Military of Estonia
The Estonian Defence Forces (Kaitsevägi in Estonian; listen is the name of the unified armed forces of the Republic of Estonia. The armed forces of Estonia policy aims to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its land area, territorial waters and airspace and its constitutional order. The Estonian Defence Forces is a defence force consisting of an Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence League.
Structure
The average size of the Estonian Defence Forces in peacetime is about 5,600 of whom about 2,200 are conscripts. The Defence League has more than 10,000 members. The planned size of the operational (wartime) structure at the moment is 16,000 personnel.
The Estonian Defence Forces are a reserve force, and as such, "all physically and mentally healthy male citizens" must undergo compulsory military service for the duration of either 8 or 11 months, during which time the conscripts are taught the basic skills needed to be mobilized into active duty.
History
In April 1917 the mobilization department of the Russian General Staff issued an order to concentrate Estonian military personnel in their homeland. The Bureau of Estonian Military Personnel, headed by Arnold Jürgens, was established in Tallinn.
The first Estonian military unit was formed on the 20 May 1917 when the Russian Minister of War gave his official permission to form the First Estonian Regiment. Colonel Aleksander Tõnisson was appointed to command the regiment which comprised 32 officers and 3372 soldiers.
The formation of the First Estonian Regiment was transferred to Rakvere where the unit achieved its maximum numbers of 118 officers and 10,151 soldiers. Throughout its existence 216 officers and 11,538 soldiers served in the regiment. The regiment was the base for the creation of national soldiers, officers, military units and eventually the national armed forces.
After the German Revolution, between 11 and 14 November 1918 the representatives of Germany formally handed over political power to the national government of Estonia. A new military invasion by the Bolshevist Russia followed a few days later, marking the beginning of the Estonian War of Independence. The small, poorly armed Estonian defense force was initially pushed back by the Red Army into the vicinity of Tallinn, the capital. A mere 34 kilometers separated Tallinn and the front line. Partly due to the timely arrival of a shipment of arms brought by a British naval squadron the Bolsheviks were stopped.
In January 1919, the Estonian armed forces launched a counteroffensive under Commander-in-Chief Johan Laidoner. The Estonian Army was supported by the Royal Navy as well as Finnish, Swedish and Danish volunteers. By the end of February 1919, the Red Army had been expelled from all of the territory of Estonia.
On 2 February, 1920, the Peace Treaty of Tartu was signed by the Republic of Estonia and Bolshevist Russia. After winning the Estonian Liberation War against Soviet Russia and German Freikorps volunteers, Estonia maintained its independence for twenty-two years.
On 16 June, 1940, the Soviet Union invaded Estonia.[1] the Soviet Union presented an ultimatum, demanding the replacement of the Estonian government and free access for Soviet troops. Most of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League surrendered according to the orders believing that resistance was useless and were disarmed by the Red Army.
On 3 September 1991 the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia decided to restore the Defence Forces. From 1991 to 2001 the Estonian Defence Forces have restored and formed over 30 old and new military units.
National defence policy
Its main goals remain the development and maintenance of a credible capability to defend the nation's vital interests and development of the EDF in a way that ensures their interoperability with the armed forces of NATO and EU member states and their capability to participate in the full range of Alliance missions.
In peacetime the main tasks of EDF are to monitor and maintain control over airspace, to maintain combat readiness, to train conscripts and develop reserve units, to participate in NATO and UN-led international missions and to provide assistance to civilian authorities in case of national emergency.
In crises the main tasks of EDF are to increase readiness levels of units as required, to prepare for transition to wartime structure and to begin partial or total mobilization as ordered, to integrate units from other ministries and to prepare for assistance from and reception of friendly forces.
In wartime the main tasks of EDF are to defend the territorial integrity of the state, to facilitate the arrival and deployment of forces from other countries and co-operate with them, to maintain control over national airspace and facilitate the air defence of strategic assets in co-operation with forces from other countries.
Leadership of the national defence
The national defence of Estonia is conducted on the principles of civilian control inherently bound with the democratic organisation of the state. Democratically elected and appointed executive institutions make decisions on the use of the Defence Forces and determine the respective objectives, allocate the necessary resources and monitor the attainment of the objectives.
The implementation of the principles of civilian control is guaranteed by defence-related rights, obligations and responsibilities legislatively laid upon the Parliament, the President of the Republic and the Government of the Republic.
The highest leader of the national defence is the President of the Republic advised in national defence matters by the National Defence Council comprising of the Chairman of the Parliament, the Prime Minister, the Chief of the Defence Forces (the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces in wartime), the Defence Minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chairman of the Parliamentary National Defence Committee.
Executive power in the leadership of the national defence is executed by the Government of the Republic.
