When you enter conscript service, be sure to bring the following:

• valid ID card or passport;
• driving licence (if you have one);
• bank card, personal bank account number;
• vaccination passport (if you have one);
• underwear (dark) and personal hygiene supplies: toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shower gel, shaving accessories.

Note: If you take medications or other health products with you, make sure that they are inspected at your unit and approved by the unit’s medic. Bring them in the original packaging, since unknown and non-permitted medications/health products will be confiscated.

In addition, take with you items that you can read more about on the Defence Resources Agency website.

When you start military service, the Defence Forces will make sure you do not have prohibited items with you.

The following are prohibited:

• weapons and ammunition;
• explosive, pyrotechnic products, explosive and flammable substances;
• hazardous chemicals and toxic substances;
• alcohol and narcotic and psychotropic substances.

When you arrive to start military service, you may bring your laptop or tablet computer and other personal communication and electronic devices. Their use is governed by the internal rules of the unit and in general they can be used during free time when you are not in training. The use of communication and electronic devices, including cell phones, may not pose a risk to you or others and may not impede military training and discharge of service duties. Making videos and recordings on Defence Forces territory is only allowed with permission from a superior.

Every conscript is issued personal gear based on their specialization and unit. Equipment includes a field uniform and sportswear. A detailed list of equipment can be found on the Defence Resources Agency website.

Conscripts must wear and maintain their uniform in accordance with the requirements. Acquaint yourself with the rules governing wearing of the uniform and other rules pertaining to service on the Defence Forces website.

Conscript service starts with the basic soldier’s course (Estonian abbreviation: SBK). General physical fitness plays a key role in the basic course: physical training takes up about 10% of the entire study time. Soldiers also learn movement in formation and take part in various field exercises and ruck marches.

For conscripts, the morning starts with calisthenics. The exercises include a morning run, stretching and calisthenics. Physical training is diverse, including endurance training, weight training and sports, obstacle course and ruck marches. An average of four hours is devoted to general fitness each week.

While serving as a conscript, be prepared for lightning marches lasting a few hours as well as conventional ruck marches. The latter can last several days and include camp life and various field exercises. Basic training culminates in a final ruck march in full gear that takes several days.

In their free time, conscripts can engage in sports on their own. Units have gyms and practice courts/fields for that purpose. Conscripts also have the possibility to compete in Defence Forces sports tournaments.

The Defence Forces sports app "Spordivägi" helps conscripts pursue fitness goals. The sports app can be downloaded here.

All conscripts also undergo a general fitness test (ÜFT) in their first week.

The test consists of:

• two-minute push-up test
• two-minute sit-up test
• 3200 metre run

There is a break of at least 10 minutes between exercises and the order of the exercises may not be changed. At least 60 points must be attained in each exercise to pass the test.

The fitness is for gauging the starting conscript’s fitness level and track how it changes over the training cycle. It gives the Defence Forces objective feedback about the effectiveness of training and allows adjustment to be made.

Not passing the fitness test (not scoring at least 180 points) is not an impediment to continuing military service. It is an indicator that is above all for the conscript themselves for personal benchmarking.

Read more about this on the Defence Resources Agency website where you will also find information about the general fitness test requirements.

When they arrive at their military service location, conscripts will be divided into sub-units and the Defence Forces will consider the conscript’s preference if possible. Sub-unit can be changed if this is in the interests of training and if the switch does not incur a change in the duration of military service.
Conscripts are switched from one unit to another only if there is an unavoidable service-related need to do so. There is greater possibility for changing the assigned service location prior to beginning service. To do so, contact the Defence Resources Agency, who will, if possible, consider the call-up selectee's wishes.

Women who have entered conscript service have the right to leave within 90 days after entering into service. After 90 days, the details of a woman who has continued service will be registered as a conscript in the national defence obligation register and the woman will be considered liable to military service obligation.

If you have left conscript service earlier or your service is unfinished, you can continue it later. To do so, submit an application at Defence Forces website.

Rights of a conscript:

Those fulfilling military service retain their fundamental rights and freedoms, but they may be restricted in certain cases.

Some examples of restrictions applicable to conscripts:

• conscripts are obliged to be present in the service location during the conscript service period or in another location designated by a superior in the interests of service;
• while serving, conscripts are obliged to obey the legal acts in force in the Defence Forces;
• conscripts must have a proper appearance and maintain personal hygiene. The commander of the Defence Forces may impose restrictions on appearance of conscripts if necessary for the purposes of training or for ensuring safety;
• items that pose a threat to the security of personnel, can be used to damage property or may pose a threat to Defence Forces security are prohibited during conscription;
• during conscript service, the consumption, possession distribution and sale of alcohol and narcotic and psychotropic substances are prohibited. Gambling is prohibited during conscript service;

Use and possession of medications is allowed with approval from the healthcare professional designated by the commander of the service location.