The Estonian government last week decided to invite on short notice 823 armed forces Reservists to an additional training exercise, ‘Okas 2019’. Members of the 61st Combat Service Support Battalion were required to rush to rally points specified in their invites.
TALLINN, Estonia, October 23rd, 2019 (Text & photo: Estonian Defence Forces)
Okas 2019 is a readiness exercise with a purpose to test the chain of command from the decision of the Estonian government to the gathering of Reservists in their units. There is no immediate threat to Estonian security in the scenario.
Members of the 61st Combat Service Support Battalion were required to rush to rally points specified in their invites for last week’s exercise.
The mission of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) is to be ready for different scenarios, including these that are very unlikely to happen. EDF is ready to defend Estonia and is practicing it during exercises.
Efficient and viable deterrent measure
The Estonian national security concept is based on Reserve service that has proved itself to be an efficient and viable deterrent measure. The reason for this kind of peacetime exercises is to maintain and improve rapid reaction capabilities.
Being equipped right is an important part of getting ready to fight! From last week’s Reservist exercise in Estonia.
Snap exercises for Reservists at least once a year
EDF is inviting reservists regularly to different military training exercises on a longer 120-days-notice. Snap exercises have been carried out since 2016 at least once or twice a year.
Almost 80 percent of the Reservists who received the invitation, showed up. Some of them arrived to their units from places all over Europe where they work or study.
– Eighty percent response rate shows motivation to defend country
„The high numbers of reservists who immediately responded to the the call, shows that our Reservists are motivated to defend their country,“ Major General Indrek Sirel, Deputy Chief of Defence said.
For more photos from last week’s snap Reservist exercise in Estonia click here.