Estonia will introduce a single 12-month service period from 2027
The Estonian government has officially approved the transition to a single 12-month conscription period, which will take effect from 2027. The decision was made on 18 December as part of the reform of the Defence Forces training system. It is reported by The Public with reference to Err.ee.
According to Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, up to 4100 young people will be drafted into the army every year. The call-up will be held twice a year, which will allow for more flexible planning of training and better matching of recruits' skills to the needs of the army.
The reform is associated with the growth in the volume and technical complexity of military training, as well as the introduction of modern weapons systems. The Ministry of Defence has recognised that the current eight-month and sometimes 11- or 12-month cycles no longer provide the required level of training.
The new model includes six months of intensive training and another six months of combat duty. It is this stage that will serve as a practice and will help maintain the constant readiness of new weapon systems, as well as increase the operational capability of conscripts.
The changes are also explained by the deteriorating security situation in the region and the need to form a high-quality and well-trained military reserve.
Estonia currently has a mixed system. Conscripts who begin their service in winter or summer serve for 11 months, while those who are drafted in autumn serve for only 8 months.
Photo: err.ee
