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According to Commander of Estonian Defence Forces, Major General Riho Terras the initiation of the mission in the Central African Republic is urgently needed to avoid a worsening of the situation. Estonia is prepared to deploy a platoon size unit along with support elements to the EUFOR RCA mission.

At the meeting, Major General Terras provided the European Union Military Committee Chairman with Estonia’s assessment on the current regional security situation and recent changes due to the situation in Ukraine. Impact on Russia from the current sanctions implemented by the European Union as well as possible changes in EU’s foreign and defence policy were also discussed.

According to de Rousiers he appreciates Estonia´s commitment to participate in missions in areas where Estonia has no historical links. “This commits us to display solidarity in situations where Estonia feels pressured,” he added.

General de Rousiers also met with the Minister of Defence, Sven Mikser; Undersecretary of Defence, Sven Sakkov and the Commandant Baltic Defence College, Major General Vaitalijuš Vaiksnoras.

The European Union Military Committee is the highest military body set up within the European Council. It directs all EU military activities and provides the Political and Security Committee with advice and recommendations on military matters.

The Committee is composed of the Chiefs of Defence of the Member States, who are regularly represented by their permanent Military Representatives.

Estonia is currently participating in the EU Training Mission in Mali with a training unit and staff officers, whose assignment along with other European armed forces is to train and advise the Mali Defence Forces. Estonia has previously participated in European Union mission Althea in Bosnia-Herzegovina and EUFOR Atalanta to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast.

Estonia will be contributing to the EU Nordic battle group next year. The Nordic battle group consisting of nearly 2000 members will be ready to deploy to European Union initiated operations in the first part of 2015. Estonia has been part of the Nordic Battle group along with Finland, Sweden, Norway and Ireland in 2008 and 2011. Latvia and Lithuania will be joining the battle group for the first time in 2015.

Major General Terras stressed that the situation in Ukraine and Baltic Sea region has significantly changed, but it´s crucial to understand NATO Article 5 and the principle of collective defence only apply to Allied nations and not to Partner nations.

General Hans-Lothar Domröse assured that NATO works to protect all its Allies. “I have very close communications with Estonian authorities and we are constantly exchanging operational information. During my current 15 month command this is my fourth visit to Estonia,” he added.

General Domröse is currently in Estonia on a three-day visit and will be giving an overview of NATO´s core tasks, operational command and collective defence at the International Centre for Defence Studies in Tallinn and the University of Tartu, Centre for Baltic Studies. During his visit he is also scheduled to meet the Rector of the University of Tartu, Volli Kalm; Commandant of the Baltic Defence College, Major General Vitalijuš Vaiksnoras and visit NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.

NATO JFC Brunssum, in the Netherlands, is one of two NATO joint force headquarters, the other being JFC Naples. The command is responsible for the long term planning of ISAF operation in Afghanistan as well as making preparations for the soon to begin NATO mission Resolute Support. Operational command of the NATO Response Force alternates between the joint force commands in Brunssum and Naples. In 2014 Brunssum is in command for NRF.

“Understanding of our region’s security situation as well as of the effects of the recent Ukrainian events, is very similar for Estonia and Poland. In that light, I am pleased to note that Poland is as a true Ally ready to contribute to the ensuring of security for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with its capabilities,” Major General Terras said.

In addition to the Commander of the Polish Defence Forces Terras also met with the Polish Defence and Foreign ministers and is scheduled to meet with the Polish Prime minister tomorrow.

Estonia and Poland share a long history of mutual understanding each other as Allies. Poland is one of the Baltic Defence College contributing countries. Estonian Special Forces train with Polish Special Forces units, Polish fighters have participated in the exercise Kevadtorm and have patrolled Baltic airspace. Last year, Poland hosted the tactical part of the exercise Steadfast Jazz, where NATO Allies trained defending Estonia from a foreign aggressor.

“Estonian national defence planning and development has currently reached a situation where on one hand we have a clearer picture on the necessity of research and development and on the other hand capabilities-based development of the armed forces allows us to identify where exactly we need to find science-based solutions,” conference organizer Lieutenant Colonel Sten Allik said.

