Kodukaitse
Kodukaitse, meaning "Home Guard" in Estonian, is the local, voluntary component of the Estonian Defence League (Kaitseliit). It serves as a reserve and civil defense organization that strengthens national security by mobilizing trained volunteers to support the regular armed forces and civil authorities in peacetime, crisis, and wartime. Kodukaitse units operate at county and municipal levels and are composed of civilians who commit to readiness, community protection, and disaster response. Their tasks include guarding critical infrastructure, assisting during emergencies such as fires or floods, supporting evacuation operations, and contributing to public safety and security.
The organization emphasizes cooperation with state authorities; Kodukaitse volunteers train in basic military skills, first aid,
Membership is open to Estonian citizens who meet age and fitness requirements and who are willing to
Historically, the concept of a home-guard within Estonia's defense framework has roots in the early 20th century