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Steadfast Jazz 2013 is practicing the use of NATO's NRF rapid-reaction forces in the event of a conventional large-scale military attack and the exercise includes almost all the NATO Allies and several of our partners.

The carefully planned and exhaustively prepared Steadfast Jazz 2013 is a part of NATO's regular exercise programme. And anyone who is looking for a connection to the recent provocative Zapad 2013 military exercise is mistaken, said President Ilves.

"Next year, after the termination of the Afghanistan operation, NATO must increase its attention to the protection of the alliance's own territory, in that it must be capable of countering contemporary threats, such as cyber attacks," the Estonian Head of State said.

 

„The purpose of Steadfast Jazz is to make sure that NATO is ready to defend its member states,“ Commander of the Estonian Defence Force’s contingent, Captain Mart Sirel said. „Our preparation has been thorough, the Scouts Battalion and the Defence League have had extensive joint training, they are ready to fulfill combat assignments and can effectively work together with the mechanized infantry units of other Nations,“ Sirel added.

During the exercise BAM in September, the Scouts Battalion infantry company and the Defence League’s Tallinn mortar platoon worked closely together during the exercise at the Nursipalu training ground. In October at Sirgala the mortar platoon trained in a live fire exercise. In conjunction with the new National Defence Plan, members belonging to Defence League army structure, using Israeli 81mm weapons will be equipped with the new US-made mortars.

The infantry company of the Scouts Battalion is participating in the exercise with two standardly equipped infantry platoons, using Galil 5.56 mm caliber automatic rifles, MG-3 light machine guns, Carl Gustav antitank grenade launchers and Browning 12.7 mm caliber machine guns which are affixed to 10 Sisu XA-188 armoured vehicles.

Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013 will take place in early November in a number of Alliance nations including the Baltic States and Poland.

The purpose of the exercise is to train and test the NATO Response Force, a highly ready and technologically advanced multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and special forces components that the Alliance can deploy quickly wherever needed. The NATO Response Force is a key-component of NATO’s collective defence capabilities.

Along with the mechanized infantry company and the Defence League mortar platoon, Estonian Navy minehunter Admiral Cowan, assigned to Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, will be participating the exercise.

The NATO Response Force is the Alliance’s quick reaction force of up to 13,000 troops, who can be deployed anywhere, in different configurations, to perform a wide range of missions from humanitarian aid to combat operations, all on short notice.

The Head of State recalled that in the ten years of the mission in Afghanistan we have demonstrated resolve, responsibility and helpfulness, and we have also improved as a state during that time; adding: "However, there have been days when weariness and fear, tears and compassion prevailed. We have made a great contribution to Afghanistan - whether measured in time, money or blood. Estonia will always remember our fallen and injured soldiers."

We have been an ally in a conflict that began because, under the protection of the former Afghan regime, an attack was planned and carried out against our NATO ally. On 12 September 2001, a day after the terrorist attacks in the US, NATO invoked Article 5 on collective defence for the first time in its history. This was followed by the invasion of the coalition of the willing in Afghanistan, the overthrow of the Taliban and the formation of the NATO-led ISAF operation a couple of years later to stabilise and rebuild the country. In the course of ten years, Estonia has made great investments in Afghanistan, perhaps even more than some larger countries, to help Afghanistan and its people.

"Today I wish to let you and all of Estonian society know: this effort has been an investment into Estonia's future, the security of our children and grandchildren, the enduring of our state," President Ilves said.

"Although, figuratively speaking, we will close the door on the Helmand province in a few months, the hard times will not be over for Afghanistan in a year and a half. They will face the long process of reconciliation with former militants, finding common ground in a territorially and ethnically divided country, and also rebuilding a state that can ensure its security and development. As we know, the war-torn recent history of the country does not necessarily favour a peaceful future for Afghanistan. The wounds of local communities are too raw, the distrust between neighbours is too great," the Head of State told the soldiers headed for Afghanistan.

"Even though you will be the last infantry company in Afghanistan and will probably spend most of your deployment in Camp Bastion, I hope that you will remain watchful, that as well-trained and experienced soldiers you will cope with both routine as well as unexpected events. And I am certain - ESTCOY-17 is a strong team, supportive of each other within the unit and higly motivated to serve in the battlefield," President Ilves assured.

According to him, a section of the Taliban and their allies are waiting for the NATO forces to leave, so that they could try to force the situation in their favour after that. "Although the next few months will be the endgame for the NATO operation, it is also the start of the new, independent Afghanistan of the 21st century."

"I am proud to serve as the head of a state that has soldiers who are known as exemplary, fearless and professional among their NATO allies. This is the appraisal voiced to me by visiting heads of state and generals. I am grateful to you that you have chosen the profession of a soldier. I would also like to thank your loved ones and friends, who support you in that choice," President Ilves told the families of the soldiers.

The contingent of the Estonian Defence Forces heading to the last mission in Afghanistan is led by Lieutenant Colonel Maidu Allikas; the infantry company ESTCOY-17 is led by Major Viljar Laaneste.

For 83 servicemen, this will not be the first time they are being deployed: four have been on six missions, nine servicemen have been on five missions, 12 servicemen have completed four deplyoments and 28 servicemen have completed two or three missions.

“In addition to the skills needed in ISAF operation we need to jointly develop further cooperation enabling individual defence capacity as well as fulfilling the NATO Article 5 collective defence commitments,“ Major General Terras said. The Commander of Defence Forces stressed the importance of the United Kingdom’s higher level military studies program provided to Estonian officers’ corps and the need to continue the initiative.

“Estonia has been a trust worthy partner in ISAF operations,” General Sir Houghton said. The United Kingdom has discussed the possibility of development a designated Multinational Joint Force. “The Joint Force would involve countries deployed in Southern Afghanistan that would be prepared to rapidly deploy to crisis areas world wide, when needed by NATO, European Union as well as other military operations.” According to General Houghton there are several details to be addressed prior to establishment of a Multinational Joint Force involving Estonia, Denmark, Holland and Canada, but the process is ongoing.

