1. Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube
2. Latvian Military Career
3. Return to Command and Promotion
4. Retirement
5. Awards and Honors

Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube

Early Life and Military Service

Raimonds Graube was born in Riga in 1957. After graduating from high school and trade school, he was conscripted into the Soviet Army in 1976. Upon his return, he briefly worked at the VEF electronics factory.

Latvian Military Career

In 1991, Graube joined the Latvian National Guard (Zemessardze). He rose through the ranks and was appointed Commander of the Zemessardze in 1998. In 1999, he became the Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces (LNAF). He remained in this position until 2003.

Return to Command and Promotion

In 2010, Graube was reappointed as Commander of the LNAF. In the same year, he was promoted to Major General, becoming the second general officer of this rank in Latvia. On November 11, 2012, he was promoted to Lieutenant General, the first in Latvian history.

Retirement

On October 25, 2016, Graube announced his retirement, citing the need to "make way for new commanders" and support the career progression of younger officers.

Awards and Honors

Graube has received numerous military awards, including:
- Estonian Cross of Merit (2000)
- Lithuanian Medal of Merit (2001 and 2003)
- French National Order of Merit (2001)
- Latvian Order of Viesturs (2005)

General