kaitseüksused

Kaitseüksused is an Estonian term that translates to "defense units" or "security units." This term broadly refers to various military and paramilitary formations tasked with national defense and security. Historically, the term has encompassed a range of organizations, from regular armed forces to auxiliary or reserve units. In modern Estonia, the primary kaitseüksused are the Estonian Defence Forces, which include the ground forces, navy, and air force. These are supplemented by the Estonian Defence League (Kaitseliit), a voluntary paramilitary organization that plays a crucial role in national defense, particularly in times of crisis, and also assists in maintaining public order and responding to natural disasters. The concept of kaitseüksused reflects a holistic approach to national security, integrating professional military capabilities with the active participation of its citizens. Their organization, training, and deployment are overseen by the Ministry of Defence and the Estonian military command structure, aiming to ensure the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.