kaitseväelaste

Kaitseväelased is a term used in Estonia to refer to members of the Estonian Defence Forces. This encompasses both professional military personnel and conscripts serving in the Estonian Land Force, Estonian Navy, Estonian Air Force, and other branches of the military. The Estonian Defence Forces operates under the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for the national defense of Estonia. Its primary mission is to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, to defend its independence, and to protect its constitutional order.

The Estonian Defence Forces are composed of active duty personnel and the reserve force. Service in the Estonian Defence Forces is a significant aspect of Estonian national identity and civic duty. The country maintains a policy of total defense, which involves the entire population in the event of a threat. Kaitseväelased undergo rigorous training to prepare them for various military operations, including peacekeeping missions abroad. The term thus broadly covers anyone serving in a military capacity within Estonia's national defense structure.