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ESTONIA
Regardless of the fact that the Estonian Air Force is one of the youngest in Europe, the latest years have improved the viability to develop efficently. The organization has been built on top of key competencies to fulfil the state security needs and to use the limited resources in most efficient way. Politically, there are two main directions designated for mid-term future. First, the development of the air surveillance capability creates the necessary basis for National Air Defence System development.
The National Air Defence Command and Control capability will be developed largely based on the current air surveillance system architecture. Secondly, building up the Amari Air Base, as a prospective main NATO interoperable airfield and as part of the host nation support system in Estonia, is another prioritized goal.
Estonian Air Force is without doubt one of the smallest air forces in the world. Air Surveillance Group, Amari Air Base and Air Force Headquarters consist of slightly more than two hundred dedicated professionals and nearly one hundred conscripts today. The positive developments in providing social guarantees in latest years has created attractive environment for self-actualisation for young and well educated aviation specialists. The status of Air Force has risen similarly with the entire Estonian Defence Forces position in the public eye. According to the latest polls, the citizens trust and belief into NATO integration has been rising enormously. The military personnel status is directly linked to the success of public affairs efforts to make the armed forces more visible and understood. Estonian Air Force personnel departments already experience now steady growth of interest in younger generation aviation professionals to join with the organization.
The rapid growth of Air Force units development has been giving tough times to the employees. Radical changes required extreme mental flexibility and creativity to cope with various everyday challenges. On other hand, the modern work-environment, rising status in the society, above avearge payroll and numerous social guarantees make the Estonian Air Force great place to work. The international co-operation definitely offers new challenges as overcoming cultural and communication barriers take good deal of effort. At the same time, all cross-cultural contacts offer new professional and personal impulses; expand the limits of proficiency, mould the inherent positive attitude and...