The Defence Force members, experts from the Ministry of Defence, students, scientists, civilian teaching staff and military staff college instructors as well as other military related agencies will take part of the event. The conference aims to bring together professionals interested in the development of Estonian military science and allows them to share information and develop new contacts.

The conference will begin with the opening address from Major General Riho Terras, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces and will conclude with a summary from the Commandant of the Joint Staff College Colonel Martin Herem.

The conference has a free admission, is open to all interested individuals and will be broadcast live via Postimees Online.

“There is a real necessity to demonstrate the unity of NATO today, because all of our Allies’ security is the primary priority of the US,” General Dempsey said.

Major General Terras stressed that given the current situation Europe must act concretely and send Russia a clear signal that its behaviour in Ukraine cannot be tolerated. “If necessary we need to empower this statement with political and economic sanctions,” Terras added.

General Martin Dempsey serves as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2011. Estonian Defence Forces members in Iraq were commanded by the General Dempsey in 2003-2004, during which time Estonian infantry platoons Estpla-7 and Estpla-8 served under the USA 1^st army armoured division. Estonians serving in the NATO Training Mission Iraq during 2007 were also under his command.

Honoured President of the Republic!

Respected Speaker of the Riigikogu!

Mister Primeminister!

Excellencies! Members of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Defence League!

Fellow Estonians!

Ninety six years ago Estonia was looking for an opportunity for itself. In other words our people were so to speak between two flames. In the cauldron of events with the retreat of the Soviets and the attack from the Germans, we were trying to find the right time and place to bring forth and fulfill a dream. This was the dream of an independent Estonia.

Whilst thrust into the midst of the carnage of the I World War, Estonia had a place where the local people’s bravery and fearlessness favoured a situation which supported the fulfillment of a dream come true. This place was the City of Pärnu.

As read out from the balcony of the Endla theater „The Manifest to the People of Estonia“ led to overwhelming emotions from the citizens of Pärnu.

The school girls of Pärnu had made blue black and white ribbons for the declaration of Independence, which were given out to the people and which they wore proudly. We still wear these colours with pride to this day.

In honour of the Republic of Estonia the Defence Forces, Defence League, academy of the interior as well as units from our Allies are paraded here today as it was ninety six years ago on the February 24th when the first military parade in Estonia was held here. Pärnu is the site of the birth of our nation.

As we all know, we had to take arms and go to war to defend our independence. Estonian independence was forged on the frontlines of the War of Independence. It was there that our spirits were alight and carried the flame of liberty through good and bad times. It was in this war that we won that the Estonian Defence Forces, alongside our nation was born, grew up.

The Estonian Defence Forces have been a force of the people, from the first battles at the beginning of the Independence War. A strength and true force in battle was only achieved in the Independence War when the people of the nation joined in an united effort. High school students and University students with their youth and energy, excited the rest of the population and gave them the will to fight. Through many sacrifices and sufferings was established the nation that we call our home.

The same belief which students carried in the War of Independence is still needed today. The persute of education and knowledge by the nation’s youth participating in public activities is a clear indication that Estonia is guaranteed a well defended and bright future.

In our families and homes, villages and towns, in our midst are people that keep alive the bond between the nation and national defence. This is done in mandatory service and in the reserves, in the Defence League  and active duty units, during foreign missions and in staff headquarters.

Along with mandatory service, the reserves are a key pillar in our military defence. To this foundation is added our independent defence capability which along with assistance from our allies forms a solid basis for our national defence.

The strength of the reserves and battle readiness foundation is impregnated into mandatory service. This is imperative that the time spent on training is thoughtfully maintained.

The task of the Estonian Defence Forces and of the nation is to give high quality military training and establish better opportunities as well as conditions that will allow youth to experience a love of their country, adopt decent values and form long lasting brotherhood in arms.

The steadfast wall of the reserve army is full of learning experiences, where knowledge and skills are constantly renewed and put to the test. With participation in military exercises we have progressed step by step towards a stronger reserve. Only in this way, do we have a better and more accurate picture of our country’s defence capabilities.

The strength of our reserve depends upon our nation – with this we support our loved ones, friends and co-workers, who aside from their daily work and family life, contribute to the security of the nation.

I am sincerly pleased that that the vast majority of employers have demonstrated understanding and support. They understand that there truly is no better worker and colleague than a devoted reservist.

