LATVIA National Guard Special Task Force "Vanags" unit sleeve patch, printed, 1992-2003

(Latvian: Zemessardzes Speciālo uzdevumu vienība "Vanags")

Early printed variant.

Latvian National Guard Special Task Force was established on May 1, 1992. The majority of unit troops had experience in the various special units of the Soviet Army. The unit covered the entire territory of Latvia and, in particular, carried out regular round-the-clock on-call duty on the streets of Riga, mainly fighting organized crime groups.

On 20 October 1997, the Task Force established on May 1, 1992 was renamed the National Guard unit "Vanag". The main tasks of the unit were to provide combat readiness, to participate in training, as well as to develop the special physical and moral qualities. In cooperation with national law enforcement agencies, "Vanaga" troops also participated in public safety security tasks, VIP protection, state border guarding and Latvia's economic interests protection missions, and also explosive ordnance disposal.

In July 2003, the National Guards Special Task Force "Vanags" was amalgamated with the Army Special Tasks Unit (SUV).