General Sir Houghton is the first Chief of Defence from the United Kingdom to formally visit Estonia. During his visit he also met with the President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, Defence Minister Urmas Reinsalu and Members of the Parliamentary Defence Committee.

This morning General Sir Houghton laid a wreath at the Estonian Independence War Memorial and visited mine-countermeasures ships acquired from United Kingdom. General Sir Houghton’s program also included a visit to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence located in Tallinn.

General Sir Houghton started his duties as the Chief of Defence Staff this summer. Amongst other posts he has served as the Commander of the British forces in Iraq 2005-2006 after which he was promoted to Deputy Commanding General of Multi-National Force-Iraq.

The Defence Forces of Estonia and the United Kingdom share a long standing relationship since 2006 with ISAF operations in Afghanistan where Estonian infantrymen have been serving with British units. The UK and Estonia also have joint projects with the Air Force and medical services.

An infantry company (Kohima Coy 2 Lancs) from the United Kingdom participated in annual Kevadtorm exercise for the first time this year.

At the initiation of the United Kingdom, Civilian Military Cooperation (CIMIC) planning module will be taught at the Baltic Defence College starting next year. A British cyber expert is scheduled to start working at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in near future.

Major General Terras and Minister Haglund confirmed that the joint cooperation in the European Union Training Mission Mali, which began a month ago has been effective. “The Estonian and Finnish units activities in Mali with the Nordic-Baltic training teams have established a strong foundation for joint cooperation in future operations,” Terras said.

There is currently a unit of six combined personnel at the training mission in Mali from Estonia, Finland and Sweden as well as Latvian and Lithuanian instructors with the Nordic-Baltic training team.

Commander of the Defence Forces and the Finnish Defence Minister discussed the participation of Estonian and Finnish units in the ongoing mission. The Commander of the Defence Forces assured Estonia will continue to contribute to the Mali mission.

Terras and Haglund also touched upon the possibility of organizing joint procurements. Estonia and Finland recently had a positive experience in a joint radar purchase where Estonia procured two and Finland 12 Groundmaster air surveillance radar units.

The Commander of the Defence Forces invited Finnish units to participate in the annual Kevadtorm exercise.

Estonia and Finland share close ties since the re-establishment of the Estonian Defence Forces. Several officers have graduated from the Finnish Staff College and received military degrees. Estonia and Finland work togheter in the areas of logistics and weaponry.

Finland has supported the development of the Navy and the Air Force since their re-establishment. The Defence Forces utilize Finnish designed armoured vehicles in Estonia and in operations in Afghanistan.

In the morning, at the Ämari Air Force Base, the Commander of the Defence Forces was acquainted with the Finnish jet fighter F-18 Hornet, first time in Estonia for the NATO Baltic Regional Training Event.

“The Second World War had a tragic impact to our nation, where Estonia lost one fourth of its entire population,” Chaplain Second Lieutenant Peeter Paenurm said. “We say a prayer and pay our respects for all those soldiers who fought in Sinimäe battle and for the civilians who either lost their lives or suffered,” he added.

The battle of Sinimäe took place between the Soviet Red Army and German Wehrmacht from July 25 to August 12 1944. It is considered to be the fiercest military confrontation ever on Estonian soil. It is estimated that over 2 500 Estonian citizens, including civilians living in the area, lost their lives in the battle. The exact numbers of the fallen are not known.

Estonia was not involved in WWII as a sovereign state. Both Germany and Soviet Union conducted a mobilization mandatory for the citizens of Estonia to join the armed forces of either the Red Army or Wehrmacht. Both mobilizations disregarded the international laws and customs observed at that time.

Respected officers, non-commissioned officers, guests, graduates.

This years graduating class of the National Defence College is the largest in its history. Estonia has now 34 new second lieutenants, who along with the junior officers course graduates has increased the Estonian Defence Forces of up to half a hundred new junior officers. Today there are also seven officers who have completed the masters degree program as well as 60 first class sergeants that have completed the senior non-commissioned officer program.

This absolutely confirms that continuing education is a way of life for members of the Defence Forces. To become a good senior non- commissioned officer or an officer you need to, aside from service experience, gain knowledge from the wealth of books, external exercises, staff exercises and not least of all, from each other.

The future of the Defence Forces will be shaped by the knowledge of the graduates of the staff college basic and intermediate courses receiving their diplomas today. We must recognize that nothing is a given in the world we live in. To be the master of your own destiny, knowledge and fortitude are primary.

Senior non-commissioned officers are the backbone of the Estonian Defence Forces. The skills, knowledge and experience  that has been gained by todays basic course graduates shall be put to effective use in their units.

It has taken 20 years to build up todays Estonian Defence Forces. A lot has been accomplished during this time, but still the Defence Forces are constantly evolving and changing their organization. This requires high standards from of all of you, high expectations in your service. Professionalism and a sense of responsibility are values that are expected from our military.

Dear guests,

The National Defence College has taken big steps in developing  a credible university  which allows serious development of military science. The college flag formally initiated last week is representative of the unity in military knowledge and the common commitment to the defence of Estonia.

Our Allies have recognized the high standard of the Estonian military educational system. Our foreign operations, during the last ten years have been led by officers who have graduated our staff military college.Their well weighed decisions in battle situations and commanding troops clearly shows that the preparedness taught in the Estonian staff college does not fall short of the military of any larger countries.

Officers and noncoms! You are now entering the service, some for the first time, some continuing your service. You will be leading platoons, companies, teaching conscripts, reservists, Defence League members. I want to assure you that the Defence Forces most important asset is its people. I desire that you are driven by that  principle in your service when you go on to your military sections and units.

As you are training the next generations, do not forget that the decision of youth to study at the military academy or select active duty service depends on experiences and lessons learned during compulsory service not with colorful advertising campaigns.

Realizations in the changes of the National Defence Development Plan at the beginning of the year will require a significant roll from all of you. Experienced officers and noncoms wealth of knowledge will be needed more than ever, in tasks involving the Defence League, introducing new weapons systems as well as restructuring changes and implementation of the troops’ infrastructure.

Education is not only knowledge and skills, it is worldliness, beliefs, friends and comrades for the rest of your life.

