
Sõjaline õppus Siil on reservväelastele reaalsuskontroll
The military exercise Siil is a reality check for reservists
Esimene päev suurel rahvusvahelisel õppusel Siil Ida-Virumaal.
The first day of the large international exercise Siil in Ida-Viru County.
On Monday, the largest international exercise Siil of the Estonian Defense Forces began. The exercise took place in Ida-Viru County at Pannjärve amidst the forests of Alutaguse.
At the local health and sports center, reservists received their uniforms. The commander of the Estonian Defense Forces division, Major General Indrek Sirel, was happy to see how the reservists came together. "It's a miracle how an ordinary civilian becomes a soldier," he said.
Reservists see the exercise as a good opportunity to test themselves. "It's a reality check. You understand what else needs to be learned," said reservist Sergeant Markus Reinboom.
Corporal Carlos Kuiv said that the uniform and the team help recall what has been learned. "At first, it seems like you don't remember anything. But when you put on the uniform, everything comes back," he said.
After receiving their uniforms, the soldiers went to the forest to their subunit. There, they received weapons and equipment. There, they began individual training. For those for whom the weapon was new, they also received weapon training. If there was time left, they also learned medicine and other skills.
During the exercise, allies, the defense forces, and the Defense League will see tactical movements in Estonia. The main combat exercises take place in Northeast Estonia and Southeast Estonia.
In West, North, and Central Estonia, units and commands assist with the operations of the Estonian division. Therefore, various weapons and vehicles can be seen throughout Estonia.
The exercise involves the General Staff of the Estonian Defense Forces, the division staff, the Cyber Command, the Navy, the Air Force, the Defense League, and the NATO battle group in Estonia.