The single most binding element in the National Defence of Estonia is free will. Sometimes it seems difficult for a bystander to understand why individuals would, of their own free will contribute to national defence . The Defence League is a great way of protecting your own home and the supporting the national defence of Estonia.

The Defence League’s biggest asset towards national defence is our own well trained people who know and understand their own home forests, marshes and meadows but also their own streets and backyards. This is the basis for a strong army which the primary military assignment of the Defence League.

Estonia’s military national defence relies on two equally important pillars – individual defence capabilities and Ally based collective defence.

In a month we will be celebrating ten years since NATO accepted Estonia as a full member. NATO has had significant changes during this ten year period.

Firstly, it is now clearly understood that even with the ending of the Cold War the dangers that NATO was created for, have not disappeared or in other words – the Alliance’s basic task is the future of collective defence.

Secondly, the more than ten years lasting war in Afghanistan has refined the Allies armed forces’ co-operation to such a level that was never imagined of. This is a value that must be maintained. Consequently the Allies must conduct regular large-scale exercises, especially those that train the application of National defence.

For example the last large exercise last autumn trained the defence of Estonia according to NATO’s Article V. I repeat – this is necessary! Last year’s large scale maneuvers behind our eastern border confirm that fact.

Our military presence in Afghanistan, in its present form is ending. NATO with its many partners has completed a large job. The time is ripe for the Afghans to take over the responsibility of their defence.

I thank the Estonian Defence Force members, non-commissioned officers and officers whose service in Afghanistan has been outstanding. It is my privilege and honour to command a defence force that has the best soldiers in the world!

It is clear that crisis and worries have not disappeared from the world. For example, Central African Republic – the members of the European Union have decided to contribute to a calming of the situation there as well as allowing the peace keepers of the African Union to keep order there. The decision of the Estonian nation to assist go far away from home shows again persuasively that we are allies that can be counted on in difficult times.

We do not know, what is awaiting for laboring Syria in its civil war nor how the majority there will react to the end results. Not far from the borders of Estonia, in the Ukraine with their continuing concerns, it is clear that in the worse case scenario it will not leave the rest of Europe unaffected.

Estonia, in the development of its national defence as well as co-operation with NATO and friends from the European Union has proceeded using country wisdom and with the understanding that to protect your home and family you must apply yourself. This means that wise and skillful contributions are needed to protect your own nation.

Smart solutions and innovative thinking are as important to our defence as are our traditions and values. It becomes increasingly important to have a clear sense of direction and sharp eye  in cyber space, because this clearly intertwined with our reality. This is part of our daily lives.

We are part of a fortress that the protection of, along with our friends and Allies is our joint responsibility, this fortress is NATO. Confirmation of this can be seen here at the Defence Forces parade where we can see our brothers in arms from the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Denmark with whom we served with in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. Our good friends and neighbours from Latvia and Lithuania are here as well. We thank you!

In the security of the nation of Estonia as well as the standing up for its well being, the veterans have been on the frontlines, who had a popular recognition celebration for the first time last St. Georges day. 

To honour this event and to show support the Sinilill badge was chosen as its symbol. Very soon you all of reason to notice the sinilill badge even more because this year during St. Georges day we will be celebrating Veterans day again.

My fellow Estonians, we are together today at the same place where the first Defence Forces parade was held. With this in mind and and celebrating our nations birthday we must deeply bow before all of those that with their bravery and enthusiasm were able to create our nation; Who protected it with their lives, and assuredly to those that protect it to this day.

Let it be clear that our nation’s independence and freedom as never been nor never will be self-evident. The Republic of Estonia was created for our people and for the defence of our freedom.

Long live the Repulic of Estonia!

The exercise comprises of three key activities – training of fulfilling operation specific tasks, the unit’s activities in developed areas as well as platoon strength combat firing techniques training at the range in the East Virumaa, Sirgala.

“It is imperative that during the tactical training the unit will concentrate their activities to close proximity of the city centre, communication with the local inhabitants and the gathering of information, medical evacuations as well as co-operation with armed forces of other nations,” Major Andrus Merilo, Commander of the Scouts battalion said.

During this week the unit will train movements in urban areas, individual and vehicle searches as well as platoon counter ambush drills. The exercise will culminate with an infantry platoon mission specific complex training.

