Estonian Defence League Soldiers participate in Swift Response 23

Photo By Sgt. Steven Lee | Pvt. Joel Randveer, with the Estonian Defense League, discusses mission details with another soldier during a training exercise in Nurmsi, Estonia, May 11, 2023. The Estonian Defence League, a voluntary Republic of Estonia national defense organization under the management of the Ministry of Defense, is participating in Swift Response 23, one of three linked exercises for DEFENDER 23. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations who will participate including, but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Steven Lee)  

ESTONIA

05.15.2023

Story by Spc. Steven Lee 

300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

NURMSI, Estonia – The Estonian Defence League is a voluntary national defense organization of the Republic of Estonia, under the management of the Ministry of Defense. In Estonia, a person aged 17-60 can volunteer to serve as a soldier for the defense of the country.

“They are the volunteers, who are coming and spending their free time to be a part of our home defense base with no additional payment,” said Col. Viktor Kalnitski, Training Section Commander of Estonian Defence Forces Headquarters. “We are appreciative of their efforts for our home.”

Pvt. Joel Randveer, a soldier who was originally a web page designer in his civilian career, decided to volunteer for the EDL one year ago.

While serving in the EDL, he admits to learning new skills such as leadership and quick thinking, which has helped him in his civilian career. Additionally, Randveer says he has also benefited by incorporating his civilian profession into helping his fellow soldiers out.

“When someone has problems with their mobile device or radio communications, I can help out due to my prior knowledge of this,” said Randveer. “In my hands, there are no problems.”

Randveer, along with other soldiers in his unit, is participating in Swift Response 23, which is part of DEFENDER 23. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Europe and Africa Command directed multi-national, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO allies and partners.

“My job today in this exercise is to hold my position and take down any paratroopers that come,” said Randveer. “This training is important because we can join exercises with different groups and countries, while also giving us more coworkers, more exercises, and more knowledge.”

During Swift Response 23, the EDL’s soldiers work to improve their readiness for any future threats and wars against the country with their personnel dedicated to voluntarily protecting their home.

“My decision to join came from defending my home against any possible dangers,” said Randveer. “My love for my home is the number one reason I joined the EDL.”

• Date Taken: 05.15.2023
• Date Posted: 05.15.2023 11:23
• Story ID: 444736
• Location: EE