The Government of the Republic of Estonia decided to declare a defence readiness exercise Okas 23-3 (Quill), with up to 220 members of the 911th Air Base Defence Unit ordered to participate the snap exercise (SNAPEX). Exercise Okas is of a defensive manner, aimed at practicing national defence activities. There is no immediate security threat to Estonia.
Based on the proposal by the Commander of Estonian Defence Forces, up to 220 reservists from Air Forces 911th Air Base Defence Unit have been ordered by the Government of Estonia to participate the SNAPEX Okas 23-3 from November 9 to 11, 2023. In addition, up to 45 active duty members of the Estonian Defence Forces are involved in the exercise in supporting roles.
Reservists whose units are called to the exercise are obligated to report to the designated assembly points at the time specified in their orders .
Reservists that were called to duty can check their orders from the website www.kaitsevaeteenistus.ee. Called up reservists can receive additional information about the exercise from the phone number +372 800 525 and e-mail [email protected].
The main purpose of exercise Okas is to test the chain of command of national defence, from the decision of the Government of Estonia to achieving combat readiness of designated units in the rapid response structure.
The task of the Estonian Defence Forces and Estonian Defence League is to ensure that the country is constantly ready to defend itself and this needs to be practiced during exercises.
Estonian national defence model, based on Estonian reserve military structures, has proven its vitality and effectiveness. Security does not generate by itself, and that is why Estonia must organize regular exercises in peacetime in order to maintain and increase the ability of the reserve structure to react in a timely matter. Previous SNAPEX Okas was carried out in May, 2023.
Estonian Defence Forces regularly order reservists to larger and smaller exercises, such as Siil (Hedgehog) and Kevadtorm (Spring Storm), with a long, 120-day notice.