Conscript advancement in the service

Summary of the 2019/2020 complex survey

The survey results show that satisfaction with conscription has grown each year and that the conscripts are most satisfied with the interpersonal relationships between conscripts, living conditions and sporting opportunities, but also relationships with their superiors. Satisfaction with conscription varies depending on location and is linked to the conscript’s career in the service. Conscript advancement in the service is also the main focus of the annual report for the 2019 intake. The survey results show that prior leadership experience increases the desire to participate in the course for junior non-commissioned officers (NAK), as does prior participation in organisations related to national defence or internal security. Meanwhile, conscripts who lacked a preference for NAK at the beginning of their conscription but rose to the rank of junior sergeant during their service began to place more value on leadership skills, teaching of social skills during conscription and to better understand the role of conscription in training reserve units for mobilisation as a result of their training. Conscripts who entered service directly after school are more likely to continue developing leadership skills in comparison to conscripts who had previously participated in the job market.

Problematic relationships in conscription

Summary of the 2018/2019 complex survey

When surveying the 2018 intake, more attention was directed to problematic relationships and their effect on the conscription experience. The survey results showed that relationship problems in conscription are multifaceted and that a certain amount of teasing and hazing is a part of adapting to the service and not always interpreted as a problem. When examining the connections between personality traits and experiencing problematic relationships, it was found that both conscripts who tend towards neuroticism as well as those who are more extroverted experience problematic relationships more, and in a more acute manner. However, having a previously positive attitude toward military service was found to protect the conscript from finding themselves in problematic situations during conscription. When entering service, the conscripts have higher expectations when compared to the goals they achieve during conscription, and the conscript’s motivation to contribute to the service is intertwined with their perception of how their contribution and person are valued by their superiors. The surveyed aspirants estimated that they could manage their platoons well, less than half mentioned having some issues with their subordinates that required intervention from their superiors. However, not all interpersonal issues between conscripts may be brought to the attention of aspirants or superiors, so there is no direct correlation between the aspirant’s evaluation of the unity of the platoon and the number of problematic relationships. From the conscript’s point of view, the conscription will be successfully completed if their previously positive attitude is supported and maintained throughout, which is impacted by the combined factors of their general attitude toward the Defence Forces, their personal preparedness to contribute and their expectations regarding the skills and knowledge they would obtain during military service.

Leadership, motivation and physical well-being factors on an individual and group level

Summary of the 2017/2018 complex survey

The analysis of the survey of the 2017 intake was focused on leadership and conscript motivation. To summarise, it can be said that satisfaction with military service at the end of conscription is dependent on the efficacy of the leadership, but also its trustworthiness and inclusivity. The more trusting, inclusive and efficient the superior’s leadership style is considered to be, the higher the conscript’s internal and external motivation will be at the end of the conscription. Prior experience in the defence field was found to support the internal motivation to serve, and conscripts who had enlisted as an expression of free will to contribute to national defence were found to be more satisfied when leaving the conscription. Thus, experience in the field of defence prior to conscription and the attitudes based thereon are also an important factor in conscript satisfaction with military service, in addition to leadership style.

Changes in conscript attitudes, health and behaviour during conscription

Summary of the 2016/2017 pilot complex survey

A longitudinal analysis of the data from the 2016 cycle of the complex survey brings forth important facets in the conscripts’ profile (attitudes, health), its changes and the conscription experience. By interpreting the findings of the study as a comprehensive chain, the following generalisation can be made: the attitudes and preparedness for service among conscripts vary to a large degree. A positive attitude and behavioural predisposition which support serving will ensure better coping with conscription (lower discharge rate, more desire for active duty), higher satisfaction with service, which in turn is linked to the reputation of the Estonian Defence Forces as well as relationships with superiors and fellow conscripts. The best time to enter service is thus directly after high school, when youths are at the peak of health and physical capability; also, the motivation and desire to undergo conscription are higher in that stage of live when compared to later years when involvement in the civil sphere (family, professional duties, career) is greater.