Just 1 in 3 Conscripts Accepted as Estonian Armed Forces Take 'Gap Year'
Estonian Defence Forces began conscription this week with only about 700 recruits instead of the usual 4,000, implementing a one-year 'gap year' to streamline training and integrate new weapons systems.
The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) have started a one-year 'gap year' in the conscription system, resulting in significantly fewer conscripts being called up this week than in typical years. While usually around 4,000 young people report for military service, only about 700—roughly a third of this year's applicants—arrived on Monday, according to ERR News.
Anu Rannaveski, head of the Defence Resources Agency (KRA), explained that this sabbatical year will allow active-duty personnel to undergo further training while training programs are updated, and will facilitate the adoption of new weapon systems Estonia is acquiring. The organization of conscription is also changing: from next year, combat duty will be introduced, meaning all permanent units will be on constant readiness for rapid response.
Priority was given to those who see their future in the EDF beyond the obligatory service period (usually eight or 11 months depending on specialty). A test developed with researchers from the Estonian Military Academy was introduced to help with selection, producing a ranking that determined entry into service.
Those not accepted this year will still have to complete their conscription over the next couple of years. The remainder, as many as 1,500 rejected applicants, will likely need to find employment or pursue higher education.
While conscription is not mandatory for young women in Estonia, some voluntarily choose this path after high school. All 32 women who applied were accepted, compared to only about one-third of male applicants. One such volunteer, Sirli, invited two friends to join but ended up choosing air defense while her friends went into reconnaissance.
Another change is that the Air Force (Õhuvägi) is again taking conscripts after more than 20 years. This year, the Air Force is accepting 66 conscripts, who will be trained on the newest weapon systems, including the IRIS-T air defense missile system that arrived in Estonia on June 21. Kaarel Piirsalu, commander of the Air Defense Division, noted that conscripts will serve at Ämari air base, the most modern in the Baltics, and work with the latest systems.
The estimated number of conscripts for 2026 was initially set at 1,200. From 2027, the plan is to restore the regular figure of around 4,000 conscripts.
