Office of Defense Cooperation

The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) is an organization of the United States Embassy in Riga, Latvia that is also a part of the United States European Command headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

ODC's mission is to train and equip members of the Latvian Ministry of Defense and National Armed Forces. This is funded mostly by significant grant money awarded by the Congress of the United State to Latvia on an annual basis. The ODC is committed to assisting Latvia with the educational and professional training development of its Armed Forces, while also outfitting its Armed Forces with modern, quality equipment, compatible with both US and NATO.

The training is accomplished mostly under the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program and consists of training courses in the United States ranging from 2 weeks to 18 months.

Equipment is obtained through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, and mostly paid for with Foreign Military Funding (FMF) non-repayable, grant money.

As a section within the Office of Defense Cooperation, the U.S. Bilateral Affairs Officer (BAO) coordinates bilateral military-to-military cooperation between the U.S. and Latvia. The State of Michigan is the United States European Command (USEUCOM) designated State Partner to Latvia. The purpose of the Partnership is designed to assist Latvia's security goals by promoting social stability, respect for the rule of law, military professionalism, and closer relations with NATO. Under the guidance of the U.S. Ambassador and the Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) the Bilateral Affairs Officer develops Joint Contact Team Program (JCTP) events; National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) Exercises; and functions as a deputy to the ODC Chief.

To provide easy access for members of the Defense Community, the ODC has its offices located in the Latvian Ministry of Defense 10/12 Valdemara Street in Riga.

Contact person:
Liene Kovaļova

Phone: +371 6733-5255
E-mail: liene.kovalova.fn@mail.mil