Veiko-Vello Palm spoke at the University of Tartu. He said Estonia is not getting enough conscripts. This is a big problem. Demographics are the reason. The solution could be military service for women.
Palm said: "Estonia needs over 40,000 reserve soldiers. This is difficult. We need to renew the reserves. Older people cannot do this. We need more young people."
He added: "By 2040, we won't be able to gather 4,100 conscripts. Currently, only half of young men go to military service. Many cannot go due to health problems."
Estonia's situation is better than Finland's. In Finland, 60% of young men go to military service. But in Estonia, even that is not enough.
Military service for women would have good aspects. Women think more. They do fewer dangerous things. For example, they drink less. They help in making better decisions.
Palm said: "Women are physically capable. They meet the same requirements. The military has different standards for men and women."
The problem is in equipment. Women do not always have the right equipment. The state should think about this. Protective gear is especially important.
Palm also spoke about other problems. For example, conscripts' uniforms and the work of reserve soldiers.