1st Infantry Brigade of the Division

The 1st Infantry Brigade is one of the two main maneuver units of the Defence Forces and, in peacetime, the largest unit in Estonia, located in two locations (Tapa/Jõhvi). The 1st Infantry Brigade operates in an international service environment, where future conscripts have direct contact with service members from various foreign armed forces.

Engineer Battalion

The task of the Engineer Battalion is to create obstacles to hinder enemy movement, ensure freedom of movement for own maneuver units, and enhance their survivability through field fortification. The battalion is located in Tapa, where engineers are trained for both the Engineer Battalion itself and for light and mechanized infantry battalions.

To perform the diverse tasks of engineers, conscripts are taught both basic infantry knowledge and a variety of specific skills: demolition, mine handling, demining, construction of temporary bridges, operation of chainsaws and other specialized tools, and more. The battalion also has a versatile fleet of equipment. Soldiers use both standard transport vehicles and heavy machinery (excavators, front loaders, bulldozers, etc.) as well as specialized engineering equipment (road-laying and bridging machines).

Good physical fitness, manual dexterity, and technical aptitude are beneficial in the Engineer Battalion.

Air Defence Battalion

The Air Defence Battalion, located at the Tapa military base, trains specialists to detect enemy air attack and surveillance systems and to counter them using ground-based weapon systems. After acquiring the basic knowledge required for a soldier, conscripts learn to operate in air defence weapon teams and practice firing with air defence systems using simulators as well as live-fire exercises.

Training is available for operating the Mistral air defence missile system, the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun (also known as Sergei), and in fire control and logistics specialties. There are also opportunities to train in logistics, communications, and as a paramedic.

Combat Service Support Battalion

In wartime, the main task of the Combat Service Support Battalion is to ensure the combat capability of the 1st Infantry Brigade and higher-level logistics. The battalion primarily trains specialists in the fields of logistics, transportation, mechanics, medicine, warehousing, and catering.

It is possible to train as a driver (C or E category, hazardous materials transport, and tow truck operation), communications specialist, paramedic, mechanic, warehouse operator, food handler, field kitchen cook, and forklift or crane operator. In addition to rear-area specialties, a significant portion of the training focuses on infantry tactics, with additional training offered in machine gunner and anti-tank roles.

Scouts Battalion

The Scouts Battalion is a maneuver unit based in Tapa, part of the 1st Infantry Brigade, capable of independent combat operations and offering world-class professional training. The battalion is equipped with Estonia’s most modern technology and weaponry (e.g. CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles and Javelin anti-tank missile systems).

Since 2017, conscripts have had the opportunity to serve in the dismounted personnel of the CV9035 infantry fighting vehicle. Serving in the armored infantry company as part of a vehicle crew is a source of pride for every soldier. During service, conscripts can receive training as infantry NCOs, machine gunners, marksmen, or anti-tank specialists.

After conscription, it is possible to join the Scouts Battalion as a professional soldier and continue service either in the acquired specialty or by developing further within the battalion.

Viru Infantry Battalion

The Viru Infantry Battalion, located in Jõhvi, conducts training for mechanized infantry units. Soldiers acquire shooting and combat skills to be effective team members in roles such as rifleman, marksman, machine gunner (MG-3), anti-tank gunner (Carl Gustav, Javelin), mortar operator, or paramedic.

Drivers are also trained, and in addition to obtaining B and C category driving licenses, they complete training as armored vehicle drivers (PASI XA-188). In addition to enlisted personnel, wartime team, squad, and platoon leaders, as well as heavy machine gun operators for armored vehicles, are also trained.

A special focus in the training is on live-fire exercises, where soldiers and units operate with real ammunition in conditions as close to combat as possible. After service, fighters are more confident in both forest operations and teamwork, and are physically and mentally stronger.

Kalev Infantry Battalion

The Kalev Infantry Battalion is a mechanized unit whose main task is training a combat-capable reserve. The battalion, located in Jõhvi, provides training for both maneuver and support units.

Specialty training in the unit includes courses for junior non-commissioned officers, drivers, 120 mm mortar operators, anti-tank specialists, machine gunners, and armored vehicle drivers.

The battalion’s armament includes Galil assault rifles, MG-3 machine guns, Carl Gustav anti-tank grenade launchers, Javelin anti-tank missile systems, 120 mm mortars, and PASI XA-180 armored personnel carriers.

Anti-Tank Company

Anti-tank training is conducted by the brigade’s Anti-Tank Company, which is also permanently based at the Jõhvi garrison. The main objective of the Anti-Tank Company is to engage enemy armor on the brigade’s front line.

Conscripts serving in the Anti-Tank Company are primarily trained to operate the Spike LR weapon system, one of the most modern systems in the Defence Forces. As in the infantry, it is also possible to serve in this unit as a driver, communications specialist, or paramedic.

Staff and Signal Company

The task of the Staff and Signal Company is to ensure command and security for the brigade. In this company, it is possible to serve in communications and information technology-related positions, as well as as an infantryman, providing security for both the brigade staff and command.