Альтернативна (невійськова) служба в Естонії: досвід для вдосконалення національної безпеки України

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the system of alternative (non-military) service in Estonia as an integral part of the broad-based national defense concept and a tool for strengthening societal resilience to crises. The relevance of the topic is driven by the growing role of non-military security components in the context of modern threats, as evidenced by Estonia’s experience in preparing and utilizing alternative service resources to support public security and civil protection. The aim of the study is to examine the Estonian model of alternative service, identify its main features, recent reforms, and potential lessons for improving Ukraine’s national defense system. The research objectives included analyzing the legal framework of alternative service in Estonia, the organizational aspects of its implementation, and the potential for expanding alternative service in the fields of rescue operations, healthcare, and crisis response. The methodological basis of the work consisted of general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization, which made it possible to conduct a systematic review of Estonian regulatory acts, official publications, and analytical materials from the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences. The results of the study show that Estonia is considering the expansion of alternative service by involving individuals who have not been conscripted into compulsory military service. In particular, it is proposed to assign alternative service personnel to the sectors of rescue services, police, healthcare, and critical infrastructure support. A significant innovation is the creation of an alternative service reserve, which ensures the mobilization readiness of individuals after completing their service. Alternative service is integrated into the overall national defense system and contributes to the development of civic responsibility and preparedness for crisis situations.