The commander of the EDF is appointed by the government based on a proposal by the defense minister, and the consideration of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu.

Minister of Defence Jüri Luik (IRL) nominated Herem earlier this month, saying that his skills and traits make him the best candidate for the post of commander of the EDF.

"Martin Herem is a modern Estonian officer, he is militarily competent, knows the conscript and mobilization system thoroughly, and throughout his long career has proved his capability to comprehensively develop a national defense system based on the reserve army model," Luik said, adding that Herem was the best for the job out of a number of capable officers.

Herem currently serves as chief of staff of the EDF and will continue to do so until his appointment enters into effect on Dec. 5 this year.

According to Herem, the defense forces have made a great leap in previous years. Herem also said that the present commander of the EDF, Gen. Riho Terras, has done a great job.

Herem joined the EDF in 1992. During his career he has also worked at the National Defence College as well as in several positions in the EDF. He has taken part in an operation in Iraq, and belongs to the group of people who revived the Defence League (Kaitseliit) after Estonia regained its independence in 1991.