The Estonian government in January appointed the current Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Martin Herem, the next commander of the EDF, a position he will take over on Dec. 5, when Gen. Riho Terras' term ends.

Palm has the support of both Herem and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Jonatan Vseviov.

Palm began his military career in the restored independent EDF, entering into service as a conscript in the Kalev Infantry Battalion in 1992. He studied at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences and graduated from Cadet School at the Finnish National Defence University as well as a general staff officers' course in Finland.

Palm has also served in various positions in Estonia, including director of the Operations Department of the Headquarters of the EDF, and served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. For the past three years, he has served as commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade in Tapa as well as been heavily involved in the organization of the hosting of NATO units stationed in Estonia.

Ahead of the Estonian centennial last month, President Kersti Kaljulaid bestowed Palm with the Order of the Cross of the Eagle, 3rd Class, for his contributions to the development of the EDF. He has also earned decorations from the EDF and the Ministry of Defence.