The Government of the Republic of Estonia has given permission to call up 242 reservists for defence readiness exercise Okas

Based on the proposal by the Commander of Estonian Defence Forces, reservists from the subunits of Engineer Battalion (2. Infantry Brigade, Estonian Division), Air Defence Battery (Estonian Division), and Artillery Regiment (Estonian Division) have been ordered to participate in the SNAPEX Okas 25-2 from September 19 to October 5.

The SNAPEX Okas 25-2 is a preplanned exercise, and is not a response to the recent violations of Estonian airspace, or to recent events in Poland.

SNAPEX of the Engineer Company (Engineer Battalion, 2. Infantry Brigade, Estonian Division) will take place from September 19 to 23.

SNAPEX of the Air Assault Battery (Artillery Regiment, Estonian Division) will take place from September 23 to 28.

SNAPEX of the Air Defence Battery (Estonian Division) will take place from September 24 to 28.

SNAPEX of the Rocket Artillery Battery (Artillery Regiment, Estonian Division) will take place from September 27 to October 3.

SNAPEX of the Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion (Artillery Regiment, Estonian Division) will take place from September 27 to October 5.

Reservists whose units are called to the exercise are obligated to report to the designated assembly points at the time specified in their orders.

Reservists can check whether they are among those invited to the exercise in the national defence obligation register at https://www.kaitsevaeteenistus.ee.

Reservists from the aforementioned units that are called up can receive additional information about the exercise from the phone number +372 8002525 and e-mail [email protected].

The purpose of exercise Okas 25-2 is to test combat readiness, during which the chain of command of national defence is evaluated, from the decision of the Government of Estonia to achieving combat readiness of designated units in the rapid response structure. As part of the snap exercise, the combat readiness of reservists and active duty soldiers from the units ordered to the exercise will be evaluated, in accordance with the unit's combat readiness plan and the fulfillment of initial combat tasks.

The exercise is of a training nature and there is no immediate security threat to Estonia. The task of the Estonian Defence Forces is to ensure Estonia's military defense capability in peacetime, wartime, and emergency situations. The Estonian Defence Forces prepare to defend Estonia every day and fulfill their duties under the law, including organizing training and participating in exercises.

This is the second snap exercise this year. The previous exercise took place in April this year.

Estonian national defence model, based on Estonian reserve military structures, has proven its vitality and effectiveness as a deterrent. Security does not generate by itself, and that is why Estonia must organize regular exercises in peacetime in order to maintain and increase the ability of the reserve structure to react in a timely matter.

Estonian Defence Forces regularly order reservists to larger and smaller exercises, such as Siil (Hedgehog) and Kevadtorm (Spring Storm), with a long, 120-day notice.

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