Latvian KGB Recruitment Trends
A graph showing quarterly recruitment numbers for Latvian KGB agents, 1964-1992.
The graph above illustrates the estimated inflow of recruits to the Latvian KGB between 1963 and 1992. The most notable feature of the graph is the recruitment peaks that occur within the last few days of June or December every year. During the KGB’s existence in Latvia, semiannual quotas incentivized recruiters, causing surges in recruitment towards the end of these deadlines. This pattern within KGB recruitment resembles the Soviet work practice of ‘storming’, where production would significantly increase to meet a quota that often compromised quality. Similarly, KGB recruiters would be more open to accepting applicants they otherwise would reject in order to meet or surpass their quota.