Conscription checklist

Are you entering conscription?

To ensure your entry into conscription goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few recommendations:

Get to know your unit: Find out in advance where the unit you will be serving in is located. It’s good to know the location of your future home. You can check the unit locations [here].
Be logistically prepared: Think through how you will get to your unit and how you’ll get around from there. The more you know, the fewer unexpected surprises there will be.
Ask advice from a friend who has completed conscription: If you know someone who has already served in your future unit, ask about their experience. You’ll get valuable tips and be better prepared.
Download the Defence Forces app “Spordivägi” to your phone: See what training challenges await you in the app. Now is the last chance to begin your physical preparation.
Follow social media channels: Units often share information and photos from their daily life. This way, you’ll get an idea of what to expect even before you start your service.

What is conscription day like?

What else should you take care of before conscription?

Go to the conscription service website and make sure you have entered your bank account number correctly. The Defence Forces will transfer your conscript allowance to that account.

Are you a university student?

Are you working?

Do you have loan obligations?

Do you have a child?

Can you bring a laptop, tablet, camera or other personal communication and electronic devices with you?

Yes, you may. The use of personal communication and electronic devices is allowed, but it is governed by the internal rules of the military unit. In general, such devices may be used during off-duty hours.

Important to remember:

The use of communication and electronic devices, including mobile phones, must not endanger yourself or others, nor interfere with military training and duties.
On Defence Forces premises, it is prohibited to record, photograph, or film service members without the commander’s permission if the material may reveal information about national defence or security.

What other personal items are worth bringing to conscription?

What else is useful?

Communication with family members and friends

You have the right to meet with your family and friends at your conscription unit at least once a month, unless this is restricted due to military training or the prevention of infectious diseases. Specific visiting times are scheduled at each unit.
You can stay in touch with loved ones via phone, letters, and the internet.
Open door days are organized a few times a year at the units, allowing your family and close ones to visit and learn about your everyday environment.
You may use your mobile phone according to your unit’s internal regulations, typically during free time. In emergencies, your family can reach you through the duty officer at your unit.

What to take into account when visiting?

A person is not allowed to enter the Defence Forces’ premises if they:

do not carry a valid identification document;
are under the influence of alcohol or other substances;
refuse to have their belongings inspected upon entry;
arrive with a pet;
are in possession of prohibited items or substances (e.g. alcohol, narcotic or psychotropic substances, explosives, weapons, ammunition);
violate the visitation rules or disobey the orders of the guard, duty personnel, or security service.

On the premises of the Defence Forces, visitors are prohibited from:

moving around without an escort;
filming, photographing, or recording in any form;
consuming alcohol, narcotic or other psychotropic substances;
littering or leaving trash behind;
entering areas not designated for visitors;
disturbing public order or interfering with active-duty personnel in the performance of their duties.

Good to know

Military Etiquette

In the Estonian Defence Forces, specific customs and etiquette apply. These include observing rules of politeness, mutual saluting among active-duty personnel and conscripts, appropriate forms of address, greetings and farewells, rules for presenting oneself and reporting, internal communication, and participation in military ceremonies.

The purpose of military customs and ceremonies is to strengthen the sense of unity, boost morale, and enhance combat readiness. They help instill discipline and contribute to the good reputation of the Defence Forces.

Conscripts are expected to always act with dignity and integrity, guided by the core values of the Defence Forces.

The core values of the Estonian Defence Forces are:

Honesty
Courage
Competence
Loyalty
Cooperation
Openness

When you are in conscription service, you are expected to maintain a neat appearance, take care of your health, and observe hygiene requirements.

While wearing a uniform, performing service duties, or staying on military premises or in service locations, it is strictly prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages, narcotic or psychotropic substances, or to be under the influence of such substances.

Furthermore, it is forbidden to promote political views during conscription or to make recordings (photographic, video, or audio) of active-duty personnel on military premises without the permission of a superior officer.

What to do in case of questions or problems?

The conscript representative acts as the spokesperson for conscripts regarding service-related matters before the unit commander.
As a conscript, you have the right to contact your immediate superior with any service-related concerns. With their permission, you may also address the next or higher-ranking direct superior.
Every conscript also has the right to directly contact: the Chief Inspector of the Defence Forces, the Ombudsman, a chaplain, medical personnel, other person responsible for state secrets protection.

Leave and Leave Permits

A conscript is entitled to leave:

10 days for conscription lasting up to nine months
15 days for conscription lasting more than nine months

A conscript is entitled to vacation:

10 days for conscription up to 9 months;
15 days for conscription over 9 months.

For exemplary service, it is possible to receive up to ten additional days of leave with the permission of the conscription unit commander. Within the limit, a conscript is reimbursed once during the service for travel to and from leave.

A conscript has the right to apply for permission to leave the conscription unit, known as “väljaluba.” With the permission of the subunit commander, one may leave the unit for up to 24 hours, and during holidays and rest days for up to 96 hours.

One must leave for and return from leave in proper uniform. Leave is not granted if a disciplinary punishment is pending. Upon returning from leave, this must be reported to the duty officer.