DVIDS – News – Michigan National Guard engineers assist Latvia in developing Seilja training area

SELONIA, LATVIA (AP) — To improve military readiness through international cooperation, the Michigan National Guard has partnered with Latvian Zemessardze engineers to build the new Selija Training Range in Selonia, Latvia. The ambitious project, which spans 62,000 acres and is scheduled for completion by 2030, aims to strengthen the training capabilities of NATO forces by providing a collective training complex for joint exercises.

The Selija Training Area broke ground in early June and marks an important step toward future warfare training. It will include elements such as water crossing training, military staging areas and ammunition impact zones for live-fire maneuvers. The construction initiative not only facilitates hands-on training for Michigan National Guard engineers, but also advances their engineering skills and experience through collaboration with Latvian counterparts.

“We worked closely with our Latvian counterparts throughout the planning phase to overcome challenges and ensure the project was aligned with their goals,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ted Schroeder, project manager for the 507th Engineer Battalion.

As construction progresses, the initiative will meet Latvia’s strategic imperative to modernize military infrastructure with modern training facilities. The aim is to support joint exercises using both live fire and dry fire exercises, thereby improving both international and regional defense capabilities and promoting cooperation between neighboring countries.

“The survey and design team is using their expertise to develop a comprehensive plan that can be adapted to Latvia’s evolving training needs,” explained Master Sgt. Keara Kangas, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the project for HHC’s 177th Military Police Brigade.

Once completed, the Selija Training Range will provide a realistic and challenging training environment in which NATO forces can conduct complex combat maneuvers and improve their joint operational capabilities, preparing troops for different combat scenarios and ready to overcome natural and man-made obstacles.

Under the auspices of the State Partnership Program (SPP), established in 1993, cooperation between the Latvian Armed Forces and the Michigan National Guard has been strengthened. Joint training exercises such as Exercise Northern Strike at the National All Domain Warfighting Center in Northern Michigan, disaster contingency planning, and subject matter expert exchanges have improved the readiness and interoperability of both forces. The Selija Training Area project builds on this foundation by providing opportunities for joint military training that improves tactical capabilities and communications between Latvian and U.S. units.

“Latvians have expressed optimism that the second phase progress will meet both military and community needs,” noted Major Kaspars Skudrovs of the Latvian Armed Forces. “As we only have one bridge across our main river, the additional site would be beneficial for training and serve as a backup for day-to-day use.”

This comprehensive development plan addresses a broad range of military training needs, supports neighboring countries, promotes regional cooperation, and improves individual and unit readiness. The project underscores the enduring partnership and shared commitment to global security between Latvia and the United States.

“The Selija training range will enhance Latvian and U.S. operational readiness through improved maneuverability and live fire opportunities,” said Maj. Catalin Bugan, Michigan National Guard bilateral representative in Latvia. “When units train together at Selija, they will increase their interoperability and lethality.”

Approximately $750 million in allied and national funds are earmarked for the construction of the range. The Selija Range project not only improves military readiness through state-of-the-art training facilities, but also underscores the continued value of training exercises during and after the construction phase. This investment ensures that NATO forces are well prepared for various combat scenarios, strengthens regional defense capabilities, and enhances international cooperation in maintaining global security.

“We are grateful to the Michigan National Guard engineers, whose collaboration with Zemessardze engineers will significantly advance progress at Selija both in 2025 and on long-term military projects,” concluded Skudrovs.