The Government of the Republic of Estonia decided to declare a defence readiness exercise Okas (Quill) with up to 607 members of territorial defence units ordered to participate the snap exercise (SNAPEX). Exercise Okas is of a defensive manner, aimed at practicing national defence activities. There is no immediate security threat to Estonia.
Based on the proposal by the Commander of Estonian Defence Forces, up to 607 reservists from Tartu, Põlva, Võrumaa, Valgamaa and Sakala districts of Territorial Defence Region South, Estonian Defence League, have been ordered by the Government of Estonia to participate the SNAPEX Okas 23-2 from May 5 to 7, 2023. In addition, up to 300 members of the Estonian Defence League are involved in the exercise in supporting roles. Exercise Okas 23-2 is carried our between May 5-7, 2023.
Reservists whose units are called to the exercise are obligated to immediately report to the designated assembly points.
Reservists that were called to duty can check their orders from the website www.kaitsevaeteenistus.ee.
All participants of the exercise can receive additional information about the exercise from their home units:
- Members of Põlva district can get additional information from the phone number +372 5455 0399 and e-mail [email protected].
- Members of Sakala district can get additional information from the phone number +372 717 9207 and e-mail [email protected].
- Members of Tartu district can get additional information from the phone number +372 5192 9180 and e-mail [email protected].
- Members of Valgamaa district can get additional information from the phone number +372 717 9405 and e-mail [email protected].
- Members of Võrumaa district can get additional information from the phone number +372 5340 5999 and e-mail [email protected].
The main purpose of exercise Okas is to test the chain of command of national defence, from the decision of the Government of Estonia to achieving combat readiness of designated units in the rapid response structure.
In addition, units of the Territorial Defence Region South, Estonian Defence League, will practice performing wartime tasks such as establishing check points, conducting ambushes, and sustaining themselves.
The task of the Estonian Defence Forces and Estonian Defence League is to ensure that the country is constantly ready to defend itself and this needs to be practiced during exercises.
Estonian national defence model, based on Estonian reserve military structures, has proven its vitality and effectiveness. Security does not generate by itself, and that is why Estonia must organize regular exercises in peacetime in order to maintain and increase the ability of the reserve structure to react in a timely matter.
Previous SNAPEX Okas was carried out between January 26 and February 23, 2023.
Estonian Defence Forces regularly order reservists to larger and smaller exercises, such as Siil (Hedgehog) and Kevadtorm (Spring Storm), with a long, 120-day notice.
