Estonian Special Operations Force

Preceding units (1993-2007) Part of the roots of Estonian special operations forces could be traced to the long-range reconnaissance and diversion unit that was created in 1993 as part of a military intelligence department in the Estonian Defence Forces. The unit was originally modeled after Soviet spetsnaz groups. However, the attempt to form this new unit was unsuccessful and never properly materialised. In 1998, when the Military Intelligence Battalion was created, another attempt was made, but this too failed. part of SHAPE, which sent the NATO Special Operations Coordination Centre (NSCC) to evaluate it. At the same time the unit was allowed to participate in courses organized by the NSCC. Because the unit initially lacked competence to train NATO compliant special forces, the decision was made to send soldiers to train in courses in Hungary. In 2009, the unit also started receiving support from US led Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR), which was critical for the development of SOTG. By 2010, the unit had developed enough to organize a special forces qualification course in Estonia. ==Structure==

The Estonian Special Operations Force consists of a headquarters and the Special Operations Task Group. Information regarding the organisation of other units under ESTSOF is classified. ESTSOF is led by the Commander of ESTSOF, whose tasks are determined by the Estonian Defence Forces Organisation Act and the Estonian Defence Forces Statute. The headquarters is tasked with advising and supporting the Commander of ESTSOF, in addition to planning, arranging and assuring the activities of ESTSOF. The SOTG is tasked with planning, preparing and organising special operations. It consists of sections and squads. ==Personnel==

Selection Official recruitment to SOTG began in 2005. In early phases of the project, at least a three-year service experience was required from candidates. That requirement was later dropped. Current requirements for the candidate are as follows: at least general secondary education, completed conscript service, passing a general fitness test (at least 62 push-ups in two minutes, 72 sit-ups in two minutes, 3,2 km run under 13:49), a valid decision from the medical committee of the Defence Forces, high proficiency in Estonian and basic proficiency in English. People with a criminal record or an addiction aren't allowed to apply for a spot in SOTG. In 2019, it was announced that ESTSOF would also begin recruiting and training conscripts to create reserve forces. The selection consists of four phases. First phase is called the administrative phase and lasts two days. The administrative phase tests include a general fitness test, pull-ups, swimming (500 metres on water, 25 metres underwater, ABC test - which involves diving to a depth of 4,5 metres, putting on a diving mask and swimfins and swimming to the surface), English test, psychological test, interview and an essay. The second phase is called the individual phase and it lasts four days. During that phase, the candidates have to perform many physically and mentally difficult tasks, which test their resilience. The third phase is called the orienteering phase, which lasts four days. This phase requires the candidates to complete different orienteering challenges with a 1:50,000 map and a compass. The candidates have to orienteer during day and night with a full backpack. The final phase is called the team phase and it lasts four days. This phase tests the candidates capability to lead and act as part of a team. Around 80-85% of the participants fail the selection. However, getting through the four phases of the selection does not guarantee acceptance into SOTG either. Each qualified person will also be individually analysed and evaluated and an invitation to the unit will be made after they have been found suitable. Training The initial training of the special forces operator will take about 3 years. The first year will be spent improving the soldiers personal skills, going through NCO training and ESTSOF basic training. The second year involves passing qualification courses and learning special skills. The third year is spent in team training and cross training, which is normally capped off with a mission. This is followed by 2–3 years of supplemental training. After that, the operator, together with his team, will specialise in a certain set of tasks. In total, it takes about 8 years to prepare a special forces operator. ==Equipment==