Engineer Battalion (Estonia)

Engineer Battalion
Pioneeripataljon
Insignia of Engineer Battalion
Active15 December 1917 – 18 December 1940
2 January 2002 – present
Country Estonia
BranchEstonian Land Forces
TypePioneer
RoleCombat engineering
SizeBattalion
Part of1st Infantry Brigade
Garrison/HQTapa Army Base
Nickname(s)"Lahingpioneerid"
Anniversaries15 December - formed
2 January - restored
EngagementsEstonian War of Independence
Afghanistan War (2001)
Iraq War (2003)
Commanders
Current commanderLieutenant 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.