Division

The division is the largest land force structural unit in the Defence Forces, operating under the direct command of the Commander of the Defence Forces. The unit operates both during wartime and on a permanent basis. Its main task is to plan and conduct military operations within its area of responsibility using assigned and temporarily subordinated units, including units from foreign armed forces.

Subordinate to the division are the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades and the following battalions:

Reconnaissance Battalion (Recon Company)

The Reconnaissance Battalion is the centre of land force intelligence skills and knowledge in the Defence Forces. The main task of reconnaissance soldiers is to gather information from the battlefield to help combat units better understand the operational environment and make high-quality decisions. The recon company conducts reconnaissance and sniper training. The technical reconnaissance company provides training in unmanned aerial vehicles and signals intelligence.

In addition to basic soldier skills, conscripts in the Reconnaissance Battalion learn how to survive with limited resources and operate in harsh conditions. They are also trained to use a wide range of equipment for information gathering—from observation devices to drones. A large part of the training focuses on combat in low-light or nighttime conditions. The basic military course is conducted at the Tapa garrison, followed by specialized training, which also takes place in Tallinn. Reconnaissance Battalion conscripts must be prepared for a more thorough background check.

In addition to Defence Forces-wide specialties (e.g. commanders, drivers, medics, communications specialists), conscripts can acquire reconnaissance-specific roles:

• Recon Forward Observer – responsible for targeting critical enemy assets in cooperation with indirect fire units.
• Sniper – trained in both essential reconnaissance skills and the ability to engage targets from a distance with precision and lethality.
• Signals Intelligence Operator – gathers information in all weather and lighting conditions using tactical SIGINT tools, disrupts enemy communications, and ensures the functionality of friendly communication systems.

Artillery Battalion

The Artillery Battalion is an organic combat support unit of the brigade, tasked with rapidly and effectively engaging the enemy using indirect fire. With training focused on cooperation at different levels, the Artillery Battalion serves as a means for the brigade commander to determine the outcome of battle.

The battalion is based in Tapa, where most of the daily training takes place in the surrounding area. Training includes infantry and artillery live-fire exercises involving the entire battalion. Every artillery soldier is expected to demonstrate professionalism, speed, and precision—when operating weapon systems, even a millimeter of error is unacceptable.

To support and conduct fire missions, conscripts are trained in the following specialties: gun crew, surveying, calculation, fire control, communications, technical support (repair), medical support, and drivers. Since many of these specialties overlap with civilian professions, prior civilian training is a key factor in the selection of roles.

Staff and Signal Battalion

The Staff and Signal Battalion provides the division staff with a secure and reliable command environment, including internet and communication connections for staff units. Conscripts are trained by the staff company and the signal company.

The main task of the staff company is to ensure the command capability, security, and sustainability of both mobile and stationary command posts. The functioning of a command post is ensured by electricians, communications specialists, cooks, refuelers, bodyguards, warehouse operators, medics, mechanics, IT specialists, locksmiths, drivers, and unit leaders. The unit can set up and relocate its “micro-city” both in the field and in urban areas. The training in the staff company is versatile, and conscripts acquire a wide range of specialized skills. Setting up a command post requires teamwork and often challenges conscripts to think outside the box and make quick decisions.

Signal company soldiers joke: “If we have no signal – no one does!” The main task of the signal company is to deliver network connectivity to the command post even if it’s located deep in the forest. To achieve this, signal masts are erected to form a “network chain” that enables internet access tens of kilometers away. Signal company conscripts operate in small teams, and their training is exciting and stressful. During service, both team and individual skills are developed and tested. When needed, a conscript must be simultaneously an IT and communication specialist, a driver, a grenadier, and a commander – a true jack of all trades.

Logistics Battalion

The task of the Division Logistics Battalion is to ensure logistical support for the division’s units. The main activity of the Logistics Battalion is the transport of materials and supplies. The specialized training received in the Logistics Battalion is especially useful for those working or planning to work in the fields of logistics, transportation, and mechanics.

Nearly two-thirds of conscripts are trained as drivers, which includes obtaining C, CE, and D category licenses. In addition, courses are provided for the transport and handling of hazardous materials (fuel, ammunition, explosives), as well as training for crane and forklift operators.

On the technical side, it is also possible to receive training as a tow truck driver, trailer driver, or mechanic. In the field of inventory management, we offer professional training for warehouse operators, material accountants, and forklift drivers.

To support the activities of subunits, we also train communications and IT specialists, as well as paramedics.