Leadership

The Estonian Defence League is subordinate to the Commander of the Defence Forces.

All collegial bodies or the Estonian Defence League have an advisory right to speak on military command, training, combat readiness and other military topics.

Operation of the Estonian Defence League is commanded by the Commander of the Estonian Defence League, who serves directly under the Commander of the Defence Forces.

The Commander of the Estonian Defence League is nominated and released from office by the Government of the Republic, under a joint recommendation of the Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Defence Forces.

Duties of the Commander of the Estonian Defence League are the following:

1. Commanding the activities of the Estonian Defence League and representing the Estonian Defence League;
2. Organising the compiling of the plan of action of the Estonian Defence League in co-operation with the Headquarters of the Defence Forces.
3. Organisation of and supervision over military training in the Estonian Defence League;
4. Compiling the application for financing of the Estonian Defence League and submitting it to the Minister of Defence;
5. Utilising budget funds of the Estonian Defence League pursuant to the decision of the Central Management;
6. Governing arms, ammunition and other military supplies;
7. Approve the bylaws of the structural units of the Estonian Defence League, if these are not validated in the rules of procedure;
8. Implementation of other decisions of the Central Assembly and Central Management.

The Chief of Staff of the Estonian Defence League is nominated and released from office by the Commander of the Defence Forces under a recommendation of the Commander of the Estonian Defence League.