Estonia may struggle to fill conscript ranks with men alone
The head of Estonia's Defense Resources Agency warns that falling male births could make it hard to meet conscript targets with men only. Up to 4,100 conscripts are to be called up starting next year.
Estonia could soon find it difficult to fill the required number of conscript places with men alone, as fewer boys are being born. This was said by Anu Rannaveski, director general of the Defense Resources Agency.
Growing intake
The commander of the Defense Forces sets the annual conscript number, based on how many reservists are needed. In recent years the intake has been roughly 3,600 to 3,800, while from next year up to 4,100 people are to be called up.
Rannaveski stressed that the target will have to be met regardless, even though demographic trends show the number of boys born is falling and the situation will worsen. In 2025, Estonia recorded 9,240 births, of which 4,789 were boys.
Women in service
Women have been able to volunteer since 2013, and about 50 do so each year, ranging from 45 to 60 in some years. They make up 1 to 2 percent of conscripts. According to Rannaveski, more than half of Estonian society currently has little chance to contribute to national defense: women must find the motivation themselves, whereas the state actively reaches out to men.
Women can serve in a variety of units, and concerns that there are specific roles for them are unfounded, she said. They share barracks and rooms with men, using lockers to create some privacy, though separate hygiene facilities are generally provided. Military service improves physical ability for both sexes; among young men, only about a third meet the physical requirements actually needed.
Possible changes
Rannaveski expects that between 2035 and 2040 it will become hard to fill conscript places with young men alone, and a more compulsory system would then be needed. She noted that Norway, Sweden and Denmark do not require all women to serve, instead selecting those with the most motivation, knowledge, experience and skills. She hopes Estonia will take a similar approach, adding that universal mandatory service would not suit the country because there would be more people than places.
