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{{Short description|International military exercise and competition in Estonia}} |
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The '''Erna Raid''' ({{lang-et|Erna retk}}) is an annual international [[military exercise]] and competition, one of the longest and most difficult in the world, held every August since [[1995]] in [[Estonia]]. It is organised by the Erna Society and commemorates the actions of the long-range [[Reconnaissance|recce]] group [[Erna long-range recce group|Erna]] in the summer of [[1941]].<ref name='uk-emb-2006'>[[United Kingdom|British]] Embassy in [[Tallinn]] August 5, 2006: [http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1046181016323&a=KArticle&aid=1156398966204 ERNA RAID 2006 1–5 August]</ref> |
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{{Update|date=September 2016}} |
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[[File:Erna retk3 2005.jpg|thumb|Competitors conducting a beach landing exercise]] |
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==Composition== |
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'''Erna Raid''' ({{lang-et|Erna retk}}) was an annual international [[military exercise]] and competition, one of the longest and most difficult in the world, held every August from 1995 to 2011 in [[Estonia]]. It was organized by the Erna Society and commemorates the actions of the [[Long-range reconnaissance patrol|long-range reconnaissance group]] [[Erna long-range reconnaissance group|'Erna']] in the summer of 1941. <ref name="uk-emb-20062">[[United Kingdom|British]] Embassy in [[Tallinn]] August 5, 2006: [http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1046181016323&a=KArticle&aid=1156398966204 ERNA RAID 2006 1–5 August] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927002455/http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1046181016323&a=KArticle&aid=1156398966204|date=2007-09-27}}</ref> |
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The traditional parts of the competition are: |
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* landing, in [[Combat Rubber Raiding Craft|rubber boat]]s, to a "hostile" shore; |
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* cross-country tactical movement and navigation, without night campdown, over a distance of around 150 kilometres while avoiding and escaping from "hostile" security forces; |
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* various (and varying over years) [[minigame]]s during the course. These may involve grenade throwing, combat first aid and other military skills. |
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== |
==Background== |
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{{Main|Erna long-range reconnaissance group}} |
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Foreign teams have always been welcome to partake in the competition. In [[2007]], 28 teams from 9 different countries were scheduled for participation: [[Estonia]] (18 teams), [[Czech Republic]] (1), [[Denmark]] (1), [[Finland]] (2), [[Germany]] (1), [[Norway]] (2), [[Portugal]] (1), [[Sweden]] (1) and [[USA]] (1), of which Portugal and Czech Republic are newcomers. Teams from [[United Kingdom]] have participated in earlier years (most recently, a British [[Territorial Army (United Kingdom)|Territorial Army]] team in [[2006]]) but only be observed in [[2007]]. A team from [[Cyprus]] also be observed. Teams from [[People's Republic of China]] have been traditionally successful in the competition and took 1st and 2nd place in 2002. Other successful teams have come from [[Finland]] and [[Norway]]. |
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The competition is named after the Erna long-range reconnaissance group ({{lang-et|Erna luuregrupp}}) and themed after its activities in the summer of 1941. In 1993, a group of enthusiasts followed the historical route of the Erna group of 1941 and came up with the idea of organizing a commemorative competition. A first try with only Estonian participants was held in 1994. In the autumn of 1994, the Erna society was founded, and in 1995, the first annual international competition was held. |
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==History== |
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{{main|Erna long-range recce group}} |
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The competition is named after the Erna long-range recce group ({{lang-et|Erna luuregrupp}}) and themed after its activities in the summer of 1941. |
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== |
==Competition== |
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The traditional parts of the competition were: |
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* landing, in [[Combat Rubber Raiding Craft|rubber boat]]s, onto a "hostile" shore; |
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* cross-country tactical movement and navigation, without night camp down, over a distance of around 150 kilometers while avoiding and escaping from "hostile" security forces; |
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* various (and varying over the years) [[minigame]]s during the competition. These may involve grenade throwing, combat first aid, and other military skills. |
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Foreign teams were always welcome to partake in the competition. In 2007, 28 teams from nine different countries participated: [[Estonia]] (18 teams), the [[Czech Republic]] (one), [[Denmark]] (one), [[Finland]] (two), [[Germany]] (one), [[Norway]] (two), [[Portugal]] (one), [[Sweden]] (one), and the [[United States]] (one), of which Portugal and the Czech Republic are newcomers. Teams from the [[United Kingdom]] have participated in earlier years (most recently, a British [[Territorial Army (United Kingdom)|Territorial Army]] team in 2006), but only observed in 2007. A team from [[Cyprus]] also observed. Teams from the [[People's Republic of China]] have been traditionally successful in the competition and took 1st and 2nd place in 2002. Other successful teams have come from Finland and Norway. |
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In [[1993]], a group of enthusiasts followed the historical route of the Erna group of 1941, and came up with the idea of organizing a commemorative competition. A first try with only Estonian participants was held in [[1994]]. In the autumn of 1994, the Erna society was founded, and in [[1995]], the first international competition was held, and has been so annually since then, growing in extent and number of participants over time. |