Education and knowledge are truthfully the keys to opening the world around you. The Estonian Defence Forces must be an open force, open to knowledge and new ideas. When we say open we mean that our national defence is open to those individuals that want to participate and contribute. The Estonian Defence Forces was created by the people and for the people, the Defence Forces are important to the nation. I would like for you to be open in your ideas, always upfront and in the interests of the nation.

I congratulate all of todays graduates upon the successful completion of your studies.

I wish you strength and success in your future service.

The government approved the new National Defence Development Plan for 2013-2022 January 24, 2013.The new development plan enlarges the rapid response structure up to 21,000 individuals with supply and reaction time security as a priority.

The Land Forces will develop 2 manned, armed and supplied rapid reaction ready infantry brigades. Consequently the 1st Infantry Brigade will be supplied with combat vehicles, armoured transports and self-moving artillery. The new development plan promotes the entire Defence forces anti-tank abilities and armament, including third generation anti-tank rocket complexes.

The Defence League takes a central role in territorial defence and grow from its existing 23,000 members to 30,000 in 10 years. The new development plan allows the command structure to be more flexible, the plan integrates current Land Forces Headquarters with the Defence Forces Headquarters, but leaves Air Force and Navy as single service headquarters.

By the end of 2014 all conscripts will have current modern living conditions, new facilities are being created in Tapa, Jõhvi, Võru and Ämari. Centralized training area system with additional bordered exercise areas and a shooting range for the Defence League will be developed. The active service members will go up from todays 3,100 to 3,600 within 10 years and the austerity forced lowered salaries will be reinstated back to the original amounts.

Estonia has twice had to build up its Defence Force from zero. The first time we did it with experience from the WWI and the Independence War, the second time we basically were self-taught with an eye on joining NATO. After the new National Defence Development Plan, how do you see the development of the Estonian national defence?

The development of the Estonian Defence Forces has been stable and we have held on to those principles that were expressed 15-20 years ago, even though occasionally going outside the plan.

Regardless of the large push prior to joining NATO, to go to a more collective defence and a lesser independent defence, we have defended our plan and today have the same conscript based reserve armed forces as it was at the beginning of the 1990’s. We have proceeded with the principles of total defence and territorial defence and the new 10 year development plan will not alter these principles.

The main goal of this reform is to bring a balance between our ambitions and resources.

Here, I’d like to point out that much discussed NATO Article 5 which talks about the application of collective defence, at least as important is Article 3, which expresses exactly that every nation must be able to defend itself and only then will receive assistance from the Alliance. Based on this principle, the cooperation with NATO as well as the development of independent defence capabilities becomes all that more important. And this is stressed in the new Development Plan.

When risk analysis and goals were worded in the previous development plan, the whole world was on an economic up-swing. How realistic is that plan today, as per their deadlines or planned completions.

During the compilation period of the last ten years development plan the huge economic growth and overall euforia created a feeling that we could do much more for the good of our national defence development. It is also important to note, that when the previous development plan was prepared, we were missing the knowledge and skill to assess the costs of maintaining all the equipment we bought back then.

For example, how much does one motorized infantry battalion in the reserves cost in one year, even if we do not consider procurement costs and only personnel, reservist exercises and conscript training costs. Only when we add up all of these costs, that we need daily during peacetime as well as the real costs of the reserves, will we be able to estimate the total cost of maintaining the armed forces. 

We should also consider the compulsory obligations, and other agreements for very necessary implementation. Even well-equipped and trained reserve units, would not be able to launch with the necessary speed needed for an immediate fast response. Consequently, we have focused our new development plan to deal with modern threats using rapid response developed techniques. Enlarging the rapid reaction force from 17,000 combatants to 21,000 and focusing on the full arming, supplying, and training according to our own principles established several years ago.

The market is full of "good" priced modern weapons and the seemingly cheaper so called second rate weapons, however, due to maintenance costs may prove to be quite expensive in the long run . How do you make the right decisions in order to make sound procurements?

We must find the optimal balance. We definitely cannot put the emphasis on the purchase of ultra-modern and expensive technical equipment, because in that case, we would put all resources in one object. We must procure in such a manner that it would fulfill our set tasks giving us the capability we require. Each tender must be not only be able to get the contract at a reasonable price, but the price must cover the entire life cycle of the acquisition. It all has to be calculated into the price. We have been amateurs in our attempts in previous years. Only at the beginning of 2009 have we been able to estimate the costs of a battalion. Before that, we simply did not have the proper comparable data.

Estonia has experience in joint procurement with our neighbours for larger  equipment acquisitions. What are the opportunities here for the future?

It is difficult to find common starting points with several countries at the same time, to collectively identify needs and agree on the details. It was shown with the Nordic countries during their shared helicopter procurement, which saw separate needs logistically and each country wanting different helicopters.

But it is sensible when it is between two countries, as it was with Finland and Estonia with the radar system purchase. We can buy directly from one country under this development plan; consequently we want to focus on the procurement of used, but still in good order, modern weapons. We have entered into co-operation agreements with Sweden, Germany and Finland under which we can make joint procurements. The coordination system is now in place, we simply need to find common projects.

When we talk about total defence, other ministries in case of war or in a crisis situation must meet certain obligations and responsibilities in their specific areas. In the new development plan are these obligations clearly defined?

We were initially very optimistic in our planning; unfortunately it did not quite develop as thought. The development of the National Defence Plan has been under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and collaboration with other ministries has not been easy. We have not always found a common language for example, in the understanding of the planning cycle. Other structures do not use a capability based planning method and are more likely to be based on a fixed time structure even spread out to a ten year plan. We did arrive though at a common understanding of what capabilities should one or the other structure develop in peacetime and have in wartime. But how to develop these ideas has not been achieved yet. Consequently, we received a grace period to the end of the year to agree upon the broad-basics of defence matters.

We must use our realistic resources to the maximum to develop quick response capabilities with which to respond to situations, if needed, in a short time, to threats arising around the world. But we must also be able to defend our own nation in case of larger, all encompassing conflicts. We must accomplish this within our budget, because we must defend Estonia – there is no alternative to that. We have already tried, not defending our country once.

