Author: Col. (Ret.) Łukasz Paczesny
The Estonian Defense League is part of the Estonian Armed Forces. This unique territorial defense formation is perceived as a stable organization with an established position and positive public opinion. This is due to the Estonians’ consistency in building it up over the long term and offering an interesting range of activities and opportunities for involvement in the organization’s work. It seems that caring for the patriotic motivation of volunteers and constantly nurturing their development is also extremely important.
Mission, goals and tasks
The history of the Estonian Defense League (Kaitseliit) dates back to the Estonian struggle for independence. The League was established on November 11, 1918, shortly after the withdrawal of German troops from Estonian territory [1], and was then subordinate to the Ministry of Defense. The formation participated in the war of independence against Soviet Russia (1918–1920), supporting the regular Estonian army. After the signing of the Treaty of Tartu (February 2, 1920) and the recognition of Estonia’s independence by Soviet Russia, the organization was dissolved. It was reactivated in 1924 in response to an attempted communist coup. After the annexation of Estonia by the USSR in 1940, the Estonian Defense League ceased to exist again. After regaining independence, the Estonian authorities reestablished it on February 17, 1990.
The Estonian Defense League currently has about 30,000 members, including about 18,000 volunteers [2], i.e., active members who regularly participate in military activities and exercises [3]. It is an important part of the Estonian armed forces. Kaitseliit is a voluntary national defense organization operating under the auspices of the Estonian Ministry of Defense, organized according to military principles, but extending its activities to non-military areas, especially in peacetime. Kaitseliit also includes three partner organizations, namely the Young Eagles (Noored Kotkad), Home Doughters (Kodutütred), and Women Voluntary Defence Organization (Naiskodukaitse). The formula of voluntary involvement and links with the armed forces becomes significant when compared to the approximately 4,000 professional soldiers serving in the Estonian Armed Forces [4].
The League’s activities are mainly defensive in nature, but also serve to combat crises [5]. It carries out its tasks on the basis of the Estonian Defense League Act [6], the League’s statutes [7], and doctrinal documents [8]. The aim of the League is to prepare Estonian citizens to defend their independence and constitutional order by fostering a willingness among the population to resist the enemy and to act independently [9]. Kaitseliit is a non-partisan and apolitical organization [10]. Its main tasks include: preparing for the defense of Estonian territory, conducting military training, supporting and cooperating with the Estonian army and other services, supporting civil defense activities (assistance in natural disasters, search and rescue operations), patriotic education of young people through pro-defense education and shaping civic attitudes [11]. In addition, the League may be entrusted with tasks related to the protection of public order and important facilities, and in the event of war, support for NATO forces under the HNS program [12] program, as well as broadly understood guerrilla warfare (including the construction and planting of explosive devices) and diversionary activities to slow down the movements of a potential aggressor [13]. Another important task of the League is to train reservists, support the mobilization of armed forces, and participate in foreign operations [14]. In peacetime, the organization’s tasks focus on supporting emergency services and the police, securing facilities, forming and training units, and in times of conflict, conducting defensive operations in cooperation with the Estonian Armed Forces. The important role of Kaitseliit in Estonian society is evidenced by the high level of public support, as confirmed by a report commissioned by the Ministry of Defense [15], which indicates that 76% of citizens have a favorable attitude towards the Estonian Defense League.
Organization, command, training, structure, and functioning
Command
The Estonian Defense League is part of the armed forces, but maintains considerable independence in peacetime [16]. It consists of volunteer soldiers and members of two additional youth organizations: Young Eagles and Home Doughters, and Women’s Defence Organization. Each of these groups has separate goals and tasks, and their functioning improves the synergy of social activity and involvement in the defense of the country. The commander of the Kaitseliit is currently Major General Ilmar Tamm [17], who reports to the Commander of the Armed Forces [18]. The commander of the League is elected by the Estonian government at the request of the Minister of Defense and the Commander of the Armed Forces, after consulting with the Kaitseliit Council of Elders. Importantly, in peacetime, he retains considerable autonomy in managing the organization, and a special feature of the League is that collegial bodies are allowed to participate in the day-to-day management and administration of the organization [19]. Members of the organization may influence certain aspects of its functioning. However, collegial bodies perform advisory and administrative functions. In wartime, the League becomes a military part of the Estonian division. Wartime structures are classified. In combat and crisis situations, the organization is commanded by appointed professional command staff.
Solidarity and acceptance of actions for common security is a good lesson and recommendation for transferring these experiences to Poland.