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Due to the home advantage attributed to the intimate knowledge of the terrain by the local teams, changes to the competition were discussed in 2011. <ref>{{cite news |date=2011-07-29 |title=This Year's Erna Endurance Event Could Be Last in Current Location |url=http://news.err.ee/Sports/fd9a84aa-79c8-4f51-8a3e-68dd18057cf3 |accessdate=2011-08-14 |publisher=ERR}}</ref> |
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== Soviet myths == |
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In 2013, the competition was renamed the [[Admiral Pitka Recon Challenge]] after the [[Estonian War of Independence]] hero [[Johan Pitka]] and is now held in different locations throughout Estonia each year. <ref>{{cite news |date=2013-03-22 |title=Erna Raid Renamed After Admiral Pitka |url=http://news.err.ee/110743/erna-raid-renamed-after-admiral-pitka |accessdate=2017-08-18 |publisher=ERR}}</ref> |
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{{seealso|Soviet historiography}} |
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Since the era of Stalin, Soviet propagandists have been making counterfactual assertions of the original Erna team having participated in mass murder of Soviet political activists. Sometimes, the myths also claim that the letter 'E' was cut onto the backs of the victims. |
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==Past results== |
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These claims were reinvigorated in the 1980s as a way of distracting historians analysing the [[Kautla massacre]], and have been repeated in Russian media in 2000s.<ref>[[Mart Laar]]: [http://www.postimees.ee/160807/esileht/arvamus/277366.php Tavaline stalinism], printed in [[Postimees]] 16 August 2007</ref> |
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The table below records the final results for the year's competition. It does not include retired and disqualified teams. DL is the acronym for the Defense League. |
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==Recent official Russian accusations of glorifying Nazism.== |
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{{seealso|Erna long-range recce group#Soviet historiography}} |
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Since the competition's initiation, sectors of the [[Russia]]n media claimed the competition's namesake was an attempt to glorify collaboration with the [[Nazi Germany]]<ref name="netinfo_ee">[http://www.netinfo.ee/smi/print/?rid=22786&query= Хоть кровь из носу, но до цели дойдем] {{Ru icon}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rusk.ru/newsdata.php?idar=206396 Эстонские власти вновь признались в любви к Гитлеру] {{Ru icon}}</ref><ref>[http://www.niros.ru/news/9688.html В Эстонии играют в гитлеровцев] {{Ru icon}}</ref><ref name="cir_ru">[http://www.cir.ru/docs/http/www.budgetrf.ru/Publications/Magazines/VestnikSF/2006/VSF_NEW200702011802/VSF_NEW200702011802_p_002.htm Об участии эстонского легиона СС в военных преступлениях в 1941-1945 гг. и попытках пересмотра в Эстонии приговора Нюрнбергского трибунала] {{Ru icon}}</ref>. In [[2007]], high-ranking government officials sharply criticized the competition, generally calling it "glamorization of Nazism" and expressing outrage over NATO members participating in the competition.<ref name="rian">[http://www.rian.ru/review/20070806/70448837.html "Поход Эрна-2007". Часть истории или популяризация нацизма?] {{Ru icon}}</ref><ref>[http://www.regnum.ru/english/866550.html Russia’s FM: Countries participating in Erna Raid taint cherished memory of their own soldiers]</ref><ref>[http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/18451/ Russia complains about military competition]</ref>. Estonian officials attribute this recent development to the ongoing campaign for [[Russian presidential election, 2008]]<ref>[[Eesti Päevaleht]] 7 August 2007: [http://www.epl.ee/artikkel/395416 Paet: süüdistused on osa Vene valimiskampaaniast]</ref>. Russian officials claim that commemoration of the Erna group today is part of alleged efforts by the Estonian authorities to glorify Nazi past (other parts of it being relocation of [[Bronze Soldier of Tallinn|a war grave]] and an official greeting from the Minister of Defence to the participants of a [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)|gathering]] of [[Waffen SS]] veterans)<ref name="rian" />. |
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Analyst of the US based [[think tank]] [[Jamestown Foundation]] believes this view follows Soviet and post-Soviet Russia's official logic on two counts: first, that resistance to the [[Red Army]] was inherently [[legitimacy (political science)|illegitimate]] and conflatable with "fascism" in an occupied country or one targeted for occupation; second, that Estonia should be criticized for remembering an act of national resistance and its casualties<ref name="Jamestown">{{cite web |url=http://www.jamestown.org/print_friendly.php?volume_id=420&issue_id=4200&article_id= |title=PACE Chairman bending to the Kremlin wind against Estonia |publisher=Jamestown Foundation |date=2007-08-03 |accessdate=2007-08-09}}</ref>. |
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Estonia's Minister of Defence, [[Jaak Aaviksoo]] called the accusations "regrettable" and recalled that the Erna group saved the lives of many civilians from the vengeful [[Soviet destruction battalion 1941|Soviet paramilitary units]], and specifically pointed out cases of burning farmers alive along with their farms in Kautla. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1283&setlang=eng |title=Erna Raid and NKVD Destruction Battalions |publisher=Estonian Ministry of Defence |date=2007-08-09 |accessdate=2007-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.postimees.ee/100807/esileht/siseuudised/276283.php |title=Aaviksoo: Erna retk ei möödunud ilma Venemaa laimukampaaniata |publisher=[[Postimees]] |date=2007-08-09 |accessdate=2007-08-09}} {{et icon}}</ref> |
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==Past competitions== |
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The table below records the final results for the year's competition. It does not include retired and disqualified teams. DL is the acronym for the Defence League. |
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{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 80%" |
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 80%" |
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|-bgcolor=#cccccc |
|-bgcolor=#cccccc |
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|align=center|'''Position''' |
|align=center|'''Position''' |
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|align=center|'''2011''' |
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|align=center|'''2010''' |
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|align=center|'''2009''' |
|align=center|'''2009''' |
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|align=center|'''2008''' |
|align=center|'''2008''' |
