One of the key changes provides for the right to pre-register and voluntarily apply for 17-year-old citizens who will turn 18 no later than six months before the start of the planned conscription. Until now, young people who reached adulthood shortly before the selection process were effectively deprived of the opportunity to voluntarily enlist and take advantage of the associated benefits. It is expected that the new procedure, successfully implemented in other NATO countries, will not impose any legal obligations on young people before they reach adulthood and will allow them to better plan their future immediately after graduating from high school. The bill also provides for greater flexibility during service. Volunteers will be able to change their chosen type of service until the completion of the medical examination. In addition, military personnel already serving in the National Guard or training under the reserve officer training program for university students will be able to voluntarily switch to an 11-month service during their first year of study. Members of the National Guard who have already participated in international military operations will also be exempt from state defense service to avoid calling up military personnel whose level of training and combat experience exceeds the VAD training program. To increase the effectiveness of service and reduce legal risks, it is proposed to reduce the maximum age for which a deferment for valid reasons can be obtained from 26 to 24 years. Social guarantees and compensations are also significantly expanded, especially for Latvian citizens living abroad. In the future, they will be reimbursed for transportation costs not only when arriving in Latvia but also when returning to their country of residence after completing their service. Additionally, the state will cover the costs of renting housing or hotels during mandatory medical examinations. The issue of vacations for military personnel who decide to continue their career in the professional army after completing state defense service has also been regulated. Time spent in VAD will be counted towards the total service time, granting the right to annual paid leave. The Ministry of Defense reports that young people aged 18 to 27 can already apply for service, which will begin in January or July 2027. In 2027, it is planned to accept: up to 2800 people for 11-month service in the National Armed Forces; up to 600 people for five-year service in the National Guard; up to 100 people for a five-year reserve officer training program (as part of the winter conscription). Amendments to the law on the State Defense Service still need to be reviewed and approved by the Saeima.