Training
Both volunteers who will be part of the military section of the League and members of the youth organizations Young Eagles and Home Doughters and Women’s Defence Organization are trained according to the specific nature of the organization, e.g., Women’s Defense Organization has medical training, learning to cook meals in field conditions, and basic military training [20]. However, the entire training system is diverse and must respond to the different needs of the people involved in the organization. Kaitseliit members are required to complete approximately 48 hours of training per year. Due to the voluntary nature of the formation and the professional obligations of the participants, training usually takes place on weekends. Once a year, participation in shooting and field exercises is mandatory [21]. In addition, there are 3-7 day training sessions with reservists, which are conducted by professional military instructors on active duty. Volunteers assigned to military operations undergo basic training in survival skills, topography, shooting, rescue, and communications. They then complete professional courses that prepare them for their roles in the unit, e.g., medic, sniper, or driver [22]. Kaitseliit members also train at their own modern unmanned aerial vehicle training center [23], which is equipped with unmanned aerial vehicles from Threod, an Estonian manufacturer of such systems [24]. These training courses are coordinated with those conducted for other services that are equipped with systems from the same supplier [25].
In carrying out its crisis management tasks, the League also conducts training with other state services, such as the police and other services [26]. This not only improves cooperation skills, but also allows for better coordination of actions in the event of a crisis. At the same time, Kaitseliit participates in training conducted as part of exercises with NATO troops, as well as training conducted by private training companies.
A significant number of Kaitseliit volunteers participate in Kevadtorm, Estonia’s largest annual exercise. In this way, they gain experience in cooperating with national and foreign armed forces. An example of training activities involving young people was the TeravOra 25 simulation exercise, which took place in the counties of Jõgeva and Järva in February 2025 [27].
Numerous exercises combined with the possibility of officers and non-commissioned officers of the Estonian Defense League subunits keeping weapons at home allow the organization to fulfill one of its territorial defense objectives, namely rapid mobilization and readiness to resist for a longer period of time, even in areas partially controlled by the enemy [28].
Structure
The League Commander has a staff located in Tallinn. Four regional commands [29] report to him: Northeast (Viru), North (Tallinn), South (Tartu), and West (Pärnumaa). According to the law [30], the regions are divided into 15 local units (districts, Estonian: Malev), whose areas coincide (with some exceptions) with the borders of Estonian counties. Malev consist of local units (Estonian: Malevkond), which comprise teams (Estonian: Rühm) and sections (Estonian: Jaoskond). Each Malev is responsible for carrying out tasks within its territory and has between 800 and 2,200 soldiers [31]. The structure of the League’s subunits does not correspond to the numbers adopted in regular armies and depends on local demographic conditions and the specific nature of the tasks performed. Malevkond are located in the following towns: Alutaguse, Harju, Järva, Jõgeva, Lääne, Pärnumaa, Põlva, Rapla, Saaremaa, Sakala, Tallinn, Tartu [32], Valgamaa, Viru, and Võrumaa. The cyber unit of the League, Kaitseliidu küberkaitse üksus (KKÜ), which operates extraterritorially under the rights of Malev [33], plays a special role. The structures also include the organizations Young Eagles, Home Doughters, and Women’s Defence Organization [34]. The League also has its own school (Kaiseliidu kool) [35].
Collegial bodies play an important role in the management of Kaitseliit: the Council of Elders, the General Assembly, the Main Board, and the Central Audit Commission. They perform control and advisory functions and are responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization in consultation with the Armed Forces.
Recruitment, functioning, and human resources
The basic principle of the Estonian model of security system organization is voluntary membership and resignation from participation in the Defense League [36]. There are several forms of involvement in Kaiseliit activities. It is possible to have the status of an active, honorary, supporting, or junior member. To become an active member, you must be at least 18 years old. Honorary members can be citizens of both Estonia and other countries. These individuals must have rendered outstanding service to the Estonian Defense League. Supporting members can be individuals who identify with the organization and declare their willingness to help achieve its goals. Junior members can be between 7 and 18 years of age.
Members are required to pay a small monthly contribution to the organization and do not receive a regular salary. However, it is possible to cover the costs of travel to training sessions and receive a bonus for participating in exercises [37].
Candidates for the League begin their application by selecting a district. A contact list and information about the activities of these units can be found on the Kaitseliit website. The websites of the individual districts are very extensive and present the possible forms of activity [38]. The candidate makes an appointment by phone or email with a Kaitseliit representative, during which they present their expectations, and the League representative presents the objectives of its activities. A prerequisite for recruitment is that the candidate has a driver’s license, and if they do not, a doctor’s certificate confirming their ability to participate in the organization’s activities. The latter can be downloaded from the health information platform (digilugu.ee). It is also advisable to present recommendations from two League members, but their absence does not preclude recruitment.