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Line 54: | Line 43: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 1st |
|align=center| 1st |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Scouts Battalion |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Põlva |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 1 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 2 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 2 |
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Line 67: | Line 58: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 2nd |
|align=center| 2nd |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Kirde KRK |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Scouts Battalion |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 2 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Reserve Officers / DL Tallinn |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Reserve Officers / DL Tallinn |
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Line 80: | Line 73: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 3rd |
|align=center| 3rd |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy 2 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Kuperjanovi Single Infantry Bn |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Kuperjanovi Single Infantry Bn |
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Line 93: | Line 88: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 4th |
|align=center| 4th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Kuperjanovi Single Inf Bn |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Kuperjanovi Single Inf Bn |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Border Guard |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Border Guard |
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Line 106: | Line 103: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 5th |
|align=center| 5th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Border Guard |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 2 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 1 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 1 |
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Line 119: | Line 118: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 6th |
|align=center| 6th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva 1 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy |
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Line 132: | Line 133: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 7th |
|align=center| 7th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Põlva |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Border Guard |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy 1 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} EDF Logistics Centre |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} EDF Logistics Centre |
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Line 145: | Line 148: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 8th |
|align=center| 8th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Pärnu 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Põlva |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Põlva |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 1 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu 1 |
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Line 158: | Line 163: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 9th |
|align=center| 9th |
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| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 3 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} NE Territorial Defence District |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Valga |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Valga |
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Line 171: | Line 178: | ||
|- |
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|align=center| 10th |
|align=center| 10th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Pärnu 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Kuperjanovi Inf Bn |
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| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 2 |
| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Germany}} Germany |
| {{flagicon|Germany}} Germany |
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Line 184: | Line 193: | ||
|- |
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|align=center| 11th |
|align=center| 11th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Nth. Guard Bat. |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn Nõmme |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva 2 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva |
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Line 197: | Line 208: | ||
|- |
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|align=center| 12th |
|align=center| 12th |
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| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} EDF Log Centre CS Training Centre |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} EDF Log Centre CS Training Centre |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Viru Single Infantry Bn |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Viru Single Infantry Bn |
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Line 210: | Line 223: | ||
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|align=center| 13th |
|align=center| 13th |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 1 |
| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Reserve Officers 2 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Reserve Officers 2 |
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Line 223: | Line 238: | ||
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|align=center| 14th |
|align=center| 14th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tartu |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Border Guard |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Border Guard |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Pärnu |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Pärnu |
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Line 236: | Line 253: | ||
|- |
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|align=center| 15th |
|align=center| 15th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Lithuania}} Lithuania |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Women’s Corps Saaremaa |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Women’s Corps Saaremaa |
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| {{flagicon|Lithuania}} Lithuania |
| {{flagicon|Lithuania}} Lithuania |
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Line 249: | Line 268: | ||
|- |
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|align=center| 16th |
