The formation of the 2nd Infantry Brigade’s reserve units continued today at the Raadi base in Tartu, as part of the Spring Storm 2024 exercise, with reservists receiving new combat gear.
Reservists from the 2nd Kuperjanov’s Infantry Battalion and the 26th Air Defence Battalion, who arrived for the reserve training, were issued three-in-one plate carrier systems. “The new plate carriers and combat belts differ from the previous combat kit. The fighters are quite satisfied, it seems everyone likes this new equipment,” said Private Lauri Drubinš, a volunteer from the Estonian Defence League.
“The first emotions are positive, considering that there was no new equipment last time. It feels like everything is well thought out and effective, I like it,” said Sergeant Marken Keres, a reservist of the 2nd Kuperjanov’s Infantry Battalion, who completed his conscription three years ago and is currently participating in the reserve training for his second time.
Other reservists also noted that the new plate carrying system is lighter than the previous one and significantly more user-friendly and comfortable. “It feels great, I’ve never felt like this before. I’m looking forward to testing it out in the field training,” said Corporal Artur Meenbek, a reservist from the 2nd Kuperjanov’s Infantry Battalion.
This evening, the reserve units will move to the Nursipalu training area, where they will refresh their skills, conduct live fire exercises, and undergo field integration training. Next week, they will continue with manoeuvres in Western Estonia. The units of the 2nd Infantry Brigade and the Territorial Defence Region West are the main units being evaluated in this year’s Spring Storm exercise.
The mood among the reservists at Raadi base was generally good today. “Conscription didn’t bother me. Now, two weeks in the forest is just like a vacation, that’s no problem as long as the sun shines and my stomach is full. What harm can come to me?” said Sergeant Keres.
Spring Storm is the largest annual exercise of the Estonian Defence Forces, during which military operations planning and execution are practiced, as well as enhanced cooperation between Estonian and allied units. The exercise involves active-duty military personnel, conscripts, reservists, members of the Defence League, and participants from allied nations.
Spring Storm 2024 is part of the NATO exercise series Steadfast Defender 2024, representing a significant component of this extensive NATO exercise. Steadfast Defender 2024 is the largest NATO exercise in decades, with nearly 90,000 participants from all 32 member states participating over a six-month period from January to July 2024. The broader framework for the exercise has been set by confirmed NATO regional defence plans.