It has been proven in 1939-1940 that if you do not defend your country the results are much worse, than to defend your country at the expense of casualties.

For this very reason, there is no alternative. At the same time never in history has the security of Estonia been more assured than now because we are a member the strongest military alliance in the world. It has been difficult throughout the years being an Allie but our professionalism of our soldiers has won the trust of our Allies through sacrifices in international operations. Consequently our national defence is taken very seriously by our NATO partners.

We are organizing joint exercises more frequently with our Allies. When will the tank units of our partners take part in our exercises, at Kevadtorm for example, so that our conscripts and reserve forces could experience and learn how to realistically train alongside tanks in the terrain.

International participation in Kevadtorm makes a lot of sense and inviting our strategic partners is expedient. Latvia and Lithuania have already participated and last year there was a Belgian unit at the exercise.

The Commander of NATO Multinational Corps North East was at the last exercise and we agreed that the North East Corps would also be participating in a future exercises. We should not omit tanks in the future although currently helicopter participation is more realistic. I understand why tanks make sense to our Defence Forces. I am a big supporter of that weapon system, although we have decided within the framework of the current development plan, that after four years it will be possible to discuss about the creation of a monetarily and personnel wise more expensive force, do we go with air defence or heavy armour defence.

How much have the new Defence Development Plan calculations been influenced by planning experiences gained at NATO structures? 

Strength based planning has been a standard in so called grown up NATO nation plans. Today we are in the forefront, in that we planned our strengths as a whole. If we do this sensibly and the economic situation keeps at the same level, as the finance ministries have predicted, we will not be far from our goal. If the economic situation follows the 2008-2009 trend we will be unable to fulfil our plan. I hope it will not be so. The more secure a society is, the better is its economic situation. With that positive trend one can create new and good possibilities.

War has been averted in Europe, and Nations rely on NATO, has this given Europe including the NATO Nordic partners a reason to lessen their defence expenditures?

Belief in the strength of NATO has created an illusion of security. The first signs of change are coming from the so called old NATO nations. For the first time in a long while Netherlands has not lessened its defence expenditures and has instead kept it at the same level as the previous year. This is a definite sign that somewhere alarms have sounded.

We have to stress this in Europe that security is not automatically available for everyone and there are many more threats today than there were ten years ago.

Fortunately the US, the UK, France and Germany are still militarily very strong, consequently there is no fear that their strength will wane and European nations could not defend themselves. There is also the question of how much influence can they convey to the world with their expeditions. This is a major political question. NATO is capable of defending itself today and Estonia’s small part in fulfilling Article 3 obligations is very important.

Estonia is situated in a geopolitically complicated area. We have an extensive sea border and several authorities to guard it. Were there any discussions on merging the navy, naval border guard and maritime administration fleets?

With the new defence development plan we focused on defence capabilities. Throughout the years the Navy has developed into a unique niche capability and has a very good reputation in NATO in this area. We decided therefore that we must maintain our MCM capabilities with our three Sandown-class vessels and modernization of said vessels is foreseen in our development plan.

As for the merger of listed fleets, it requires political agreement and a deep understanding of this requirement because this unification process would be expensive. This concept has not been abandoned and unification is rational but the Defence Forces are not in a lead position here. We are open for cooperation with all other agencies that work on the sea, and we utilize all joint work possibilities.

How do we assure to our people who have suffered through an economic down turn where they have lost close to a quarter of their income, that we are taking care of them? How can we inject confidence back into our trained people?

Trust cannot be gained in a couple of years. In the last few years the Defence Forces we have developed policies on procurements and other similar objectives. It has been necessary process but today we need to support our personnel strategy. Our leaders at different levels need to hear people out, discuss things with them, teach them and of course pay a worthy salary.

We need to find common values whereby we can jointly agree to go on in this. As leaders, every platoon commander, every company commander, every battalion commander must be self-aware that they must behave with a strong moral fibre. The best would be if we could all agree on these values. I will be stressing this in coming years.

Salaries are not less essential. In the last year we brought the salaries back to the pre-economic down turn level.

Taking into account how much was fought over salaries; the government has understood that well educated defence forces personnel is crucial. The fact that the personnel budget was enlarged by 18.7% which is reflected in the salary of every individual in the Defence Forces shows that the members of the Defence Forces are held in importance.

What needs to be done by our officers and non-commissioned officers for conscripts to remain in the service after their mandatory service time is up?

We can want them to do that but when a member of the Defence Forces faces his everyday problems or when he cannot take his wife to the movies because of financial problems, then you cannot expect that he will succeed in higher goals. You can understand how important and significant it is to give them value. Constant griping will not accomplish anything. The first responsibility of a leader is to improve himself, to find the positive in his work and service. Only then do his subordinates feel positive and this will be reflected with new recruits.

On our part we are doing everything to give value on all levels to the individual. But in a bureaucratic system it is unbelievably difficult. I have grappled with this problem, even within myself. Unfortunately it is very difficult to change the operations of an existing organization used to its own ways, it is much simpler to deal with things bureaucratically, the answer is always on paper.

We must press and change internal communications to a normal activity. We must achieve a level whereby we cannot always simply rely on our superior for the answer to all questions. We have to be able to concern the military enough that: we give tasks, give the tools but leave the decisions to subordinates. As well as allow our subordinates to make mistakes and not punish them when things go wrong. Punish them only when something is left undone. This change can be very complex.

The new Defence Forces Service Act also encompasses women’s voluntary service entry procedures. How large do you envision the women’s role in the Defence Forces?

I haven’t set an exact goal. The role of women in the Defence Forces will develop as society deems it. Obviously it will be less than in the Nordic countries because we are still a very male dominated society. We never have had many women in our parliament, politics or economics. Perhaps women will constitute 10-15% of the Defence Forces active duty, cadre section; this would be a good result.

The Defence League has long awaited its wartime responsibilities. The responsibilities of the land defence given to the Defence League warrants that on a rotational basis serving in the Defence League would be part of active duty and a military career, when service in the active duty ends at five o'clock on Friday, while in the Defence League this is when training only begins.

