Previously, about 4,000 young people were called into conscription. Next year, in 2026, only 1,200 young people will be called. Merle Ulst, head of the Defense Resources Agency's office, says preference will be given to those who wish to continue their career as professional soldiers or study at the Estonian National Defense College.
Ulst says: "We need officers and professional soldiers. This is our first priority. Conscripts and women can submit applications for conscription until November 30. From those who have submitted applications since September 1, we will select those who can go into conscription."
2026 will be an exception. After that, the Defense Forces will transition to a new model where young people are called into conscription twice a year. Therefore, next year will be a transition year to allow professional soldiers to receive better training.
Colonel Margot Künnapuu explains: "We have to take fewer conscripts because we need enough professional soldiers to handle the training of young people."
Künnapuu adds: "We need to refresh the skills of all professional soldiers. This will help ensure that the conscription model works well and that the training is up-to-date."