Youth and women’s organizations that are part of the Estonian Defense League
Three organizations also operate within the Estonian Defense League: Young Eagles, Home Doughters, and Women’s Defense Organization.
Concept of the Estonian Defense League is in line with the policy of bringing the younger generation closer to the army. The model adopted in Kaiseliit, which consists of supporting the development of youth organizations aimed at both boys and girls, is an essential pillar of strengthening the country’s defense.
Young Eagles is a youth organization for boys, which in its forms of work and activities refers to some extent to the idea of scouting. It is based on the voluntary involvement of adult leaders. Its aim is to provide patriotic education and prepare young people to defend Estonia by shaping their skills and civic attitudes. Boys learn orienteering, survival skills, shooting, topography, and teamwork [39], as well as the NATO phonetic alphabet [40]. Training mainly takes place at sports shooting ranges, but boys over the age of 16 can also train at other shooting ranges.
Home Doughters is a youth organization for girls. Its principles are similar to those of Young Eagles. It is based on the voluntary involvement of adults in the education and activities of the organization. It focuses on promoting love for the homeland, outdoor games and activities, first aid and survival skills, and strives to give young people a positive attitude towards military service [41]. During courses, camps, and retreats, girls learn the basics of defense and life skills. Parents are involved in the program.
Women’s Defence Organization aims to engage in defense in a broader sense than just military defense. The organization brings together about 4,000 women across the country. Regular training teaches resourcefulness in crisis situations and prepares them for evacuation and supply tasks by practicing such scenarios with other state formations, including the military [42]. Women can participate in defense activities by joining regular units of the Estonian Defense League. Many Estonian women see this organization’s offer as the most relevant to their needs because it allows them to combine family responsibilities with the development of competencies and skills related to providing assistance, support in times of crisis, and defense [43].
It is worth noting that, in view of the demographic crisis in all the Baltic states, including Estonia, the concept of the Estonian Defense League is in line with the policy of bringing the younger generation closer to the army. The model adopted in Kaiseliit, which consists of supporting the development of youth organizations aimed at both boys and girls, is an essential pillar of strengthening the country’s defense [44].
Conclusions
- Due to its size (30,000 members, including youth and women’s organizations), the Estonian Defense League is able to cover a significant part of Estonia’s territory. Its division into districts and close cooperation with citizens in individual counties, its involvement in youth education, and its mobilization of women for pro-state activities mean that Kaitseliit plays an important role in defending and supporting citizens in times of danger.
-
As part of the Estonian Armed Forces, the Estonian Defense League is a stable organization with an established positive reputation in society. This is the result of both an interesting offer, which covers various fields of activity, and the work of the organization, which has built an image of a formation close to the people. Its concern for the patriotic sentiments of its volunteer members and all citizens is also significant. Solidarity and acceptance of actions for common security is a good lesson and recommendation for transferring these experiences to Poland.
-
The training system, equipment, and provision of military personnel give Kaitseliit subunits the opportunity to be constantly ready for rapid action and mobilization in an emergency. The proximity of access to weapons and the fact that some of the personnel possess them allows for a highly dynamic response. Building the capacity for immediate activation of the organization’s members provides an opportunity for a highly effective response to a crisis.
-
The organization is open to citizens and their various capabilities. People who are not interested in military activity can work in the League in other roles, and in this way their potential also supports Estonia’s defense. In every form of involvement, the goal remains to support national security and activities complementary to the concept of national defense. This aspect is worth analyzing in the Polish context. It seems that Poland and Poles have significant potential, but there is no proper organizational system in place to exploit these opportunities.
- The local structures of the Estonian Defense League have a high degree of autonomy and independence in carrying out their tasks in conditions of limited communication and support from superior units. They maintain their operational capabilities even during wartime, even in the absence of support or with limited support from regular troops, carrying out guerrilla, diversionary, and sabotage activities as adopted in their doctrine. This approach is worth considering in the Polish context.
1] Before 1918, the organization existed under the name Civic Defense Organization (Bürgerwehra Omakaitse).
[2] Kaitseliit, https://kaitseliit.ee/en/defence-league/general-info/ [accessed on August 18, 2025].
[3] Ibid.
[4] According to official data, 4,200 soldiers are on permanent standby in the Estonian Armed Forces. These are active duty soldiers and some members of Kaitseliit. See Republic of Estonia Defense Forces, https://mil.ee/en/defence-forces [accessed on August 15, 2025].
