The President of Latvia has previously stated that it was important that the next Commander enjoyed authority among the staff of the National Armed Forces, had experience in commanding and chief of staff management, and international operations.
Raimonds Vējonis emphasizes that Leonīds Kalniņš contributed substantially and gained considerable experience in the National Armed Forces, including the National Guard, in his letter to the Madam Speaker of the Saeima.
From August 2016, Leonīds Kalniņš holds the rank of the Chief of the Joint Staff of the National Armed Forces. Previously he has been a commander of the National Guard and a Chief of Staff of the National Guard, and has held other senior positions in the National Armed Forces and the National Guard.
While holding positions of the highest commandment, the Major General proved himself as a professional and competent officer, who gained the authority among the staff of the National Armed Forces. His experience and professionalism, and a vision for future action confirm that implementation of the Development Plan of the National Armed Forces will be continued under his leadership.
Leonīds Kalniņš gained the experience in operation planning and management in 2006 while serving in the international operation in Iraq. He started his service in the Latvian army in Battalion No. 51 of the National Guard.