Estonian Defence Forces Military Oath on:
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Military oath in the
Military oath in the Estonian Defence Forces
The Estonian Defence Forces ( et, Eesti Kaitsevägi) are the unified military forces of the Republic of Estonia. The Estonian Defence Forces consist of the Estonian Land Forces, the Estonian Navy, the Estonian Air Force, and the paramilitary Esto ...
is taken by conscripts
Conscription (also called the draft in the United States) is the state-mandated enlistment of people in a national service, mainly a military service. Conscription dates back to antiquity and it continues in some countries to the present day un ...
or professional soldiers in the end of their basic training (10 weeks). The oath is also given by volunteers of the Estonian Defence League
The Estonian Defence League ( et, Eesti Kaitseliit) is the name of the unified paramilitary armed forces of the Republic of Estonia. The Defence League is a paramilitary
A paramilitary is an organization whose structure, tactics, training, ...
, when they complete their basic training (5 weekends).
The oath ceremony is held either at the garrison or in another symbolic place, for example the Guard Battalion gives their oath in location of the Battle of Sõjamäe. The relatives of the conscript's are usually invited to attend the ceremony. The person taking the oath of serviceman has to sign the text of the oath, noting also the date of taking the oath.
Current oath and affirmation text
Estonian text
English translation
I, (given name and surname), swear to remain faithful to the democratic Republic of Estonia and its constitutional order, to defend the Republic of Estonia against enemies with all my reason and strength, to be ready to sacrifice my life for the fatherland, to observe the discipline of the Defence Forces, and to perform all my duties precisely and unquestioningly, bearing in mind that otherwise I will be strictly punished by law.Oath in 1922-1940
Estonian text
inaccurate and incomplete English translation
I vow to remain loyal to the democratic Republic of Estonia ensuredready at any time to sacrifice my life for the good of the country, following the example of my comrades who have fallen in battle.See also
*Finnish Defence Forces military oath
Military oath in the Finnish Defence Forces is taken by conscripts on a legal basis in the beginning of their military service. If the conscript is unwilling to take the oath, another option is to take the military affirmation. Before the conscrip ...
*Ceremonial oath of the Bundeswehr
There were two types of soldiers serving in the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Forces): regular units and conscripts. Consequently, there were also two types of oaths. Conscripts recited a pledge, since their service was compulsory and not unconditi ...
References
{{Estonian Military Military of Estonia Oaths Military oaths