[5] T. Małysa, Territorial defense forces in the Baltic states, in: Security. Theory and practice, M. Lasoń, M. Klisz (eds.), 2017, https://btip.ka.edu.pl/pdf/bezpieczenstwo-teoria-i-praktyka-2017-nr3.pdf [The Estonian Defense League Act], p. 231 [accessed on August 3, 2025].
[6] The Estonian Defense League Act, February 28, 2013, Riigi Teataja, https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/521032014005/consolide [accessed on August 19, 2025].
[7] Küberkaitseüksuse maleva põhimäärus, October 18, 2024, https://kuberkaitseliit.ee/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241018_A_KL_KKU_pohimaarus.pdf [accessed on 16.08.2025]. In this and other cases, when it is necessary to use the original content in Estonian, I use translations provided by publicly available translation programs on the Internet or appropriate add-ons and algorithms built into web browsers.
[8] Kaitseliidu Doktriin, https://kaitseliit.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/KAITSELIIDU_DOKTRIIN.pdf [accessed on October 14, 2025].
[9] See, for example, Republic of Estonia Government, National Security Concept of Estonia, https://www.kaitseministeerium.ee/sites/default/files/eesti_julgeolekupoliitika_alused_eng_22.02.2023.pdf [accessed on August 19, 2025].
[10] U. Staśkiewicz, National defense organization in selected countries: a comparative analysis of Estonia, Finland, and Russia, https://uwm.edu.pl/cbew/2021-12-1/10_Staskiewicz-U.pdf. p. 141 [accessed on: 18.08.2025].
[11] The Estonian Defense League Act… It is worth noting that the first task included in the Act is to participate in strengthening patriotic and national feelings, which emphasizes the importance of building resistance capabilities against the enemy in Estonia’s strategy.
[12] Host Nation Support (HNS) is civilian and military assistance provided by the host nation in times of peace, crisis, and war to allied armed forces and organizations that are deployed, performing tasks, or moving through the host nation’s territory. Such assistance is provided on the basis of agreements concluded between the relevant authorities of the host nation and the sending nations and/or NATO. See HNS Central Point of Contact, https://hns-polska.wp.mil.pl/o-nas-2017-01-16-r/zadania-2017-01-16-4/zasady-hns/ [accessed on August 15, 2025].
[13] T. Małysa, Territorial defense forces in the Baltic states…
[14] For example, 35 soldiers from the Estonian Defense League participated in a six-month mission in Iraq in 2021. See Defense League members welcomed home from six-month Iraq stint, Kaitseliit, https://www.kaitseliit.ee/en/defence-league-members-welcomed-home-from-six-month-iraq-stint/ [accessed on August 20, 2025].
[15] Public Opinion on National Defense 2024, Eesti Uuringukeskus OÜ, p. 18, [accessed on August 19, 2025].
[16] The exact structure of the Estonian Defense League is presented in a diagram available on the website of the Estonian Armed Forces. See Estonian Defense Forces, https://mil.ee/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/KV_struktuur_uusim2_ENG.png [accessed on August 19, 2025].
[17] General Ilmar Tamm has been the commander of the Kaitseliit since December 2023. See Kaitseliit, https://kaitseliit.ee/en/leadership/ilmar-tamm/ [accessed on August 19, 2025]. Tamm was called up for service in March 1992 after Estonia regained its independence. He was one of the first ten Estonian officers to graduate from the Finnish Military Academy in 1994. After graduation, he became a battalion commander and, from 1998, headed the G6 Department at the General Staff. After a short stay at the General Staff of the Estonian Armed Forces, he took part in a two-year course at the Finnish National Defense University.
[18] The commander of the Estonian Armed Forces is General Andrus Merilo. See Republic of Estonia Defense Forces, https://mil.ee/en/defence-forces/commander/ [accessed on August 17, 2025].
[19] These rules are regulated in § 11 and 17 of the Estonian Defense League Act. The collegial bodies of the Estonian Defense League are: the Council of Elders, the General Assembly, the Main Board, and the Central Audit Commission. See The Estonian Defense League Act.
[20] V. Veebel, I. Ploom, L. Vihmand, K. Załeski, Territorial defense, comprehensive defense, and total defense: significance and differences in the Estonian armed forces, Journal of Baltic Security 2020, no. 6(2), https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347511079_Territorial_Defence_Comprehensive_Defence_and_Total_Defence_Meanings_and_Differences_in_the_Estonian_Defence_Force [accessed on August 16, 2025].
[21] T. Małysa, Territorial defense forces in the Baltic states…
[22] Ibid.
