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SZCZECIN, Poland – Nearly 10,000 reservists take part in the Estonian Defence League exercise Parseltongue (Ussisõnad). From August 28 until October 8, they will hone their combat skills in a variety of defensive scenarios. Maneuvers are conducted at the platoon- and company levels in order to practice engaging the adversary, setting up ambushes, and erecting barriers. To date, Parseltongue is the biggest exercise focused on the training of Estonia's reserve force.

"The main objective is to integrate our reservists into the existing ground forces as soon as possible," Major General Riho Ühtegi, Commander Estonian Defence League, said. All regional districts of the Estonian Defence League train their units in close collaboration with the Estonian Defence Forces.

Exercise Parseltongue (Ussisõnad) unfolds across Estonia on August 28-October 8 © Estonian Defence Forces.

"With Operation Parseltongue, we will increase our wartime force by 10,000 personnel. Essentially, this is one of the largest quantitative leaps in the history of the Estonian Defence Forces," General Martin Herem, Estonia's Chief of Defence, stated. "Undoubtedly, this presents a significant challenge for both the Defence Forces and the Defence League, but the security situation around us does not grant us the right to undertake these endeavours at a slower pace or on a smaller scale."

"However, to achieve the goal, the role of reserve platoon and company commanders is of paramount importance in leading and training their units," summarised Herem.

During exercise Parseltongue (Ussisõnad), up to 10,000 reserve soldiers test themselves in a variety of defensive scenarios © Estonian Defence Forces