TALLINN - A 26-strong Estonian reconnaissance platoon, ESTRIF-1, flew to Kosovo on Tuesday for service in the ranks of a Danish battalion based at Mitrovica in the northern part of the province.
The chief of staff of the Estonian land forces, Lt. Col. Indrek Sirel, said at the send-off that all missions are equally important for the defense forces and soldiers are to fulfill all tasks given them by the state and the nation.
ESTRIF-1 consists mostly of soldiers from the Kuperjanov Battalion. Lt. Lauri Kriisa commands the platoon.
The commander of the Kuperjanov Battalion, Maj. Eero Rebo, who had come to see the soldiers off, observed that this is the first foreign mission for the battalion, and that he is proud of the soldiers.
The unit will be carrying out reconnaissance patrol duties and searches, and guarding various sites.
At present there are four Estonian staff officers and non-coms in Kosovo. Since 1999 more than 300 members of the Estonian defense forces have served in Kosovo.