This rotation is not simple, it has not been done for years. Although some officers and I personally have served in the Defence League. This must change to become a part of the normal cycle of service, as is teaching at the National Defence College but not staying there indefinitely.

One of the first steps that we have initiated with the Commander of Defence League, Brigadir General Kiili is that it would become a normal routine. This requires developing a separate career system.

At the same time we need to develop, as well as very clearly word it in our Defence Development implementation plan and prioritize reserve officers and reserve non-commissioned officers into the career system. There must be a clearly shown how this affects reservists in the Defence League and how it affects other reservists. The Defence League (like the National Defence College) cannot be selected individuals’ final service location.

This is one reason why we have tightened our never fully manned command structure. That there would not be chronically unfulfilled posts. Every good person should find a place where they can be competent. We will be having approximately 500 in growth and the Defence League must grow alongside the Defence Forces. Defence League cadre officers must be in normal rotations with the Defence Forces. We cannot have elitism especially not an even more elite Defence Forces. This is not easy to accomplish because the Defence League is situated across the nation and it is very easy to take from the counties were there is no Defence Forces presence.

We have already observed that, in current rotations non-commissioned officers as well as officers have done this on their own initiative. Several Defence League section leaders have received their initial training in the Defence Forces. The Defence League leaders should make clear to themselves that this is not a lifetime position. The rotation in the Defence League should take longer in that since the members are not always available it would take longer to get to know them.

What kind of changes are we to expect with the Land Forces restructuring?

If we are talking about the 1st Infantry Brigade, then it is the Scouts Battalion, Kalev Battalion and Guard Battalion that will be equipped with the armoured vehicles. The 2nd Infantry Brigade, in the southern Estonia will in the future be equipped similarly to the 1st Infantry Brigade.

When the 1st Infantry Brigade receives their mobile artillery pieces, then the existing 155mm howitzers will go to the 2nd Infantry Brigade and the 122mm howitzers will go to the reserve units, specifically the basic readiness active reserve units. The initiation of the new units and the corresponding reservist exercises will continue in the same way as before, they simply will not receive any additional resources until the rapid response units are manned and equipped.

All weapons currently in use will have extra ammunition in stock. We cannot repeat the situation that we had with the 105mm howitzer, where the holding the ammunition was very expensive, as was the destruction of aged and non-useable ammunition. All of the developmental strengths must have their lifecycle measured and they must at all times have a supply of usable ammunition. On a war scenario; zero day, no one will start supplying us with needed ammunition. Upon the creation of our rapid response capability we will make sure that all of the combat companies and internal defence companies of all units, including the Defence League must receive necessary weapons, an extra supply of ammunition, an ample supply of exercise ammunition and any other supplies they require.

What is the future of the Defence Districts?

Let’s take the North East Defence District for example, that has the assignment of territorial and brigade assignments but that has a weak infantry brigade that is tied to the territory. But it trains and supports many units; the artillery, anti-ballistic and engineer, all for the 1st Infantry Brigade. They are already units in the brigade and their personnel are on the role of the brigade. At the same time we have our infantry brigade which is located in Paldiski and is undermanned. The sum of this strong brigade is not fixed territorially but a mobile combat unit that can use the entire territory of Estonia. The Southern Defence District is currently weak with few units and few battle support units with little equipment, weapons and is tied to the territory. We will change the Southern Defence district to a mobile brigade as well. We will bring them, battle support units, logistics and engineers as well as weapons and supplies.

We also have a territorial defence that currently exists without exercise capabilities. Because the commander of the Defence district can only cooperate with the Defence League units but not command. The task of territorial defence is given to the Defence League that commands all of the Defence League combat units utilizing a five defence district structure.

The Defence districts command a local war situation; they mobilize only their own units, not all of the reservists. Additionally the Western district and Defence Forces logistical centre would be the support unit command that would mobilize that section of reservists that would be outside the Brigade and Defence League as well as the rapid response units.

The tasks of the Northern Defence district are also accomplished through the Defence League, manned by officers sent there to their staff headquarters. The Defence League has 5500 individuals to train their territorial defence units. These Defence League units are already formed. The Defence League on a whole will be sectioned by the formation centres as per the formation needs of the brigade and support unit command.

With forming the new Support Command, do our Allies and partners have anything similar in their command structures?

Our partners have similar structures. But it is hard to compare because there are not many mobilization based armed forces left in Europe. The Support Command must deal with human and supply resources, management and accounting. This is a very complicated grouping and how successful we are in developing this, remains to be seen.

The Defence Forces Headquarters has analysed the situation and has put forth a proposal that has yet to be filled with content. The implementation of the Development Plan is being collected. I can say today that we arranging a Defence Forces reform not a national defence reform. Everything that has been done till know will remain. All units that we have supported till now will remain. But we are determined to totally complete these units.

A unit is complete when it has weapons, supplies and trained as well as its supplies are not given to the another unit so that they go to an exercise. A completed unit is one that has a necessary amount of ammunition and other supplies. Only then can we think about investing in additional capabilities. If we can source something cheaper then we will source more. Our ten year development plan is flexible.

Honourable President of the Republic, Madame Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Prime Minister, Your Excellencies, Members of the Defence Forces and Defence League, My dear fellow Estonians,

Independence Day in Estonia is a time for reflecting upon freedom and independence. What does it mean to us, and how high price are we prepared to pay for it?

Today, everything that seemed new and exciting a quarter century ago seems self-evident. An entire generation has come of age in a free Estonia – free to make their own choices, to become who they want to be.

There are many facets of freedom and all of them are equally important. Today we enjoy the opportunity to engage in a free and unfettered discussion about our people’s history and the present day. But it is important to realize that this does not exempt us from remembering the past.

Freedom has a greater meaning for those who have had to make sacrifices for it. We are gathered here today on Freedom Square to remember those who built the foundation for our statehood and those who took up arms to defend it.

The men and women who went to the front lines in the War of Independence are no longer among us. But their memory is not gone, and it must be kept alive and passed on from generation to generation.

