General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces
| Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces | |
|---|---|
| Eesti Kaitseväe peastaap | |
| Active | 1918–1940; 1991–present |
| Country |
 Estonia
|
| Part of | Estonian Defence Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Tallinn |
| Anniversaries | 26 November |
| Engagements | Estonian War of Independence |
The Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces is the highest staff of the military defence of the state of Estonia, its operation is based on the legislation of the Republic of Estonia, decisions of the Parliament and the Government and the Statutes of the Government of the Republic of Estonia.
In peacetime the Estonian Defence Forces and the national defence organisations, including the National Guard, are led by the Commander of the Defence Forces. In wartime all these components are commanded by the Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Defence Forces. The Chief of the Defence Forces and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces are appointed and released from office by the Riigikogu on the proposal of the President of Estonia. Since 5 December 2011, the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces is Lieutenant General Riho Terras.
The General Staff is the headquarters of the military of Estonia and the working body of the Commander of the Defence Forces. The Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces is a joint staff engaged with operational leadership, training and development of the Defence Forces. Operational leadership is implemented by the Operational Staff, which plans and controls operations and ensures defence readiness and mobilisation.
The departments for training and development are responsible for long-term and mid-term planning, resource planning, organisation and control of the planning of training and implementation of national defence activities. The Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces is headed by the Chief of the Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces.
The General Staff is made of various departments. The main unit of the staff is the General Department which deals with the PR and protocol issues of the Defence Forces along with the administration, organisational and administrative affairs of the Headquarters building.
Retains the readiness of the Defence Forces at a level necessary for the attainment of the national defence goals. Gathers information necessary for the defence of the state and makes plans and preparations for military national defence. Monitors and analyses the fulfilment of tasks of the troops, staffs and institutions subordinated to it and, if necessary, provides respective assistance. Participates in the leadership of the Defence Forces in wartime and peacetime in order to ensure internal and external security of the state. Organises the staffing of the Defence Forces, the active service and all aspects of training. Co-operates with the Ministries of the Republic of Estonia, state agencies and local authorities in the areas concerning the national defence tasks put on these institutions.
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