Reservist training is a military training in the course of which:

• the knowledge and skills acquired previously are repeated and supplemented;
• units practise interoperating and action of units for raising military readiness.

The Defence Forces sends out call-ups for reservist training at least 120 days in advance.
More information about reservist training is available on the Defence Forces website‘s page on reservist training.

The objective of additional reservist training for the state to check that the Defence Forces’ wartime units have mobilization readiness.
An important factor for achieving mobilization readiness is speed and, as a result, additional reservist training takes place in situations where there is no longer advance notice. Persons in reserve can thus be called up for an additional reservist training at any time.
More information about additional reservist training is available on the Defence Forces website‘s page additional reservist training.

The Defence Forces sends out call-ups for reservist training. The call-ups for reservist training are sent out at least 120 days in advance. The notification regarding issuing a call-up is emailed and texted to you by the Defence Resources Agency. Note that the call-up is considered received 30 days after the electronic transmission of the call-up.

The obligation to participate in additional reservist training is announced using one of the following methods:

• electronically;
• the notice is published in at least one national newspaper;
• the notice is aired on TV and radio programme services between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm on at least three occasions;
• the notice is published on an online news site or other appropriate website.

If the notice is published in a newspaper or aired on TV and radio, the notice will only state the unit code, not the names of the individuals. That makes it important that you memorize your unit code.
The notice of obligation of participating in additional reservist training is considered delivered immediately after the notification is made.

The call-up to reservist training and additional reservist training is available electronically on the websites eesti.ee and kaitsevaeteenistus.ee, from which it can be downloaded, for example to present to one’s employer.

Take with you the items and documents listed in the call-up

In general, they will be:

• ID card or Estonian citizen’s passport and, if one has been issued, driver’s licence and state secret access certificate (or copy thereof);
• identity disc with identification code (if one exists);
• bank account number (IBAN); (it is recommended to enter it before the reservist training on the Defence Forces Service web interface);
• individual equipment and weapon issued by the Defence Forces or Defence League (if applicable);
• personal hygiene accessories;
• underwear and socks pursuant to the duration of the reservist training and personal needs;
• sportswear for taking the general fitness test and footwear suitable for running.

If possible, also take with you:
1) compass/GPS;
2) headlamp;
3) writing utensils and notebook;
4) watch.

Can a phone/computer be taken with you?
Yes, a phone can be taken with you but remember that phone use may be restricted during the reservist training. Also bear in mind that valuable electronics can be damaged during the reservist training and the Defence Forces is not responsible if this happens.

The following may not be taken to the reservist training
1) civilian and service weapons (as defined by the Weapons Act) and ammunition;
2) explosives, pyrotechnics, explosive and flammable substances;
3) hazardous chemicals and toxic substances.

You will be issued a uniform, individual gear and also the unit’s wartime equipment necessary for carrying out training and verifying combat readiness. If any element in the gear is completely new for you, Defence Forces instructors will show you how to use it.

Persons in reserve can leave their ordinary field uniform home at the decision of the wartime unit commander. The individual is signed to an agreement concerning use and storage of the issued equipment.

You have to get yourself to the assembly point. From that point on, your unit will arrange transport. Everyone will be paid compensation for coming to the assembly point regardless of the mode of transport used. For more on this, see the article on benefits.

Parking of personal vehicles will be organized on the spot by the unit organizing the reservist training. If possible, we recommend using public transport or carpooling since parking may be limited.

Yes, a general fitness test is administered during the reservist training to evaluate the physical capabilities of persons in reserve. Sportswear and sports shoes are to be taken with you to the reservist training for undergoing the test.

Yes, pursuant to subsection 19 (5) of the Employment Contracts Act, you are released from duties of employment during reservist training. In addition, the right to exercise public administration functions is paused for public servants attending the reservist training for the duration of the reservist training. Your employer must allow you to attend reservist training since they are obliged by law to do so. It is always possible to remind your employer that in addition to the obligation, it is also an opportunity for them to contribute to national defence. After all, only if Estonia is free is it possible to remain in business.

How to notify employers?
It is sufficient to show the reservist training call-up or a copy thereof to your employer. If your employer wishes to receive a separate certificate stating that you are participating in the reservist training, contact the unit that sent the call-up.

A no-show for the reservist training can result in a fine of up to 300 fine units or jail time. It is not the aim of the Defence Forces to automatically punish anyone but rather to persuade them that attending reservist training is important because by so doing, you give the Defence Forces the opportunity to test your unit’s combat readiness and contribute directly to national defence. By not appearing, you not only let down the Defence Forces but your fellow combatants.

You cannot choose your unit and specialization yourself. Your activity at the reservist training is related above all to the duties of your wartime position. Every reservist and their specialization is important for national defence. At the same time, a number of positions require civilian skillsets – e.g., IT, medic, engineer. If you have the desire and will to put your civilian skillsets to use in military defence, one possibility is to let your wartime unit commander know at the reservist training or enter the information under your personal data on the Defence Forces Service web interface.

Voluntary participation in the reservist training is possible by submitting a written application at least 30 days before the reservist training is set to begin via Defence Forces Service web interface. You can find out about reservist training taking place through your unit commander and on the Defence Forces website. The Defence Forces notifies applicants at least 15 days before the reservist training if participation is denied.

The Defence Forces quite frequently offers persons in reserve the opportunity to take part in exercises as a volunteer instructor. In general, when it issues such a call, it provides instructions for registering on social media or in the form of direct notifications to suitable candidates. To receive direct offers, contact your wartime unit commander or enter a message in the Applications section of the Defence Forces Service web interface.

The Defence Forces realizes that personal issues can come up that make it hard for people to attend reservist training. In that case, it is important to contact the unit that sent the call-up to talk about one’s concerns. Contact details can be found on the reservist training call-up and further instructions are provided by the unit.

Not all reservists are called up for reservist training. Persons in reserve are called up for reservist training pursuant to the Defence Forces’ training needs. Among other things, it depends on which units need to practise interoperability more or what changes have taken place in equipment or weaponry.

Persons not subject to the national defence obligation and persons who have notified the Defence Resources Agency of changes in their health status and who have been determined by Defence Resources Agency physician to not meet the health requirements either temporarily or permanently are not called up for reservist training. If the person’s health status has changed, the Defence Resources Agency must be notified promptly by submitting a corresponding application by email to [email protected] or in the Applications section of the Defence Forces Service web interface.

If a person in reserve wishes to take part in exercises, this can be done voluntarily. See the article What is voluntary reservist training?

The Estonian Military Service Act establishes the conditions for how long a person may be called up for reservist training and how long the duration of a single reservist training may be.

The corresponding limits are established according to the main category of the person’s rank:

• officer – up to 12 months, up to 30 days for a single reservist training;
• non-commissioned officer– up to 9 months, up to 21 days for a single reservist training;
• soldier – up to six months, up to 14 days for a single reservist training.

Reservists may take part in additional reservist training for up to 60 consecutive days.

The limits above do not apply to participation in voluntary reservist training.

The times of reservist training and the limits on reservists taking part in them are established by the Commander of the Defence Forces. The reservist training plan is published on the Defence Forces website at least 150 days prior to reservist training. The reservist training plan can be viewed on the Defence Forces website.