years. No M90's was sent AFAIK, IB77 = Uniform M59, AK4.

[P18]

Thanks Storstark! I was aware of what we sent our neighbours. I thought some lett could recount about the specific mission. But presumably not one recognize this soldier with the swedish badge. :-)

[supercontra]

There were swedes sent to latvia back then to train their personell. Mabe it's as easy as a gift or trade of gear between 2 individuals from different countries.

[Sniffit]

There were swedes sent to latvia back then to train their personell. Mabe it's as easy as a gift or trade of gear between 2 individuals from different countries.

Then he wouldn't wear it while on duty.

[Storstark]

My guess is that Sweden provided Latvia with equipment in their early years in SFOR.

Maybe Latvian soldiers manned the guard in the swedish camp.

[conscript]

yes! in the begining sweden suplied our soldiers with their uniforms weapones and equipment in peacekeeping missions. becouse we started to deploy with only one platoon, wich was included in swedish batallion.
sometimes they manned camp checkpoint, but mostly they patroled theyre area of responsibility.

[anvo]

yes! in the begining sweden suplied our soldiers with their uniforms weapones and equipment in peacekeeping missions. becouse we started to deploy with only one platoon, wich was included in swedish batallion.
sometimes they manned camp checkpoint, but mostly they patroled theyre area of responsibility.

Hey Conscript :)
Yes, I agree u, but there is a small misunderstanding, how he can be Latvian, who was in swedish batalion, if he have 1st batalion badge, but then wasn't 1st infantry batalion, but was BALBAT, corect me if I am wrong..

[dave81]

Then he wouldn't wear it while on duty.
Not necessarily true; I don't know about the Latvian Army, but the Romanians sometimes wear souvenir pins traded to them on their uniforms from other armies -- yes, even while on guard duty.

PS: Today for the first time I saw the Latvian digital camo here in Iraq. G$*@!!+$ that is one ugly uniform.

[Switek]

Not necessarily true; I don't know about the Latvian Army, but the Romanians sometimes wear souvenir pins traded to them on their uniforms from other armies -- yes, even while on guard duty.

PS: Today for the first time I saw the Latvian digital camo here in Iraq. G$*@!!+$ that is one ugly uniform.

Do not underestimate this. I guess that from a distance 30-50m. it works quite fine... I'd like to have one kit.