Young Eagles (Estonian youth organisation)
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Young Eagles of Estonia (Estonian: Noored Kotkad) is a patriotic youth paramilitary organization in Estonia, established in 1930.[1] It is not a defence organisation.
Organisation and Membership[edit]
Although sponsored by the Estonian Defence League and having many members wearing military camouflage uniforms, the Young Eagles is not a defence organisation (or a part of the Estonian military). However many of the organization's adult leaders have a military background and members do participate with the volunteer or regular forces on some occasions.
Young Eagles accepts (drugs-, smoking- and alcohol free) boys from 7 to 19 years of age and adult leaders from 18 years. There are total about 3,000 members in regional units throughout the country. The 15 battalion-size regional units (malev) consist of separate platoons and sometimes company-sized subunits (malevkond). Platoons are mostly called by the name of the place in which they are based; those attached to schools may use the name of the school.
The headquarters of the organisation is located in Tallinn Toompea street 8.
Activities[edit]
The objective of the organisation is to raise young people as good citizens with healthy bodies and minds. Traditional scouting method is used sometimes. Activities include:
- formation drills,
- first aid,
- orienteering,
- shooting firearms,
- airsoft and field skills,
- hiking
The organization also participates in numerous events, camps and competitions. The most well known but also the most difficult is the Mini-Erna reconnaissance competition (30–50 km).
Some junior and adult members also undergo leadership training.