|align=center| 16th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Järva |
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| {{flagicon|Belgium}} Belgium |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Võru |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Võru |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Alutaguse Women’s Team |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Alutaguse Women’s Team |
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Line 259: | Line 280: | ||
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy |
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| {{flagicon|Germany}} Germany |
| {{flagicon|Germany}} Germany |
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| {{flagicon| |
| {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |
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|- |
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|align=center| 17th |
|align=center| 17th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn Nõmme |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Pärnu |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 1 |
| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 1 |
| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 1 |
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Line 275: | Line 298: | ||
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|align=center| 18th |
|align=center| 18th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Pärnu 3 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Military Academy 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 2 |
| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 2 (Toompea subunit) |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 2 (Toompea subunit) |
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Line 288: | Line 313: | ||
|- |
|- |
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|align=center| 19th |
|align=center| 19th |
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| {{flagicon|Lithuania}} Lithuania |
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| {{flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 1 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 3 |
| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 3 |
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Line 301: | Line 328: | ||
|- |
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|align=center| 20th |
|align=center| 20th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju Männiku |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju 3 |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Women’s Corps Võru |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Women’s Corps Võru |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Single Guard Bn |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Single Guard Bn |
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Line 314: | Line 343: | ||
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|align=center| 21st |
|align=center| 21st |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn Kalevi |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Alutaguse Women's Team |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 3 |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Tallinn 3 |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 2 |
| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 2 |
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Line 327: | Line 358: | ||
|- |
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|align=center| 22nd |
|align=center| 22nd |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Harju 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden 2 |
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| {{flagicon|USA}} USA |
| {{flagicon|USA}} USA |
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Line 340: | Line 373: | ||
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|align=center| 23rd |
|align=center| 23rd |
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| {{flagicon|Belgium}} Belgium |
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| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 2 |
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| {{flagicon|Belgium}} Belgium |
| {{flagicon|Belgium}} Belgium |
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Line 353: | Line 388: | ||
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|align=center| 24th |
|align=center| 24th |
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| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 4 |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Women’s Corps Rapla |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} DL Women’s Corps Rapla |
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Line 361: | Line 398: | ||
| {{flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden |
| {{flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} EDF HQ |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} EDF HQ |
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| {{flagicon| |
| {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |
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| {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |
| {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |
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|align=center| 25th |
|align=center| 25th |
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| {{flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark 1 |
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| {{flagicon|Norway}} Norway 1 |
| {{flagicon|Norway}} Norway 1 |
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Line 379: | Line 418: | ||
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|align=center| 26th |
|align=center| 26th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Prison Service |
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Line 392: | Line 433: | ||
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|align=center| 27th |
|align=center| 27th |
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| {{flagicon|Finland}} Finland 1 |
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Line 399: | Line 442: | ||
| {{flagicon|USA}} USA |
| {{flagicon|USA}} USA |
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| {{flagicon|Poland}} Poland |
| {{flagicon|Poland}} Poland |
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| {{flagicon| |
| {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Recce Battalion |
| {{flagicon|Estonia}} Recce Battalion |
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Line 405: | Line 448: | ||
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|align=center| 28th |
|align=center| 28th |
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| {{flagicon|Estonia}} 1.Infantry Bde Logistics Bat |
