Major General Indrek Sirel

Major General Indrek Sirel was born in Tallinn, Estonia in 1970. He graduated from the
Moscow Military Academy and served as a platoon leader in the former Soviet Union
Army.

Major General Sirel joined the Estonian Defence Forces in 1993 and was
commissioned through the evaluation process. From 1993-1999, his assignments
have included Alfa Company Commander of Kalevi Single Infantry Battalion; Company
Commander of North Single Infantry Company; Commanding Officer of Viru Single
Infantry Battalion; and various Staff Officer positions in the Operations Department at
the Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF HQ).

He attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College Course at
Fort Leavenworth in 1999-2000. Between 2001 and 2004, he served at the EDF HQ as
Section Head in the Operations Department and later in the Analysis and Planning
Department, whilst also graduating from the Finnish National Defence Academy’s
Special Flag Officers Course.

In 2004, he deployed with ISAF VI as a Staff Officer, CJ3 plans at HQ ISAF. He was also
the Senior National Representative of the Estonian ISAF contingent during the
deployment.

In 2005-2006, he commanded the Scouts Battalion, moving on in 2006 to be the Chief
of Staff, Land Forces Headquarters and simultaneously fulfilling the position of Acting
Commander of the Estonian Land Forces. He was appointed as Commander of the
Estonian Land Forces in 2008 and held that position until 2012. During this period he
attended the United States Army War College and gained a Master of Strategic Studies
Degree.

In 2012, he became the Assistant Chief of Staff J7 at Allied Joint Force Command
Brunssum. He was the lead exercise planner responsible for numerous major training
events that included Exercises STEADFAST JAZZ 13 and TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15.

From 2016 until June 2021, he served as Deputy Commander of the Estonian Defence
Forces. From 2021-2024, he served as the Estonian Military Representative to NATO
and EU.

Since August 2024, MG Sirel has continued his service as Commanding General of the
Estonian Division.

He has received the following awards and decorations, Order of the Cross of Eagle –
II class, Army Officer Golden Cross, Commander Legion of Merit (USA), Officer in the
National Order of the Legion of Honour (FRA), and also is the recipient of Estonian
Parachutist Badge.

Major General Sirel is married to Rita and has two grown-up sons.