Estonian Troops Depart for Steadfast Jazz
Estonia sent 134 combatants on their way to Poland this morning to part-take in NATO's exercise Steadfast Jazz.
The exercise, taking place from November 2-9, will this year encompass 6,000 soldiers from 18 countries, as well as 40 aircraft and 15 vessels. During the exercise, staff headquarters will be based in Adazi, Latvia while the main ground activities will be set in Poland.
From Estonia, a mechanized infantry company from the Scouts Battalion and a mortar platoon from the Defense League will be involved, as well as a minesweeper and about another 150 people on the civilian side. It is the first time a volunteer unit from the Defense League is participating in a NATO Response Force exercise.
"Our preparation has been thorough, the Scouts Battalion and the Defense League have had extensive joint training, they are ready to fulfill combat assignments and can effectively work together with the mechanized infantry units of other nations," Commander of the Estonian Defense Force's contingent, Captain Mart Sirel, said.
The following is a NATO-produced video about the exercise.