Estonia's alternative service limited to 70 people annually due to funding constraints

Estonia's alternative service, a mandatory non-military service for conscripts who refuse military service for religious or moral reasons, is capped at roughly 70 participants per year because of limited funding.

Krista Juhanson, head of the Conscription Bureau at the Defense Resources Agency, said that on average about 70 people complete alternative service each year. Last year the number was somewhat higher at 99, but overall it stays in the same range.

Applicants must submit a request with a compelling reason for refusing military service. Juhanson explained that reasons are mainly religious or related to handling weapons. The agency assesses each application, conducts interviews, and may ask for additional clarification or evidence. If the refusal is based on religious reasons, the applicant's denomination must support it.

Not everyone can enter alternative service – the agency has the right to reject applications that do not meet requirements. Juhanson emphasized that alternative service is not a convenient way to avoid the military but an alternative way to contribute to broad-based national defense.

While an alternative service member can choose a service location, the final decision rests with the agency, which first looks at the needs of institutions and then at the applicant's knowledge and skills. Service locations also have the right to interview the applicant.

Alternative service primarily supports the military, for example as a kitchen assistant or warehouse worker in the defense forces. When possible, members can also contribute to national defense through rescue agencies.

Tiit Umbsaar, commander of the Tallinn City Center Rescue Board unit, said the number of alternative service members has grown but positions are limited. Typically, the unit takes only one person because there is no room in the truck. Alternative service members at the Rescue Board mainly do prevention work, raise fire safety awareness, and help with simpler rescue tasks. They generally do not perform smoke diving, which is left to firefighters.

After alternative service, the member is assigned to reserve alternative service and must participate in additional training and exercises. Umbsaar noted that about 117 alternative service members have worked at the Rescue Board to date, and 10 percent have stayed on – first as volunteers, then after basic rescue training, as firefighters.