The physical fitness of young people joining the Estonian Defense Forces is generally satisfactory. Most young people are strong and healthy, but there are also those who still have room for improvement in their physical fitness.
Although it is widely believed that the Defense Forces are primarily made up of men, every year there are also young women and men who wish to enlist in compulsory military service and contribute to the defense of their country.
How can Estonian girls and women enlist in the Estonian Defense Forces?
Estonian women who wish to begin compulsory military service must follow similar requirements and procedures as men. This decision is a significant step that comes with both rights and responsibilities.
Just like men, women must meet certain requirements to begin military service. To do so, they must be Estonian citizens, between the ages of 18 and 27, and have at least a basic education. However, during the first 90 days of service, women have the right to opt out. If they decide to continue, they are entered into the register of conscripts and are considered conscripts, which entails corresponding rights and obligations.
Estonian teenagers face challenges with their health and physical fitness
Health and physical fitness can be a barrier for many young people who wish to enlist in the military. Although the overall health level among young people in Estonia is satisfactory or good, some teenagers face health problems. For example, it appears that mental health problems are more common and increase with age. This is true for both girls and boys. More than one-third of Estonian girls aged 11–15 and one-fifth of boys experience sadness or depression more than once a week.
However, when comparing the health of girls and boys who wish to join the Defense Forces, there is no significant difference. That said, girls’ physical health is slightly better than that of boys, while their mental health is comparable.
The use of nicotine products and alcohol among Estonian youth is a cause for concern
One of the biggest problems among both young women and young men is smoking and alcohol consumption. These behaviors remain widespread among young people, including newer trends such as the use of e-cigarettes, or vapes. According to data from the 2022 Estonian Health Behavior Survey, the use of alternative nicotine products is most prevalent among young people aged 16–24, particularly among young men.
Overweight rates among Estonian youth are a cause for concern
Studies by the National Institute for Health Development (TAI) show that the number of overweight children in Estonia has been steadily increasing. For example, according to the results of the 2018 and 2019 Estonian Student Growth Monitoring Study, nearly one-fifth of first- and fourth-grade students were overweight, and 11% were obese.
It is sad to note that as children got older, the number of children of normal weight decreased, while the proportion of those who were overweight or obese increased.
However, it is encouraging to note that young people’s awareness of exercise, nutrition, an active lifestyle, and overall health has increased significantly in recent years. This positive trend has been achieved through a combination of factors, including improved health programs in schools, increased health awareness through the media and social media, and young people’s own interest in a healthy lifestyle.
How does the health status of Estonian youth compare to that of neighboring countries?
Unfortunately, the health of young people entering the Estonian Defense Forces does not stand out compared to that of neighboring countries. In Estonia, the number of overweight children has been increasing year by year, and , 18% of 11- to 15-year-olds are overweight. There are more overweight students, including obese students, among boys, though no age-related differences were observed. The proportion of students who are overweight in Estonia is higher than the HBSC study average and higher than in Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Compared to young people in neighboring countries, Estonian youth are, on average, healthier and quite satisfied with their lives. They rank second, behind Lithuania, in terms of both self-rated health and life satisfaction.
Estonian boys rated their health and life satisfaction higher than girls. According to the study, they also reported fewer health complaints.
Mentally, Estonian youth are also, on average, healthier than their peers in neighboring countries. According to the study, Estonian youth experience fewer cases of depression and anxiety disorders than their peers in Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland.
What are the main health-related issues from the perspective of the Defense Resources Agency?
Aare Jamnes, Defense Resources Agency: “Everyone is competing for young people’s time these days; there are more and more choices about how to spend their time, but unfortunately, many of these choices involve staying indoors and sitting down. This competition for young people’s time also reduces physical activity, which in turn has a negative impact on physical fitness. In addition, it has been pointed out that young people who participate in sports tend to specialize too early, and their overall physical fitness and coordination are low.”
Awareness and knowledge-based decision-making are, however, two different things. Young people receive a lot of information, often contradictory, which in turn can cause confusion. Military service makes decision-making easier for young people and teaches discipline, which is a prerequisite for maintaining a healthy lifestyle later in life. A balanced diet, set mealtimes, and regular physical activity throughout the day are what every young person gains from military service, in addition to other skills.
Did you know that FitQ and the Defense Resources Agency have teamed up to create the free “Get in Shape Together” program?
The Defense Forces’ physical fitness preparation program helps you get ready for the Defense Forces’ physical fitness test! Note: Anyone can participate—not just young people entering military service!
Are you ready to improve your overall physical fitness? Our joint 12-week preparation program will help you achieve your goals and perform better on the general physical fitness test than ever before.
The program is suitable for both young people and adults, women and men, regardless of fitness level. Designed by experts, the program consists of three four-week training cycles that focus on key physical fitness metrics such as strength, flexibility, and endurance. The program’s structure guarantees your consistent progress.
In summary, it can be said that the health of young people joining the Estonian Defense Forces is generally good. Girls’ interest in military service has remained stable in recent years, and young people are more aware of exercise, nutrition, and health. However, obesity among young people is a concerning problem that requires greater efforts to address. We therefore invite all of you—young people and adults alike, women and men—to participate in the Estonian Defense Forces’ physical fitness preparation program to safely and effectively improve your fitness according to a professional plan!