The majority of the planned 55 Estonian Defence Force member Central African Republic contingent forms a platoon strength unit with a support element. The Estonian infantry platoon will be fulfilling security and support operations that will enable the African Union and French units to focus on the peace keeping operations.

According to General Göranson European Union Nordic Battle Group will enable enlarged regional co-operation and for the first time include almost all of the Nordic and Baltic nations. “The Nordic Battle Group is an important tool in bringing about co-operation and reforms – this entails exercises and supplies, working together in a joint staff headquarters, as well as supporting a common NATO standard,” Göranson said. The Swedish commanded battle group includes Finland, Norway, Ireland and Estonia. Latvia and Lithuania have promised to join the battle group in 2015. Currently the Defence Forces of Estonia and Sweden are serving together with the Nordic-Baltic training mission in Mali.

The Commander of the Swedish Defence Forces also met with the President of the Republic, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and the Minister of Defence, Urmas Reinsalu this morning and placed a wreath on the Independence War memorial. He is scheduled to visit NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (NATO CCD COE) today.

Tomorrow the Swedish Defence Chief is visiting the Baltic Defence College and the Kuperjanov infantry battalion. After the visit to Estonia, both Defence Chiefs will be attending the Nordic and Baltic nations Defence Chiefs summit meeting in Riga.

This is General Göranson’s first visit to Estonia as Defence Chief. The Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces visited Sweden in 2012.

The Estonian Defence Forces has been working together with the Swedish Defence Forces since the re-establishment. Over 50 Naval officers have received formal education or have participated in follow-on courses in Sweden. Estonia and Sweden are both participating in the European Union Nordic Battle group, Baltic maritime surveillance project SUCBAS created in 2009 as well as coordinate a Nordic Baltic initiative assisting the Ukraine, Western Balkans and Georgia in areas of defence.

Throughout the years Sweden has assisted the Baltic Defence College by contributing instructors and students. The position of Deputy Commander of the College is currently held by Sweden as it was from 2001 to 2009.

A joint procurement agreement was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Sweden’s Office of Defence Procurement to cover the purchase of Kevlar vests, night vision goggles, ordnance, line vehicles and airport equipment. The agreement has enabled the logistics centre to procure desert boots for Estonian units in Afghanistan.

The Nordic Defence Chiefs submitted an invitation to Defence Forces of Baltic states to join Nordic Defence Coopertion (NORDEFCO) for the purposes of mutual defence. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania established the first steps of integration with the Nordic nations via a distant learning system as well as jointly developing the basics of foreign mission veteran’s support along with other nations.

Commander of the French Defence Forces thanked Major General Terras for the support given by the Estonian government and stressed that Estonia’s expected decision to send an infantry platoon is remarkable and also supportive and not a purely flag raising mission. “Estonia’s fast response assisted the European Union to quickly and admirably take action,” stressed the French Defence Chief.

Admiral Guillaud gave an overview on the security situation in the Central African Republic as well as France’s further steps to mitigate the humanitarian situation and assist in restoring stability.

According to Major General Terras, it is imperative for Estonia that the European Union military cooperation be a realistic mission with application where it is mostly needed. “The planning of the joint French and Estonian mission in the Central African Republic motivated a debate in the European Union about the respective merits of the mission and has currently brought several potential contributors to the table,” he added.

Major General Riho Terras familiarized his French colleague with the planned operation’s preparations and confirmed, that the government of the Republic of Estonia has submitted a draft resolution to parliament, upon approval which, Estonia is ready as of February 28^th to deploy a platoon size unit and support element for a four month mission.

The Estonian and French Commanders met in Brussels at a NATO military committee assembly.

“The „Sõjakooli sõnastik“” application includes widely used military terms, general translations and compliments the terminology already used in the “Militerm” database,” the application’s development leader, Epp Leete said.

According to Leete, the main difference of this dictionary from “Militerm” is that it also includes terms and general phrases used by Defence Forces members.

The smartphone app can be downloaded on Google Play store and uses Google search engine which means it will search all documents and phrases where the word or word association has been used.

Users will have access to further information on applications and terms as well as abbreviations, explanations and definitions, all in English and Estonian. The application is automatically updated twice a month and all users have the opportunity to suggest changes.