Exercise TORNADO 2024, which was led by the Kalev Infantry Battalion, has concluded at the central training ground of the Estonian Defence Forces.
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Press Release, Tallinn, 25 April 2024, 16:35: [auto-translated] Today, the eight-day combat firing exercise TORNADO, which was led by the Kalev Infantry Battalion, ended at the central training ground of the Defence Forces. The exercise completed the company level course for the infantry companies of the Viru and Kuperjanov Infantry Battalions.
“This exercise is the last for the infantry companies during their training cycle, where they demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the training,” said the organiser of the exercise, Kalev Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Argo Sibul. “We created all the conditions for the participating units to learn and to make the whole exercise safe for the participants. The weather has not been in our favour and visibility has been difficult at times, but the soldiers have shown a good level.”
The scenario of the exercise provided for the placement of infantry companies in fortified positions in the trenches of the central polygon [i.e. training area]. During the exercise, group counter-attacks, anti-drone operations and the actions of an infantry unit on patrol were practised. The companies were supported by combat support units such as anti-tanks, pioneers and mortars. In addition to small arms, 120 and 80 mm mortars, Javelin and Carl-Gustav anti-tank weapons, and Browning and MG-3 machine guns were used in the exercises. In addition to the units of the 1st and 2nd infantry brigades, a company of the Defence League also took part in the exercise.
The task of the Kalev infantry battalion of the 1st infantry brigade of the division is to train combat-capable mechanised reserve manoeuvre and support units.
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Footnote: KEVADTORM (SPRING STORM) 2024, the largest EDF military exercise of the year, will take place in Western Estonia between 6 and 17 May 2024. Both the Defence Forces and Land Defence units are involved in the exercise. Its purpose is to remind Reservists of what they have previously learned, to practice unit cooperation, and to introduce the Defence Forces’ new equipment and weapons.
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