The Commander of NATO Multinational Corps North- East Lieutenant- General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart visits Estonia today. Lieutenant- General von Sandrart has commanded the Corps for three years and this is his final visit to MNC NE area of responsibility in this capacity.
“For the past 25 years the Multinational Corps North East has been a vital part of the security on NATO Eastern flank, 3 years of that have been marked by lieutenant general von Sandrart´s contribution as the Corps Commander to specifying of NATO defence plans and our security. I value our brothers in arms relationship very highly, “said commander of the Estonian Division major general Indrek Sirel.
“Estonia is ready to fight tonight! Over the last three years the Estonian Armed Forces and Multinational Corps Northeast grew together and became close friends as allied forces. We are facing a common enemy who threatens our freedom, sovereignty and democracy. After three years of prudent military planning my conclusion is as follows: Estonia has become an important and capable NATO ally, together we ensure a credible deterrence and if deterrence fails we will defend victoriously!” said Lieutenant – General von Sandrart.
Estonian Chief of Defence Major General Andrus Merilo presented Lieutenant-General von Sandrart with Estonian Army officer’s sword as a token of appreciation to mark his crucial input in forming the Corps into warfighting HQ and the role of the Commander on MNC NE in tactical planning of NATO Defence Plans. Awarding the Army sword derives from the fact that general von Sandrart represents armoured cavalry.
In the War of Independence, both ceremonial and battle swords were used. The sword was carried as a combat weapon by cavalrymen, artillerymen and mounted infantry scouts. Estonian Reserve Officers’ Association (EROK) saw the need to restore the culture of carrying a sword, which was an important part of being an officer for the pre-war Estonian officers. The present day sword is a copy of the original sword used in the Estonian Defence Forces before World War II, with some small concessions.
Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (HQ MNC NE) based in Szczecin, Poland is part of the NATO Force Structure created upon initiative of Denmark, Poland and Germany in 1999. The Headquarters provides the unity of command for NATO activities across Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. As the highest NATO command in the region, HQ MNC NE has been assigned responsibility for the NATO ground troops already deployed to the north-eastern flank of the Alliance. Currently HQ ESTDIV, HQ MND NE in Poland, Multinational Division North in Latvia, NATO Battlegroups in Baltic States and Poland and regional NATO staff elements are subordinated to HQ MNC NE.
The Estonian Division is the largest land force unit of the Estonian Defence Forces, which operates under the direct authority of the Chief of Defence. Division’s operational area covers the entire territory of Estonia. Estonian Division is transferred to the NATO chain of command and subordinated to Multinational Corps Northeast. Estonian Division fulfils two main purposes in the military defence of Estonia: it unites the battles of the territorial defence forces, brigades and units from other commands and acts as a link between the Allies and their military capabilities. Estonian Division includes units from Estonia and Allied countries. Estonian units in Division are 1st Infantry Brigade, 2nd Infantry Brigade, Logistics Battalion, Headquarters and Signal Battalion, ISTAR Battalion and Artillery Battalion. Division is capable of integrating additional units under the Division’s commander control.