Organization
The Estonian Defence Forces consist of regular military units totaling 5,600 officers and men, and a voluntary corps, the Estonian Defence League with about 10,000 soldiers. The Defence Forces are stationed within four defence districts with headquarters in Tallinn, Rakvere, Tartu, Pärnu.
Estonian Army (Maavägi)
The Estonian Army is the main arm of the Defence Forces. The Army development priorities are the capability to participate in missions outside the national territory and the capability to perform operations to protect the territory of Estonia, also in co-operation with the Allies.
The Army component of the operational structure consists of an infantry brigade and a homeland security structure. Deployable infantry battalion tactical group and some deployable Combat Support and Combat Service Support units will be developed in the Army structure in accordance with NATO Force Proposals requirements. Infantry brigade will act as a training and support frame for deployable units. Homeland security structure units will have the capability to carry out territorial military tasks and support civil structures.
Estonian Navy (Merevägi)
The Navy is responsible for protecting the territorial waters of the Republic of Estonia. In case of a crisis situation the Navy must be ready to defend sea approaches, harbour areas, sea lines of communication and to co-operate with coalition units.
The top priority for the Navy is the development of its minesweeping and minehunting capability that is also one of the Navy's peacetime responsibilities: during World War I and II more than 80 000 naval mines were laid in the Baltic Sea. Since 1995 number of mine clearance operations have been carried out in Estonian waters in close co-operation with other navies of the Baltic Sea region in order to find and dispose ordnance and contribute to safe seagoing.
Since 1995 Estonian Navy ships have participated in most of the major international exercises and operations carried out in the Baltic Sea.
Even though it was not until 1994 when the Navy was re-established and despite of the fact that it incorporates one of the smallest fleets in the world, the young crews of the Navy ships have demonstrated excellent interoperability during international exercises and have proved to be equal partners with other navies.
Most of the Estonian Navy officers have been trained in European or US naval academies. In 2003 Estonian Navy established its own Centre of Naval Education and Training (CNET) to train petty officers.
Each Baltic state shares its limited training resources with the others, for instance Estonia provides communications training in Baltic Naval Communications School in Tallinn and Latvia hosts common Baltic Naval Diving Training Centre in Liepaja.
Estonian Air Force (Õhuvägi)
The Estonian Air Force is located at Ämari Air Base and operates two Antonov An-2 planes and four Robinson R44 helicopters. Two Aero L-39 are being leased for training purposes.
Air defence artillery batteries are equipped with 100 ZU-23-2s and Mistral missiles.
Estonian primary radar Lockheed Martin TPS-117 is located at Kellavere and is integrated with Baltic States air defence network BaltNet. Ämari Air Base also hosts analogue ASR-8 short-range radar.
- Military education:
Battle School of the Defence Forces
Estonian National Defence College
The Baltic Defence College
Training
During their 8-month training the conscripts acquire a basic military education and start with trainings of co-operation in smaller units (squad, platoon, company). After the compulsory military service reservists are called up for trainings for reserve in every five years. The trainings for reserve under staff command involve reinforcement of skills already acquired and practice of action of reserve companies and battalions in situations resembling those of real battle.
Estonian higher military education
The Estonian National Defence College [2] is an institution of applied higher education for national defence. Our mission is to train and educate regular officers for the Estonian Defence Forces and National Defence League, as well as for other military institutions. The ENDC has established in Estonia a national reputation for expertise in military research and development. A challenging academic programme by the ENDC provides a balanced education in military and civilian subjects designed to provide a solid military foundation for officer-training, meeting the intellectual and mental requirements necessary for service as a military leader in the Army. The academic staff members of the ENDC are supported by members of the academic community from leading universities throughout Estonia. In order to provide the Army with professional and well-trained officers, the ENDC has a highly modern training environment and living conditions. The ENDC guarantees that each graduate of the ENDC should have a post in accordance with his/her training and specialty. The ENDC is located in the city centre of Tartu. Tartu is the educational capital of Estonia and the academic environment of the city also contributes to the development of broad-minded and accomplished military leaders.
Level 1 – Basic Officer Training Course
Teaching in the Estonian National Defence College is conducted in the broad-based applied higher education programme. Some of the teaching is carried out by the teaching staff of the University of Tartu, Tallinn Technical University and other institutions of higher education in Estonia. Graduates of the ENDC may perform different duties within the Estonian Defence Forces, Defence League, as well as Border Guard and Rescue Board sub-units. The official study period for the Basic Officer Training Course in the Military Academy of the ENDC is three years. Upon completion of the course, the graduates acquire applied higher education in military leadership and attain the rank of a second lieutenant. The Basic Officer Training Course is the first level of officer training.
