Estonia has reached the largest number of new recruits in the military service so far, reports the Estonian Ministry of Defense. In addition, this has happened despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Estonia, unlike Latvia, there is still compulsory military service, which lasts from eight to 11 months (depending on the soldier’s specialty). Last year, it was planned to call in 3,500 soldiers, but this plan was even slightly overrun: 3,516 soldiers were called up, reports ERR.ee. In addition, most recruits have applied for the service voluntarily. There are also 54 women among them, which is a record among new recruits.
The “dropout” has also shrunk over the past year: the number of soldiers leaving the service prematurely. In 2019, it was 7.8%, but last year this share decreased to 5.6%.
Data from the Estonian Ministry of Defense show that 7.5% of those who have completed compulsory military service remain in the army and continue to serve as professional soldiers.
According to surveys of recruits, the Ministry of Defense has concluded that voluntary application for military service is facilitated by various national defense education programs in Estonian secondary schools. The ministry concludes that defense training promotes young people’s patriotism and helps dispel their concerns about service. This is also acknowledged by the recruits themselves.
It is planned to introduce compulsory national defense education in Latvian secondary schools as of September 1, 2024. Currently a defense lesson is offered as an optional subject, which is mastered one full day a month. It is taught as a pilot project in 69 Latvian schools.
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