A COMMANDER OF GREAT MILITARY FORCES MAY BE DEFEATED. A SIMPLE COUNTRYMAN WITH A BELIEF IS INVINCIBLE. CONFUCIUS
— Konfutsius
The Estonian Defence League is a voluntary national defence organisation operating in the area of government of the Estonian Ministry of Defence which is organised in accordance with military principles, possesses weapons and holds exercises of a military nature. The purpose of the Defence League is to enhance, by relying on free will and self-initiative, the readiness of the nation to defend the independence of Estonia and its constitutional order.
The Defence League is a legal successor of the Defence League established as a self-defence organisation on 11 November 1918. The Defence League is a legal person governed by public law, whose legal status shall be provided for by The Estonian Defence League Act and the legislation issued on the basis thereof.
There are ~ 18,000 members in the Estonian Defence League. Together with affiliated organisations Women`s Voluntary Defence Organization (Naiskodukaitse), Young Eagles (Noored Kotkad) and Home Daughters (Kodutütred), the Estonian Defence League has more than 30,000 volunteers in action.
Our mission
Our mission is to strengthen Estonia’s comprehensive defence by carrying out the tasks of the Defence League – contributing our members’ time, will to defend, and expertise to preserve independence and enhance security and well-being.
Our vision
The Defence League is a voluntary national defence organisation uniting people from all walks of life to safeguard Estonia’s independence and security. Its strength comes from the will to defend, swift readiness, and cooperation across society – ensuring Estonia remains strong, flexible and resilient in a changing world.
Väärtused, mille najal püsime.
Missiooniteadlikkus
annab meile algatusvõime, töökuse, tegevussuunad ja sihikindluse.
Usaldus
kätkeb endas usku, tahet, truudust, eeskuju, vabatahtlikkust.
Avatus
kätkeb endas kaasamist, sallivust, avalikkust.
Kogukondlikkus
on nii elukondlikul, kui ideelisel tasandil, kaasates otseseid naabreid ja ühiste huvidega inimesi.
Jätkusuutlikkus
tagatakse läbi isiklike suhete. Ühiselt kantakse tahet ja usku oma jõusse, mis heidutab (hinge)vaenlast.
Joining the Defence League should be a calling for every Estonian, as it is the most direct way to protect one’s home, family and freedom. The security of our country rests not only on weapons, but on people’s readiness to stand for Estonia – in times of crisis, war or peace. The Defence League offers every Estonian the chance to be part of something greater: to strengthen the community, develop skills, and keep alive the story of our independence.
If we do not defend Estonia – who will?
Defend your home. Join Estonian Defence League!
Becoming a member of and withdrawal from the Estonian Defence League is voluntary and is subject to the procedure provided by the Statutes of the Estonian Defence League.