Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'news from estonia :)'.
Found 1 result
-
Although this year women between the ages of 18 and 27 can for the first time voluntarily enlist in the Defense Forces, only 16 places are available, whereas around 3,000 male conscripts serve each year. Previously, women were only permitted to join as professional members. Parliament approved the new law last July, but only yesterday when a draft regulation was tabled, did it emerge that there would be so few places available for women. Senior staff officer Madis Kraav told uudised.err.ee that the small number of places is related to "infrastructure." Next year, the number of places reserved for women will increase to 38. Kraav said the popularity of voluntary service among women is yet to be seen. "Only then can we make proper conclusions and take future steps," he said. This year, after the law takes effect in April, up to six women will be able to serve in the Kuperjanov Infantry Battalion in July. In September, another five can enlist in the Northeastern regional command and five in the 1st Infantry Battalion.