Military ranks of Estonia

Present Estonian system of rank insignia is a direct descendant of various systems used in the past in the Estonian Army. Some of the grades trace their name back to period of World Wars, for instance the rank of aspirant literally means an officers in training in military academies or voluntaries, serving as temporary officers. Most of the Estonian Army ranks were in most cases established during the Estonian War of Independence and in 1920s. These include the rank of kapral, which is a derivate of Italian caporale - much like the English equivalent of corporal. After World War II and the end of the Soviet occupation in 1991, a new rank was established, creating for the first time a brigadier general rank in the armed forces of Estonia. In Estonia rank insignia is worn on chest. Estonian Junior NCOs are considered as a rank of a coscript NCO or NCO in reserve. In full-time service Junior Sergeants are filling in various Soldier positions and are not taken as NCOs.

Aspirants
