Estonian Military Academy

1919–1940 The school was established on April 3, 1919, by the decree of the commander-in-chief of the Estonian Defence Forces, General Major Johan Laidoner. During the Estonian War of Independence, preparation of non-commissioned officers was limited because men and resources were needed on the front line. However, after the war, there was a growing need for officers, who could train and teach soldiers. Thus a school for non-commissioned officers was formed. Cadets were taught tactics, topography, administration, fortification, machine-gun employment, military law, health care, Estonian, artillery science and gymnastics. The first courses lasted 4 months. After completion of the course, cadets were promoted to the rank of ensign. 1998 - present The Estonian National Defence College was restored on March 17, 1998. Before that, officers received training in the Defence College of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences. Since 1998, there were two curriculums - one provided vocational higher education for officers who would mainly become platoon commanders, the other provided diploma studies for future company and battalion commanders. Studies took three and a half years and gave the students basic knowledge of history, politology, social-, behavioral-, and humanitarian sciences, natural- and exact sciences, and native and foreign languages. To reflect that change, in February 2020, it received a new flag from the Estonian Reserve Officers’ Association, cadet council of the City of Tartu and the Defence Forces. == Officer training ==

• Basic Officer Training Course is the first level programme with a three-year study period carried out in the Estonian National Defense College. In the course, the cadets acquire the skills of a platoon leader and company commander. On completion of the course, the cadets will have applied higher education and the rank of a second lieutenant. • Advanced Officer Training Course is the second level of officer training with a two-year study period, whereby the students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of junior staff officers of an infantry battalion or brigade. • Senior Staff Officer Course — the third level of officer training — is a one-year course conducted in cooperation with the Baltic Defence College in the same building with the ENDC (or relevant training in some educational institution abroad). • Higher Staff Officer Course, the fourth level of officer training, is conducted in higher staff officer courses and general staff officer courses in educational institutions abroad. The Estonian National Defence College offers the first level and, since the 2005/2006 study year, the second level of military higher education. == See also ==