Work and career
- In 2024–2026, he worked as a military adviser to defence industry companies.
- In 2018–2024, he served as Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces.
- In 2016–2018, he served as Chief of Staff of the Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces.
- In 2013–2016, he was Commandant of the Estonian Military Academy.
- In 2008–2012, he was Commander of the North-Eastern Defence District.
- In 1996–2007, he served in the Estonian Defence Forces as a platoon commander, company commander and staff officer.
Education
- Martin Herem graduated from the Estonian National Defence College, specialising in military leadership in the Land Forces, and obtained a Master’s degree in Military Science in 2012.
- He has also completed the Higher Command Studies Course at the Baltic Defence College.
Personal
- During the 2026/2027 academic year, Martin Herem is a Visiting Professor at the University of Tartu.
- His native language is Estonian. He also speaks English and Russian.
Decorations
- 2024 – Order of the Cross of the Eagle, First Class
- 2024 – The Ministry of Defence Cross of Merit, First Class
- 2023 – Order of Viesturs of Latvia, First Class
- 2021 – Commander of the Legion of Honour of the French Republic
- 2018 – Order of the Cross of the Eagle, Second Class
- 2012 – The Ministry of Defence Cross of Merit, Third Class
Responsibilities of the Minister of Defence
The Minister is appointed and released from office by the President of the Republic.
The Minister of Defence is responsible for the organisation of national defence in the Republic of Estonia.
The Minister of Defence leads the Ministry of Defence and decides on the matters within its area of government. Additionally, the Minister reports on the activities of the Ministry of Defence to the Government of the Republic and submits proposals on deciding over issues related to the Ministry's area of government.
The Minister of Defence appoints service commanders and makes a proposal to the Government to appoint the Commander of the Defence Forces and the Chief of the General Staff of the Defence Forces and release them from office.
The Minister of Defence appoints the heads of state authorities belonging to the Ministry's area of government as well as the deputy secretary generals and the heads of departments of the Ministry.
The Minister of Defence makes proposals to the Government on the Ministry's budget and supplementary budget, if appropriate. At the same time, he decides on the use of budget resources and monitors the implementation of the budget. The Minister also approves the budgets of the state authorities belonging to the Ministry's area of government on the basis of the state budget.
The Minister of Defence decides on the establishment of the state authorities belonging to the Ministry's area of administration and approves their statutes, structure, and work organisation.
Last updated: 16.09.2026