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| {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |
| {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |
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|align=center| 29th |
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| {{flagicon|Georgia}} Georgia |
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==Russian accusations of glorifying Nazism== |
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{{see also|Erna long-range reconnaissance group#Aftermath}} |
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Since the competition's initiation, sectors of the Russian media have claimed the competition's namesake was an attempt to glorify collaboration with [[Nazi Germany|Nazi]] Germany. [1] [2] [3] <ref name="cir_ru2">[http://www.cir.ru/docs/http/www.budgetrf.ru/Publications/Magazines/VestnikSF/2006/VSF_NEW200702011802/VSF_NEW200702011802_p_002.htm Об участии эстонского легиона СС в военных преступлениях в 1941-1945 гг. и попытках пересмотра в Эстонии приговора Нюрнбергского трибунала] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120730195429/http://www.cir.ru/docs/http/www.budgetrf.ru/Publications/Magazines/VestnikSF/2006/VSF_NEW200702011802/VSF_NEW200702011802_p_002.htm|date=2012-07-30}} {{in lang|ru}}</ref> In 2007, high-ranking government officials sharply criticized the competition, calling it "the glamorization of Nazism" and expressing outrage over NATO members participating in the competition. <ref name="rian2">[http://www.rian.ru/review/20070806/70448837.html "Поход Эрна-2007". Часть истории или популяризация нацизма?] {{in lang|ru}}</ref><ref>[http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/18451/ Russia complains about military competition]</ref> Estonian officials attribute this recent development to the ongoing campaign for the 2008 [[2008 Russian presidential election|Russian presidential election]]. <ref>[[Eesti Päevaleht]] 7 August 2007: [http://www.epl.ee/artikkel/395416 Paet: süüdistused on osa Vene valimiskampaaniast]</ref> Russian officials claim that the commemoration of the Erna group today is part of alleged efforts by the Estonian authorities to glorify the Nazi past (other parts of it being the relocation of [[Bronze Soldier of Tallinn|a memorial to Red Army invaders]] and an official greeting from the Minister of Defense to veterans of a [[20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)|unit]] of Estonians conscripted into a division organized within the ''[[Waffen SS]]'' to defend Estonia). <ref name="rian2">[http://www.rian.ru/review/20070806/70448837.html "Поход Эрна-2007". Часть истории или популяризация нацизма?] {{in lang|ru}}</ref> |
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An analyst of the US-based [[think tank]] [[Jamestown Foundation]] believes this view follows Soviet and post-Soviet Russia's official logic on two counts: first, that resistance to the [[Red Army]] was inherently [[Legitimacy (political science)|illegitimate]] and conflatable with "fascism" in an occupied country or one targeted for occupation; second, that Estonia should be criticized for remembering an act of national resistance and its casualties. <ref name="Jamestown2">{{cite web |date=2007-08-03 |title=PACE Chairman bending to the Kremlin wind against Estonia |url=http://www.jamestown.org/print_friendly.php?volume_id=420&issue_id=4200&article_id= |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165258/http://www.jamestown.org/print_friendly.php?volume_id=420&issue_id=4200&article_id= |archivedate=2007-09-30 |accessdate=2007-08-09 |publisher=Jamestown Foundation}}</ref> |
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Estonia's Minister of Defense, [[Jaak Aaviksoo]], called the accusations "regrettable" and recalled that the Erna group saved the lives of many civilians from the vengeful [[Soviet destruction battalion 1941|Soviet paramilitary units]], and specifically pointed out cases of burning farmers alive along with their farms in Kutla. <ref>{{cite web |date=2007-08-09 |title=Erna Raid and NKVD Destruction Battalions |url=http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1283&setlang=eng |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928131625/http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1283&setlang=eng |archivedate=2007-09-28 |accessdate=2007-08-10 |publisher=Estonian Ministry of Defence}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2007-08-09 |title=Aaviksoo: Erna retk ei möödunud ilma Venemaa laimukampaaniata |url=http://www.postimees.ee/100807/esileht/siseuudised/276283.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910102201/http://www.postimees.ee/100807/esileht/siseuudised/276283.php |archive-date=2012-09-10 |accessdate=2007-08-09 |publisher=[[Postimees]] |language=et}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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<references /> |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [http://www.erna.ee/en/ Erna Society — Official webpage in English] |
* [http://www.erna.ee/en/ Erna Society — Official webpage in English] |
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* [http://www.viafor.tv/erna/ Erna Raid — The Documentary] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090821085403/http://www.viafor.tv/erna/ Erna Raid — The Documentary] |
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[[Category:Recurring events established in 1995]] |
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1995]] |
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[[Category:Military excellence competitions]] |
[[Category:Military excellence competitions]] |
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[[Category:Military skills competitions]] |
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[[Category:Military sport in Estonia]] |
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[[Category:Military education and training in Estonia]] |
Latest revision as of 17:38, 26 February 2024
Erna Raid (Estonian: Erna retk) was an annual international military exercise and competition, one of the longest and most difficult in the world, held every August from 1995 to 2011 in Estonia. It was organized by the Erna Society and commemorates the actions of the long-range reconnaissance group 'Erna' in the summer of 1941. [1]
Background
The competition is named after the Erna long-range reconnaissance group (Estonian: Erna luuregrupp) and themed after its activities in the summer of 1941. In 1993, a group of enthusiasts followed the historical route of the Erna group of 1941 and came up with the idea of organizing a commemorative competition. A first try with only Estonian participants was held in 1994. In the autumn of 1994, the Erna society was founded, and in 1995, the first annual international competition was held.