The military leadership applied higher education curriculum comprises four main modules: – basic, designated and specialty studies and practice modules. In addition to military subjects, the basic and designated studies modules involve subjects of humanitarian and social sciences, as well as natural and exact sciences and strategy subjects. Language learning is conducted by the Language Centre – a sub-unit of the ENDC set up for language learning and teaching. Upon completion of the basic and designated studies, the cadets can specialise in the following military disciplines: infantry, logistics, signals, engineer, artillery, air defence and border guard. The applied higher education diploma is issued after the completion of speciality practice in sub-units of the Estonian Defence Forces and defence of the final paper.
The first level of military higher education conducted in the Estonian National Defence College provides the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of both wartime and peacetime platoon leaders and company commanders (depending on the specifics of the arms of service/weapon class). After a few years of service, the graduates of the course may continue their studies in the Advanced Officer Training Course – level two of military higher education.[3]
Level 2 – Advanced Officer Training Course
After a few years of service, the officers may continue their studies in the Advanced Officer Training Course – the second level of officer training.
During the 2-year master’s programme, the students enhance their specialist knowledge and professional skills. The master’s programme enables the continuation of speciality studies started during applied higher education, whereby the students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for service as staff officers of an infantry battalion or a brigade or as wartime battalion commanders (or equivalent posts). The curriculum enables the continuation of studies started during the basic course, e.g. infantry, signals, engineer, air defence, artillery and logistics specialities and the acquiring of the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a staff officer of the respective service arm.
The ENDC master’s programme for the military leadership curriculum comprises three major modules: basic, designated and speciality studies. Basic and designated studies provide the officers with a contemporary and comprehensive master’s level academic education to reflect and respond to the current requirements and needs of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Republic of Estonia. In addition to compulsory subjects, the programme also involves a variety of electives from different fields of life. The purpose of the designated studies is their further specialisation in order to acquire the professional skills and competence necessary to perform the duties of a battalion commander and staff officer. Upon completion of the master’s level speciality studies, the officers with previous infantry specialisation will receive training and specialisation to fulfil the posts of reconnaissance and operations officers of an infantry battalion, or infantry brigade staff, and battalion chief of staff. After the completion of the speciality studies module, during the practical exercise carried out within the designated studies module, the students receive training and preparation to fulfil the posts relevant to their training and speciality. All officers are familiarised with staff work and procedures. Upon completion of the basic and designated studies modules, the students continue their studies in specifically military speciality studies, e.g. infantry, signals, engineer, air defence, artillery or logistics speciality studies. The master’s diploma is issued after the defence of the master’s thesis.[4]
Level 3 - Senior Staff Officer Course
After the completion of the Advanced Officer Training Course and a few years of service in the Defence Forces, the officers may continue their studies in the Senior Staff Officer Course conducted in the Baltic Defence College (located in the same building with the ENDC), whereby the officers obtain the qualifications of a senior staff officer – the third level of officer training.[5]
Level 4 - Higher Staff Officer Course
The fourth level of officer training - Higher Staff Officer Course – is conducted in higher staff officer courses and general staff officer courses in educational institutions abroad.[6]
Insignia
| NATO Code | OF-10 | OF-9 | OF-8 | OF-7 | OF-6 | OF-5 | OF-4 | OF-3 | OF-2 | OF-1 | OF-D- | Student Officer | |
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| Kindral | Kindralleitnant | Kindralmajor | Brigaadikindral | Kolonel | Kolonelleitnant | Major | Kapten | Leitnant | Nooremleitnant | Lipnik | |||
| NATO Code | OR-9 | OR-8 | OR-7 | OR-6 | OR-5 | OR-4 | OR-3 | OR-2 | OR-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Estonia (Edit) |
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| Ülemveebel | Staabiveebel | Vanemveebel | Veebel | Nooremveebel | Vanemseersant | Seersant | Nooremseersant | Kapral | Reamees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
International relations
The Washington Treaty was ratified by the Riigikogu on March 10, 2004. Since 29 March 2004 Estonia is a full member of the NATO. It had been one of its foremost priorities since the restoration of independence. The United States is among the countries with which Estonia has very close cooperation in the defence and security fields. Currently Estonia takes seriously participation in NATO Response Force and contributes in NTM-I (NATO Training Mission - Iraq). At the present Estonia has 35 soldiers fighting alongside American Forces in the Iraq War and 120 soldiers, or about 3% of its total active military force, fighting alongside British Forces in the ISAF. In both cases, the units are regularly rotated. Estonia also provides peacekeepers for international missions in both Bosnia and Kosovo within the framework of the KFOR and contributes to EU battlegroups and NATO Response Force rotations. The Estonian military employs STANAG (NATO interoperable) weapons and equipment acquired from Finland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, the United States, and Israel.
See also
External links
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Military of Estonia | |
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 Estonian Army •  Estonian Navy •  Estonian Air Force •  Estonian Defence League |
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