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Young Eagles (Estonian youth organisation)

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Emblem of Young Eagles

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

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A member of the Young Eagles in uniform in 1939

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

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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:

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.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "History". Noored Kotkad. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
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