Other events in Baltic States

 “Erna Raid” that is considered one of the most difficult military competitions in the world will begin on Thursday, writes Postimees Online/LETA.

In 2009, 25 teams will start the competition, among two of which are female members.

This year, the raid will be shorter, but the tasks presented will be more frequent. Teams from Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany and observers from China have arrived to participate. Women’s Defence League teams are from the Saare County and from the Võru County.

The festive opening of the competition will take place on Thursday morning in  Tallinn in the Jüriöö Park where participants will be greeted by the minister of defence Jaak Aaviksoo. Then the teams will move to the Mine Port where the Navy vessels will be boarded after checks on equipment.

The Chief Referee of the competition is the US Army attache in Estonia, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Schaefer, the chief of the competition is the chief of the Defence League, Lieutenant Colonel Raivo Lumiste and the Chief of Staff Lieutenant Oberst Jaak Kallak from Sweden.

The “Erna Raid 2009” is organised by the Defence Forces, the Defence League and the ERNA Society. The competition will end on Saturday.