Engineer Battalion | |
---|---|
Pioneeripataljon | |
Active | 15 December 1917 – 18 December 1940 2 January 2002 – present |
Country | Estonia |
Branch | Estonian Land Forces |
Type | Pioneer |
Role | Combat engineering |
Size | Battalion |
Part of | 1st Infantry Brigade |
Garrison/HQ | Tapa Army Base |
Nickname(s) | "Lahingpioneerid" |
Anniversaries | 15 December - formed 2 January - restored |
Engagements | Estonian War of Independence Afghanistan War (2001) Iraq War (2003) |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lieutenant colonel Ainar Afanasjev |
Notable commanders | Captain Voldemar Riiberg |
Insignia | |
Distinctive Unit Insignia |
Engineer Battalion (Estonian: Pioneeripataljon) is a combat engineering battalion of the Estonian Defence Forces, based out of Tapa Army Base. The unit falls under the command of 1st Infantry Brigade of Estonian Land Forces.
The Engineer Battalion plays a supportive role on the battlefield performing such tasks as fortification, bridge and road construction or destruction, laying or clearing landmines, neutralization of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and general engineering tasks under fire. More generally speaking, the combat engineer's tasks involve facilitating movement and support of friendly forces while impeding that of the enemy. The unit is also equipped and trained to deal with the NBC weapons threat and disarmament.