Estere Tumoviča appointed the new Chief of Chaplains of the National Armed Forces
On 12 July, Captain Estere Tumoviča became the new National Armed Forces Chief of Chaplains in a ceremony held at the Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces, succeeding Elmārs Pļaviņš in this position.
Change of chief chaplain ceremony at the National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters was attended by Defence Minister Artis Pabriks, Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš and other invited guests.
‘We are grateful to the outgoing Chief of Chaplains, Elmārs Pļaviņš, for many years of service to Latvia and international relations. And congratulations to the incoming Chief of Chaplains, Captain Estere Tumoviča who assumes her duties today. Captain Tumoviča is the first woman in this position in all the NATO countries,’ said Defence Minister Pabriks.
Captain Estere Tumoviča joined the army in 2018 when she enrolled in the National Defence Academy Officer Programme basic level. After graduation, she became the Chaplain of the Military Police.
Elmārs Pļaviņš became the National Armed Forces Chief of Chaplains in 2006 and will now serve as the senior expert for international military and religious cooperation of the National Armed Forces Command Support Group.
Chaplain is a command officer who provides religious and moral support and guidance to the commander and personnel of the armed forces. Chaplain is directly subordinated to commander. Tasks of a chaplain include planning and organising of religious events and activities linked to ministry.
Chaplain, who is a commissioned officer, irrespective of his or her denomination, is required to provide spiritual support to all believers without any discrimination.
Chief of Chaplains is the designated head of the Chaplains’ Department of the National Armed forces. Chief of Chaplains answers directly to Chief of Staff of the National Armed Forces.
Media contacts:
Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
Website: www.mod.gov.lv