[23] Estonia Opened Its First Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Center, Kaitseliit, https://www.kaitseliit.ee/en/estonia-opened-its-first-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-training-center, [accessed on: 17 August 2025].
[24] Threod, https://threod.com, [accessed on August 17, 2025].
[25] Threod unmanned systems were used during the exercises. See Estonian Defense Forces Use Threod’s Stream C UAV to Monitor Latvian Border, August 17, 2025, https://www.army-technology.com/contractors/unmanned_vehicles/threod-systems/pressreleases/estonian-defense-forces-latvian-border/ [accessed on August 17, 2025].
[26] U. Staśkiewicz, Organization of national defense in selected countries… p. 141.
[27] These exercises are an important part of the training cycle for the command and subunits of the North-East Territorial Defense District of the Estonian Defense League. The exercise was supported by the Simulation Center of the Estonian Defense Forces Academy. See Kaitseliidu Kirde maakaitseringkonna simulatsiooniõppus Terav Ora möödus edukalt, Alutaguse Malev, February 17, 2025, https://alutaguse.kaitseliit.ee/et/kaitseliidu-kirde-maakaitseringkonna-simulatsioonioppus-terav-ora-moodus-edukalt [accessed on 14.08.2025]; Estonia’s largest military exercise in 2025 begins today, Estonian Defense Forces, May 5, 2025, https://mil.ee/en/news/the-largest-estonian-military-exercise-in-2025-begins-today/ [accessed on August 15, 2025]; Kaitseliit, Antonio Facciliongo, https://www.antoniofaccilongo.com/kaitseliit. [accessed on August 15, 2025].
[28] S.J. Flanagan, J. Osburg, A. Binnendjik, M. Kepe, A.Radin, Deterring Russian Aggression in the Baltic States Through Resilience and Resistance, p. 7 [accessed on August 16, 2025].
[29] Küberkaitseüksuse maleva põhimäärus…
[30] Law on the Estonian Defense League…
[31] M. Paszyn, Territorial Defense in Central and Eastern European Countries in the Face of Regional Military Security Problems at the Beginning of the 21st Century, Warsaw 2014, p. 25.
[32] An interesting example of activity in Tartu is the motorized unit of the Estonian Defense League. This unit specializes in preparing to serve as couriers during a possible conflict or crisis. Members use their private vehicles for training, see https://tartu.kaitseliit.ee/et/voidu-soit, https://meredivisjon.ee [accessed on August 18, 2025].
[33] T. Małysa, Territorial Defense Forces in the Baltic States…, p. 231.
[34] The structure of the League is described in § 9 of the Estonian Defense League Act. See The Estonian Defense League Act…
[35] Kaiseliidu kool, https://kaitseliidukool.ee/, [accessed on August 15, 2025].
[36] Küberkaitseüksuse maleva põhimäärus…
[37] U. Staśkiewicz, Kaitseliit – an Estonian civil organization working for the defense of the state and the security of the population, European Review of Law and International Relations No. 1/2024/69 – European University of Law and Administration in Warsaw, 2024, p. 20, https://ojs.academicon.pl/eppism/article/%20view/8882/9017 [accessed on August 20, 2025][38] https://www.kaitseliit.ee, [accessed on August 18, 2025].
[39] Noored kotkad, https://nooredkotkad.ee, [accessed on August 18, 2025].
[40] U. Staśkiewicz, Kaitseliit – an Estonian civil organization operating … p. 18.
[41] Kodututred, https://kodututred.ee/ [accessed on August 18, 2025].
[42] Smolencewa, They want to be ready if the Russians come. Estonia is not wasting any time, Onet.pl, October 11, 2024, https://kobieta.onet.pl/wiadomosci/estonia-boi-sie-ataku-szkola-sie-do-obrony-przed-rosja/7rkfbev [accessed on August 19, 2025].
[43] Clemente, Be ready to defend yourself as best you can. Women’s motivations for joining civil defense: the case of Estonia and Naiskodukaitse (Women’s Volunteer Defense Organization), master’s thesis, Tartu 2023, https://dspace.ut.ee/server/api/core/bitstreams/55d94d7f-373b-4a65-b2ac-9ef19257c932/content [accessed on: 20.08.2025].
[44] P. Szymański, Territorial Defense Formations of the Baltic States in the Face of Hybrid Threats, Center for Eastern Studies, March 20, 2015, https://www.osw.waw.pl/pl/publikacje/komentarze-osw/2015-03-20/formacje-obrony-terytorialnej-panstw-baltyckich-w-obliczu, [accessed on 17.08.2025].
photo source: freepik.com
