Today, Minister of Defence Jüri Luik presented certificates to the graduates of the national defence instructor course and thanked them for their dedication.
According to Luik, being a national defence instructor means new challenges and opportunities.
‘You will be the first point of contact for young people who are searching for answers to national defence related questions, and you will be the ones with the opportunity to answer one of the main questions being asked by young men and women today –‘Why is it important to participate in national defence?’’ – stated Luik.
The Minister of Defence emphasised the importance of citizenship awareness among young people and the shaping of the readiness to defend Estonia, should it become necessary. ‘What is important is the understanding that national defence is the common responsibility of society as a whole,' said Luik.
According to Luik, national defence training provides young people with the opportunity to receive an overview of military service and the career choices available to servicemen.
‘It is clear that not all of your future students will become servicemen or members of a Defence League district; however, knowledge about national defence will help them understand many other processes in our society as well as the wider world,’ noted Luik.
‘An intelligent nation, whose desire for defence is high, is the best deterrent,’ added Minister of Defence Luik.
The readiness to teach the national defence elective course in upper secondary schools and vocational educational institutions was acquired by 17 people, including security officials, servicemen, members of Defence League districts, teachers, and students.
Course graduates acquired knowledge in the organisation of Estonia’s national defence, security and defence policy, internal security, and modern crises and armed conflicts. They learned about national defence didactics and military instruction, and participated in national defence instructor and outdoor camp field training.
Courses for studying to become a national defence instructor are organised by the Ministry of Defence in conjunction with Tallinn University.
Photographs: http://pildid.mil.ee/index.php?/category/58823
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