Laaneots Takes Military Advisor Post
Gen. Ants Laaneots, who recently stepped down from his position as commander in chief of the Defense Forces, has become a defense advisor for the prime minister, the Cabinet's press service announced on Monday.
The government's new defense strategy, released earlier this year, highlights, among other aims, winning popular support for the armed forces and active participation in international organizations.
Laaneots, 63, was a tank division commander in the Soviet army, serving in various high-ranking posts, including as a military advisor in Ethiopia. After Estonia regained its independence in 1991, Laaneots served twice as chief of staff and also as inspector general for the Estonian Defence Forces. He graduated from schools in Ukraine, Russia, and the NATO Defense College in Rome.
His main research interests include modern conflicts, conflicts involving small states. He has published a number of academic papers.
After ending his five-year term as head of the Defense Forces last week, Laaneots was replaced by Brig. Gen. Riho Terras, formerly chief of staff.
Ott Tammik