Guard Battalion (Estonia)
The Guard Battalion (Estonian: Vahipataljon) is specialized unit under the Military Police of the Estonian Defence Forces, which conducts ceremonial duties and prepares military police units.[2] It is based in Tallinn and specialized in urban warfare.
Guard Battalion | |
---|---|
Vahipataljon | |
Insignia of the Guard Battalion | |
Active | January 9, 1919 – June 17, 1940 January 22, 1993 – present |
Country | |
Branch | |
Type | Foot guards Military police |
Size | Battalion |
Part of | |
Garrison/HQ | Tallinn, Miinisadam (Naval Base) |
Nickname(s) | Presidendi Kaardivägi (Presidential Guard) |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lieutenant colonel Margot Künnapuu[1] |
Notable commanders | Colonel Oskar Raudvere |
Being the capital's largest military formation, the Guard Battalion also has the duty of carrying the watch over the presidential palace and welcoming foreign diplomats and political guests.
Unit structure
- Headquarters[3]
- Infantry Company
- Military Police Company
- Staff and Support Center
Almost 300 conscripts are serving in the battalion every year. It is the only one unit with conscripts in Military Police role in Estonian Defense Forces.
Garrison
The battalion was moved from its old base to the Naval base of the Estonian Navy. The old premises in suburbs of Tallinn was sold together with old barracks of Logistics Battalion. Now the Guard Battalion has excellent living conditions for conscripts in renovated historical barracks. However, the unit has a lack of training facilities because it is far away from shooting ranges and training grounds.
Conscripts of the Estonian Navy live in the same barracks.
Gallery
See also
- Estonian Defence Forces
- Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces
- Kaitseväe Orkester
- Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion
- Latvian National Armed Forces Staff Battalion
References
- "Vahipataljoni uus ülem on kolonelleitnant Margot Künnapuu". mil.ee. 5 August 2019.
- "Vahipataljon". mil.ee.
- "Vahipataljoni põhimäärus – Riigi Teataja". Riigiteataja.ee. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
External links
- "Uudised – Kaitsevägi". Mil.ee (in Estonian). Retrieved 7 February 2019.