Completion of Conscription
One of the key responsibilities of the Defence Forces is to train a reserve army that ensures Estonia’s territorial integrity and national continuity in times of war. The Defence Forces are the guardians of our freedom and independence, and their strength depends on well-trained individuals.
The primary training takes place during conscription, where the necessary knowledge and skills for participating in national defence are acquired.
Conscription takes place three times a year
DURATION: 11 MONTHS
Leaders and specialists in January and July
DURATION: 8 MONTHS
Soldiers in October
In January and July, conscription primarily includes those who will receive specialist training, become leaders, or serve as drivers. Therefore, conscription starting in January and July lasts for 11 months, unlike the October intake, which lasts for 8 months. The majority of infantry soldiers are trained during the October intake.
Training cycle
Conscription begins with the Soldier’s Basic Course (SBC), during which conscripts acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills of an individual soldier. After completing the SBC, training continues with a military specialty course, such as for a squad leader, driver, or paramedic.
The specialty course is followed by the Weapon and Branch Unit Course (WBUC), which focuses on practicing cooperation within the wartime unit.
Conscription ends with a large-scale exercise, where conscripts trained in different units practice collaboration across various types of combat.
During conscription, it is possible to acquire the following specialties in all units of the Defence Forces:
- Leadership: Qualification as a squad leader, reserve platoon leader, or assistant to a company commander
- Paramedic: Group, company, and senior paramedic
- Vehicle operation: Driving licenses for categories C, D, and E, depending on the position
- Communications and IT: Specialist in radio, wired communications, and IT
- EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal): Neutralization of explosive devices
- Support specialties: Mechanic, field kitchen specialist
Some of the listed courses may take place outside the conscript’s home unit — for example, the paramedic specialty course is conducted at a medical centre.
For other specialties, each unit focuses on training that supports its specific tasks and mission objectives. This means that every unit has its own particular specialties that can only be learned by serving there.
The conscription cycle is designed to ensure the conscript’s continuous development and smooth progression through the training stages.
The Defence Forces provide not only comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the field of national defence, but also a strong foundation for a future career and personal growth.
Conscription is not merely an obligation — it is also an opportunity to contribute to national defence and prepare for a successful career in fast-developing and important fields.
Mental Health and Medical Care
Each structural unit of the Defence Forces has its own medical centre, which provides all conscripts with access to primary medical care. These centres are staffed by professional healthcare personnel and equipped with the necessary facilities to offer general medical services and dental care. In addition to standard care, the medical centre of the Defence Forces Logistics Centre also provides conscripts with a limited range of outpatient specialist services.
The Defence Forces also have their own chaplains, psychologists, and social workers, who support and assist conscripts in coping with service-related challenges.
In addition to all other benefits, all conscripts are covered by health insurance.
See the table for information on which units, when, and how many young people will be conscripted into military service in 2025.
| Structural Unit | Distribution | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 | Week 29 | Week 42 | ||
| Division | 270 | 1700 | 1000 | |
| Cyber Command | 90 | 90 | – | |
| Navy | 150 | 150 | – | |
| Air Force | 80 | 40 | – | |
| Support Command | 40 | 50 | 10 | |
| Military Police | 150 | 150 | – | |
| Special Operations Command | – | 30 | – | |
| TOTAL | 780 | 2210 | 1010 | 4000 |