Country Estonia Type Foot Guards | Allegiance Estonian Army | |
 | ||
Active 09.01.1919 – 17.06.1940
22.01.1993 – present Branch Infantry, Military Police Role Urban warfare, Training | ||
The Guard Battalion (Estonian: Vahipataljon) is an infantry battalion of the Estonian Ground Forces. It is based in Tallinn and consists of the Infantry Company and the Military Police Company. This battalion is specialized in urban warfare. This unit was previously known as the Infantry Training Centre Independent Guard Battalion.
The Guard Battalion is also the place for training of the Paramedic Course (applicants get the rank of Junior Sergeant and position of platoon or company paramedic upon completion) and the NAK (Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' Course – rank of Corporal or Junior Sergeant and position of squad leader or platoon elder aid upon completion). With NAK completed, it is possible to continue to the Platoon Commander Aid Course, after completion of which the applicants get the corresponding position and the title of aspirant. In case the platoon commander becomes MIA or receives an injury not compatible with his duties, it is the aspirant who takes over the unit.
Being the capital's main garrison, the Guard Battalion also has the duty of carrying the watch over the presidential palace and welcoming foreign diplomats and political guests.