We stand as one on Freedom Square today in a reaffirmation of the fact that the War of Independence was not just a ripple of the First World War somewhere on the periphery of Europe, but a real war. It was a sore fight, one an ultimately victorious struggle that vindicated the right of the Estonian nation to independence. Witnesses to this feat included our friends and allies – the British, Finns, Swedes, Danes, French and Americans who gave us material aid and stood with us as comrades-in-arms.

In the War of Independence, the Estonian Defence Forces were a people’s army, meaning that the nation’s sons and daughters took part in defending their country; the Defence Forces are of and for the people. The primary function of the Defence Forces and Defence League is to defend and protect the Estonian state, in cooperation with our allies.

The Estonian national defence rests on three pillars: a conscription-based reserve; a high-calibre, well-trained and experienced professional members of the Defence Forces; and members of the Defence League who participate on a voluntary basis as a home guard.

The Defence League is the manifestation of the Estonian people’s own will to defend their country and it is a secure bond of our independence.

History is full of examples of free individuals who joined together to defend their homes and people. An excellent example is the courageous uprising of citizens of Tallinn against the Muscovite incursions in the days of the Livonian War, on 11 September 1560.

The “Battle behind Jerusalem Hill”, as it was called, was waged a few kilometres from here, in a place where the Tallinn Ühisgümnaasium now stands. The city’s noblemen, aldermen, merchants, ordinary citizens and members of the Brotherhood of Blackheads guild fought side by side. The battle is memorialized today by Tallinn’s oldest monument, which stands on the street Marta tänav. It is a memorial cross to the merchant Blasius Hochgreve, who gave his life along with many others to defend the city.

This chapter in Tallinn’s history is also a fitting description of today’s Defence League, where people from many different walks of life have come together, bringing their skills and energies. The common idea that knits them is defence of their home and their lawful government.

In the coming years, the Defence League will take on a greater responsibility in fulfilling the function of territorial defence. This is an important step toward the home guard becoming a more influential force in our national defence. Being responsible for Estonian territorial defence will mean that the Defence League will receive more effective training and add more personnel to its ranks. It is also a clear token of the trust the Estonian state places in its people and their free will.

The Defence League district units and district detachments are already a force to be reckoned with – a valuable partner for our counties, cities and rural municipalities.

The Defence League is developing true to the words of Admiral Pitka, the War of Independence era military hero: the power of an earnest spirit and initiative must be maintained. A patriotic spirit and self-initiative have been important values throughout the history of the Defence League.

One of the central institutions of Estonian national defence is the reserve army and compulsory military service, which keeps it sustainable. More and more young men and women are willing to voluntarily enter military service. This is sincerely commendable.

The task facing the Estonian government and the Defence Forces is to do everything possible to provide the best possible military training opportunities and conditions for those in military service. We will also do our best to bring living conditions for conscripts completely up to modern standards.

It is gratifying to see that a majority of parents are sending their sons and daughters off to serve their country knowing full well that the knowledge, skills and ethos they acquire there will remain lifelong values. As a father who is preparing to send his own son to complete his compulsory military service, I hope with all my heart that he will draw on the best of that experience in the rest of his life.

The training and skills gained in compulsory military service lay the groundwork for a strong reserve military. Serving in the reserve is a natural part of national defence and service in the Defence Forces. This is the place where Estonians can make their contribution for the defence of their country and people knowing that each time they gather for reserve training, their country becomes better poised to defend itself in a time of crisis. Employers, co-workers and family members can also do their part in this process – being supportive when co-workers and family members take part in reserve training.

Estonia’s Defence Forces have won recognition everywhere they have had to serve. Estonians are recognized as good, trustworthy soldiers and brothers in arms. For ten years, our units have served with our allies on the military mission in Afghanistan. On numerous occasions, I have heard compliments on our officers and NCOs’ high morale and world-class skills.

The job of professional Defence Forces member must be held in high esteem, and singled out for praise. It is important that experienced NCOs and officers do not leave the Defence Forces while in their prime. It is the responsibility of the state to make sure society appreciates and pays tribute to the contribution of these men and women.

Our participation on missions in various hotspots and conflict zones serves the paramount goal of bolstering the security of the Estonian state and nation. By fulfilling our international obligations, we have become a committed partner for NATO and the European Union. Our word is trusted. We can be counted on.

As an independent country, we have taken part in fostering and guaranteeing security in various conflict zones abroad since 1995. We have close to 2,500 people who have served their country far form home. They include a number of our brothers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their service. Over 130 have been wounded. All of them are our veterans and we owe them a debt of honour.

Our veterans and their families need more support and greater attention from all of society. Two months from now – on St. George’s Day in April – we welcome everyone here to Freedom Square to observe Veterans’ Day for the first time. Nor will we forget the Estonian citizens who gave their lives or sustained injuries in 20th century conflicts.

Estonia considers strong, effective relations with allies to be important. Besides experiences and the cooperation we gain on missions, it is becoming increasingly important to refine, in joint exercises, the skills and knowledge needed for providing collective defence.

It is clear that Estonia’s defence must be based on thoroughly considered decisions, which through a combination of initial defensive capability and NATO allied contribution ensure the security of our state and people.

We must remind ourselves time and again that our independence and freedom have never been something to be taken for granted, and never will be. The Estonian state was established to protect our nation and our freedom.

Long live the Republic of Estonia!

Many places in the world are at war and Estonia as a member of the European Union and NATO is participating in these wars. Consequently we must deal with matters of national security in an international and local context. Current larger conflicts have a long history, confrontations with momentums lasting through the ages, without ending, erupting outbreaks, constantly repeating. The people of these countries who have been located within artificial borders are seeking self-determination or ways to free themselves from autocratic rule. Afghanistan, Syria, Mali and the Middle East are currently crisis areas of greater concern.

Question, what does NATO and the European Union stand for today and in the future: which and how many military conflicts outside the European continent are being regulated and in what capacity? Whether its military intervention, peace keeping, humanitarian assistance, education and instruction or anything other as well as altogether much more than civilian capabilities would allow. Yes, ours and Estonia’s decision is do we want to assist and if so, how do we do so to solve the problem.

