Jägala Army Base

Jägala Army Base is one of the largest modern military base of the Estonian Defence Forces in Jägala village in Jõelähtme Parish, Harju County, Estonia. It is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2014. It will provide basing for important units of the Estonian military. The base is located about 25 kilometres to the east of Tallinn.

History
During the Soviet era the location was a military base for Soviet armed forces. Between 1992 and 2002 there was a Kalev single infantry battalion base. After disbandment of this unit there were some Defence League units but the area was used not intensively. Some reserve refreshment courses took part in Jägala.

Plans
There is not enough space for development of Tallinn garrison military units. The condition of barracks and other buildings is bad and required investment. Training areas and shooting ranges are outside of the city. A decision was therefore made to relocate Guard, Logistics and other battalions from the city. The first plan which included development of Männiku training centre was postponed in 2006. After this a search was made to find a new area for Tallinn garrison units. Jägala met the requirements and was selected.

The Eesti Vabariigi Kaitseministeerium (Ministry of Defence) made a decision to build a new army base for Guard, Intelligence, Logistics and Staff and Signal Battalions. The Military Police and Northern Defence Command HQ would occupy old barracks of the Guard Battalion in Rahumäe. Construction of Jägala army base and renovation of Ämari Air base is the largest infrastructure projects in 2008–2018 Estonian army development plan. Investments in Jägala base project are expected not less than 96 mn. EURO. The Ground forces plan to complete bases in Jägala, Tapa Army Base, Paldiski, Jõhvi and Võru according to the mentioned plan. What is more Central Training Area is not far from here.

Criticism
Most part of the Guard Battalion ceremonial and other duties take part in the capital of Estonia. It is unpractical to relocate this unit outside Tallinn. One more disadvantage is concentration of forces, equipment and materials. About one quarter of regular Estonian armed forces would be here. What is more there is no important for logistics railway link in Jägala like in Tapa army base. Of course now in Tallinn conscripts have better opportunities for leisure time, education and cultural life.

Renovation
It is planned to construct the base from scratch and not to reconstruct Soviet-era time buildings. The headquarters, barracks, mess hall, hospital, supplies depots, vehicle garages, sports facilities and soldiers’ club will accommodate more than 1,500 troops and equipment. Construction will begin in 2012 and be completed in 2014.

Military units dislocation
The Jägala Army Base will accommodate:
 * Vahipataljon emblem.svg Battalion
 * Staabi- ja Sidepataljon emblem.svg Headquarters and Signal Battalion
 * EDF Logistics Centre emblem.svg Estonian Logistics Battalion
 * Maavagi crest.svg Military Intelligence Battalion of Estonian Defence Forces