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, fire safety, communications, and emergency response. They participate in drills and joint exercises with the Estonian Defence Forces, the Police and Border Guard Board, and rescue services to improve interoperability and rapid response.

Membership is open to Estonian citizens who meet age and fitness requirements and who are willing to undergo training and serve as a supplementary defense resource. Members typically balance civilian occupations with their duties as volunteers, and participation is voluntary.

Historically, the concept of a home-guard within Estonia's defense framework has roots in the early 20th century and was revived after Estonia regained independence in 1991 as part of the broader Defence League system. Today Kodukaitse forms a crucial component of Estonia's civilian defense and national security architecture.