The current events in Mali confirm that radical Islamism finds continued support for cultivating and enlarging their membership and ideas via governing vacuums and unsuccessful national organizations. It is quite probable that Mali will become so-called smouldering conflict. For this reason our military actions against the Magreb Al-Qaeda and other radical groups must be decisive.

As we have learned from our Iraqi and Afghanistan operations, military operations are not enough to resolve situations. We need to analyze the situation as a whole and maximize our efforts that the offered solution to stabilizing the situation includes all involved and their interests. In regards to Mali the question and its answer lies in looking for Touareg autonomy.

At the same time we have to consider that during the ISAF operation in Afghanistan, in working with NATO members and partner countries, has given us immeasurable experience militarily as well as politically, while several larger states have changed their attitudes towards military strength especially in the use of the army in conflicts. There has been a substantial lowering of the demarcation point by the decision makers of when to send in military into conflict areas, regardless of the apparent need. After more than 10 years of military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan the price tag is very difficult to explain to the taxpayers and new military ventures increasing harder to sell in the current world economic situation. At the same the power positions between the members of the United Nations Security Council have cemented and the international community’s response to massive loss of life in conflicts constantly collide with the vested interests of China and Russia.

From an Estonian point of view we require due to our location and our history a clear defence policy that suits us and gives the confidence to the Estonian people that we would be able to defend ourselves in the event of an aggression. Basically there are two possible directions – resolving conflicts far from home with NATO or the United Nations and an internal defence force – weaved into a single Estonian security force – and defence policy. Last year’s Defence Force 10 year development plan takes into account both the gravity of the situation and gives the defence forces a goal where by current security risks can be weighed and defensive measures developed.

It is imperative to remember that the nation of Estonia participates in international military operations primarily with one purpose: to ensure our own security and defend relationships with our allies as well as having remarkably well and realistically developed our defences via the experience that we have received through these operations in the last 10 years.

The still powerful US, European Union and Japan are increasingly tangled in finding solutions for the heated economic and social problems of their individual countries. The desire to be actively involved in foreign politics has left primarily economic security suffering. A vivid example are the operations by the shores of Somalia where the US, EU, China and Russia have been jointly participating.

The United States has turned away from Europe toward Asia in the hopes that the friendly co-existence in Europe will able to sort out its own problems. There are many competitors to the US in Asia that deserve a high profile attention economically, politically as well as in defence policy. Many experts are predicting that 2013 will be the year of confrontation between Barack Obama and opposing China´s Communist Party’s First Secretary Xi Jing where the mediator and Blackhorse will be the increasingly federalising European, Angela Markel.

Thanks to a well-managed and stabilized growth economically China has become one of the world’s defence policy heavy weights. Growing and oriented towards foreign market export manufacturing has made China protect its position and utilize methods of retaliation. Despite rhetoric alluding to peace and harmony, China has constantly enlarged its military strength which the development has supported the growth of its economic power.

The constant enlargement of the navy shows the desire to control the trading routes on sea for Chinas important supply of raw materials. With support from the government, cyber warfare has been used to enlarge economic and political influence. On a broader scope the struggle for worldwide resources and for their pathways is emerging as a security factor, gradually supplanting ideologies and religions.

The majority of Europeans believe in the myth of apparent security, because it is easier to do so. Defence budget expenditures are being lessened in many European nations, not to be militarily more effective but rather to find resources meant to ease tensions caused by living beyond ones means. Germany does not want to have a leading role in security policy due to very negative and still agonizing historical experiences.

The United Kingdom generally is only interested in security issues when looking for partners to participate in Afghanistan and other international war zones. France and southern European nations are worried more about the Arab spring and consequent developing revolutionary zones, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This how the Security policy of the European countries function just like the swan, pike and crab in Krvlov’s well-known work. The result is a pan- European security environmental cavity that requires a larger commitment to cooperation from those that have a realistic interest in it. In Europe we are currently unable to decide our own affairs including areas of defence. We can no longer depend on American military support as it was during the Marshall plan after the Second World War.

It sounds cynical, but the USA military presence during the Cold War and NATO itself additionally have created a security myth situation where the necessity to invest in the defence area has significantly decreased. NATO has been an affordable way to ensure security, because figuratively everyone must stand up for themselves, this leaves the much discussed two percent GDP clearly lacking.

A suitable comparison is an apartment versus private house example. The jointly covered costs of the apartment are more affordable, when especially in a situation where the good hearted landlord (US) subsidizes the common utility costs as well as retaining the plumber and security staff on an all evening basis than a single individual paying all costs in his private dwelling. The US Ambassador to NATO, Ivo Daalder has clearly said that the European nations must enlarge their defence expenditure because the USA is not able to fill the gap forever, especially since the declining defence expenditures of the European nations is causing an extra monetary burden on the US.

Mid and eastern European problems have resulted historically previously from Russia. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin’s long term policy for Russian society is directed to re-establishing their influence in foreign politics with a view on changing itself to a greater nation in Eurasia (the largest Eurasian derzhava).

The establishment of an Eurasian union based on the ruins of the Soviet Union, mourning the USSR and a constant course of confrontation with NATO gives testimony to the desire to reinstate two confrontational global centres of power.

Last year on the 5^th of February Putin stated: “NATO military bases and anti-ballistic systems close to the Russian border have created a realistic threat to the territory of the Russian federation.” The Russian military strenuously started reforms. During the last four years they have doubled their conventional military strength in the western defence area and their large military exercise Zapad clearly shows their confrontational intentions towards the west.

A high ranking Russian General Staff officer confessed recently in an atmosphere of trust to his western colleagues that opposition to the west is part of Russian history. Nobody in the ruling structure has any desire to change 300 years of confrontational history.

Russian development in the last years confirms Mark Twain’s thoughts: History does not repeat itself, it rhymes. Perhaps in analysis for a long time realistic Russian security threats have no longer been from the western borders, the manipulation through threatening rhetoric is meant to unite and control a declining population. Added to that is the construction of military strength on the western borders. Regretfully there has arisen a situation where unfortunately only those European nations that feel a security threat from the eastern border realistic military restructuring, are prepared in investing and contributing to military strengthening.