Competition
The traditional parts of the competition were:
- landing, in rubber boats, onto a "hostile" shore;
- cross-country tactical movement and navigation, without night camp down, over a distance of around 150 kilometers while avoiding and escaping from "hostile" security forces;
- various (and varying over the years) minigames during the competition. These may involve grenade throwing, combat first aid, and other military skills.
Foreign teams were always welcome to partake in the competition. In 2007, 28 teams from nine different countries participated: Estonia (18 teams), the Czech Republic (one), Denmark (one), Finland (two), Germany (one), Norway (two), Portugal (one), Sweden (one), and the United States (one), of which Portugal and the Czech Republic are newcomers. Teams from the United Kingdom have participated in earlier years (most recently, a British Territorial Army team in 2006), but only observed in 2007. A team from Cyprus also observed. Teams from the People's Republic of China have been traditionally successful in the competition and took 1st and 2nd place in 2002. Other successful teams have come from Finland and Norway.
Due to the home advantage attributed to the intimate knowledge of the terrain by the local teams, changes to the competition were discussed in 2011. [2]
In 2013, the competition was renamed the Admiral Pitka Recon Challenge after the Estonian War of Independence hero Johan Pitka and is now held in different locations throughout Estonia each year. [3]
Past results
The table below records the final results for the year's competition. It does not include retired and disqualified teams. DL is the acronym for the Defense League.
Russian accusations of glorifying Nazism
Since the competition's initiation, sectors of the Russian media have claimed the competition's namesake was an attempt to glorify collaboration with Nazi Germany. [1] [2] [3] [4] In 2007, high-ranking government officials sharply criticized the competition, calling it "the glamorization of Nazism" and expressing outrage over NATO members participating in the competition. [5][6] Estonian officials attribute this recent development to the ongoing campaign for the 2008 Russian presidential election. [7] Russian officials claim that the commemoration of the Erna group today is part of alleged efforts by the Estonian authorities to glorify the Nazi past (other parts of it being the relocation of a memorial to Red Army invaders and an official greeting from the Minister of Defense to veterans of a unit of Estonians conscripted into a division organized within the Waffen SS to defend Estonia). [5]
An analyst of the US-based think tank Jamestown Foundation believes this view follows Soviet and post-Soviet Russia's official logic on two counts: first, that resistance to the Red Army was inherently illegitimate and conflatable with "fascism" in an occupied country or one targeted for occupation; second, that Estonia should be criticized for remembering an act of national resistance and its casualties. [8]
Estonia's Minister of Defense, Jaak Aaviksoo, called the accusations "regrettable" and recalled that the Erna group saved the lives of many civilians from the vengeful Soviet paramilitary units, and specifically pointed out cases of burning farmers alive along with their farms in Kutla. [9][10]
References
- ^ British Embassy in Tallinn August 5, 2006: ERNA RAID 2006 1–5 August Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "This Year's Erna Endurance Event Could Be Last in Current Location". ERR. 2011-07-29. Retrieved 2011-08-14.
- ^ "Erna Raid Renamed After Admiral Pitka". ERR. 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2017-08-18.
- ^ Об участии эстонского легиона СС в военных преступлениях в 1941-1945 гг. и попытках пересмотра в Эстонии приговора Нюрнбергского трибунала Archived 2012-07-30 at archive.today (in Russian)
- ^ a b "Поход Эрна-2007". Часть истории или популяризация нацизма? (in Russian)
- ^ Russia complains about military competition
- ^ Eesti Päevaleht 7 August 2007: Paet: süüdistused on osa Vene valimiskampaaniast
- ^ "PACE Chairman bending to the Kremlin wind against Estonia". Jamestown Foundation. 2007-08-03. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
- ^ "Erna Raid and NKVD Destruction Battalions". Estonian Ministry of Defence. 2007-08-09. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ "Aaviksoo: Erna retk ei möödunud ilma Venemaa laimukampaaniata" (in Estonian). Postimees. 2007-08-09. Archived from the original on 2012-09-10. Retrieved 2007-08-09.