The Nordic countries have developed support through the decades for the principles of their total security defence policy, moving separately in their own defence policy restructuring. The further you are from realistic threats the easier it is to make cost cutting and integrative decisions. The Danish defence system along with NATO directional personnel policy is currently emphatically US and NATO centred.

The Swedish thought of national defence in the last years has changed through a parabolic development of total defence to an expeditionary army and after the Georgian war gone back as a whole to a basic national defence conception. Reforms have substantially enlarged Sweden to a conventional military force in the region. At the same time in a recent interview the Commander in Chief of Swedish Defence, General Sverker Göranson revealed that he was seriously worried about their defence capabilities. In his words Sweden is capable of defending itself from a military attack for only one week.

Finland and Norway have not changed the development of their defence capability; their main thrust is independent defence and development of intense defensive cooperation. Each in their separate ways, but still consistently developing their own contingency plans. While Norway has focused its cooperation with NATO, Finland has been a faithful partner in international missions with a mandate from the UN, while at the same time introducing in its activities NATO nations standards.

Regardless of cost cuts and structural changes, Finland’s defence reform is still directed towards an enlargement of its independent defence plan, especially in the development of its reserve component. The recently completed Finnish security and Defence policy report or as it’s called, the white book brings forth defence expenditures and intensifying mismatches in necessary military capabilities. To continue and ensure military capabilities at the present level the defence budget as of 2015 must be enlarged to 50 million euros as well as a minimum of 150 million euros per year by 2020.

The NATO´s Smart Defence is nothing new for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Starting from scratch twenty years ago, these nations’ only chance to have defence development of any meaning was in joining forces. This has been has been achieved throughout the years in areas on the land, sea and air. Strong recommendations for military cooperation came from the Nordic countries and the considerable NATO nation members.

Although joining NATO was a dream twenty years ago, the western nations envisioned of cooperation with the Baltic militaries and the challenge proving us NATO worthy. One of the best examples is definitely the Baltic Defence College in Tartu which the Nordic countries have supported with large investments and many man hours in assistance.

The school has now become the only English language, multinational, higher learning institution providing a staff officers’ education in the whole of continental Europe.

The Baltic Defence College has orientated itself to a small nation’s security requirements in the Baltic security environment; consequently it is the last chance to begin close cooperation with the Nordic nations.

At the same time we realize that joining in cooperative projects with the well to do Nordic countries is not easy because we are playing in a different league. The Defence expenditures albeit on downward trend of the Nordic nations are ten times the amount of our own budget. Therefore to be able to taken as equals at the table we must be totally devoted to national defence and show this to our partners.

We do have an advantage in that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have already proved themselves in combat operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Taking part in NATO lead coalitions has been a relatively new experience for the Nordic nations and in that context we can compare our capabilities. Unfortunately we have had very little cooperation militarily with the Nordic countries, the only military joint venture being the Nordic battle group, it is clearly not enough. It is imperative to Estonia that we do everything possible to enlarge our cooperation with the Nordic nations, that it would not be limited to soft joint projects, like the role of women in the national defence. It is also important to encourage the governments of Latvia and Lithuania to contribute more in military national defence.

We love to quote NATO Article V, but tend to forget article III, which states: “In order more effectively to achieve the objectives of this Treaty, the Parties, separately and jointly, by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack.” Individual and collective capacity is inclusive of support, not exclusive of.

A good example of fulfilment of allied agreement in the Nordic-Baltic area is Poland, who systematically contributes their security capabilities, having in the last twenty years developed into an economic leader in the region. Poland has a larger population than the Nordic nations and the Baltics combined and contributes two percent of its GDP to national defence, while at the same time economically, Poland is growing. Poland wants to be and can be a security leader in the region.

Poland can be considered the area´s main military force thanks to reforms in defence and transformations in the armed forces. Poland has adequate resources to defend its sovereignty as well as if necessary protect its neighbours. Transformations in the military have significantly improved military professionalism and increased battle readiness. Instructional quality has risen due to in-depth applications. New principles in areas of logistics and mobilization have been applied.

These steps have been taken to the point that if in 2009 the difference between combat and support units was 53 percent and 47 percent, now actual combat ready units in the Polish armed forces are at 60 percent. Poland’s peacetime military is close to 100,000 military personnel with an additional 20,000 volunteers upon which the reserves are based on.

Poland has been one of the most active in promoting the development of regional security cooperation. We are most interested, of course in Polish cooperation with the Baltic and Nordic countries. Similar joint work format precedents are in place in Mid Europe or Visegrad group of nations and with other neighbours.

The ties between the United States and Poland should be separately considered, which president Obama during his first term of office suffered a bit due to American misunderstandings, though things have changed now from a security and military cooperation perspective into a very close a productive relationship. Strategic confirmation of the relationship has US military technical equipment placed in Poland. Poland and the US are forming a separate joint air force unit as well whose main task is to serve F-16 jet fighters and C-130 transport plane systems. The cooperation between the two nations is being furthered with Interceptor missiles and radar base complexes which are being placed in Poland within the framework of the NATO anti-ballistic missile defence program.

Opening relationships between Poland and Estonia has been a step by step process. It is ironic that before, as well as after, joining NATO and the European Union we have been looking towards mid Europe and we did not notice that Poland with similar interest and worries was a natural ally. Currently our relation is very busy and mutually beneficial. As a confirmation the Polish Defence Forces Commander, General Cieiuch visited Estonia last year – the first Polish Defence Forces Commander to visit Estonia since the end of World War II.

In the words of President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Poland is the most important large country in the Europe Union for Estonia, because Poles understand, without explanation the ideas and worries of Estonians.

With a small population and limited resources Estonia must be able to participate as an equal partner in the security community and be able work within the constitution and commitments put forth by the North-Atlantic Treaty. We can and will be able to do this when our model of national defence works, our military has real and active units, clear and understandable command as well as being ready to fulfill tasks within the nation as well as international operations today and in the future. We are proceeding on these basic tenants for putting together the development of our national defence.