To: All Military Attachés. 25.11.2002

Forwarding: Please forward to your respective authorities.

Subject: INTERNATIONAL LONG-RANGE RECONNAISSANCE PATROL COMPETITION “ERNA RAID 2003”, REPUBLIC OF .

INVITATION

We have the honour as the Military Sporting Society “Erna” (MSS “Erna”) to invite an Armed Forces’ team from your country to compete at our annual long-range reconnaissance patrol competition called “Erna 2003”. This competition is open to teams from both Regular/Active and Reserve military units. We also take the pleasure to extend this invitation to first-time attendees as observers.

“Erna” competition traditionally includes the following activities: Firstly, a beach landing in rubber boats onto a “hostile” shore; followed by cross-country tactical movement and navigation by day and night over a distance of approximately 150 km, while avoiding and escaping from “enemy” security forces. Along the course there will be various skill- at-arms events, such as day and night time shooting, combat first aid, grenade throwing, minefield crossing, etc.

“Erna 2003” competition will take place during the period of 04 – 9 August 2003 in the northern part of Estonia. The teams should plan to arriving in Estonia on 3d of August and are free to depart on 10th of August.

CONDITIONS

The competing teams are to consist of four (4) actual competitors (the reconnaissance patrol) and two (2) or three (3) members as support staff. We recommend that one member of the support staff be the team leader with the ability to communicate in English (STANAG 6001; preferably to a 3322 profile). In addition, to maintain fairness of competition, we would like to employ another member as an umpire, most likely with the counter-action forces. This person, and the team members must be able to communicate in English (STANAG 6001; preferably to a 2222 profile).

EESTI SÕJALIS-SPORTLIK SELTS “ERNA” 1 Toompea 8, E 10142 ESTONIA Tel: 372 6 278231; Faks: 372 6 278232; 372 6 406 170 Reg. nr. 01832062 Hansapank kood: 767 a/a 22- 1002161881

REGISTRATION

Due to the increased popularity of “Erna” competition, as well as our own material and infrastructure restrictions, we regret to advise you that we can only accept one team from each country, a total of fifteen (15) foreign teams. Applications to compete will be accepted on “first come, first served” basis, up to the date of registration. In case your country’s team wins, then your country will be allowed to participate with two (2) teams the next year, so the winners can come back and defend their title. Countries participating for the first time are invited to send observers who can become familiar with the competition’s aims, conditions, demands and activities.

The final date for registration is 4th March 2003.

The cost for all participants is 100.00 USD per person. This fee covers food/rations provided by MSS “Erna” at the main camp, located in Kautla (approximately 50 km from Tallinn); and if necessary transportation and fuel in the field; accommodation for the last night and food, drinks and entertainment at the closing banquet. For observers the fee additionally covers transportation, a liaison officer and introduction to all aspects of the competition. The fees should be paid no later than by 21st June 2003. After the due date the cost of participation will be 200.00 USD per team member.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

The completed joining message will serve as invitation to apply for a visa at Estonian embassies and consulates abroad, if required.

The completed joining message will also serve as an invitation to the Final Planning Conference to be held 20st-21nd June 2003 (location will be announced separately) which Senior National Representatives and Team Leaders should attend.

CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS

When MSS “Erna” receives the completed Team Weapons-Munitions-Equipment Import Form and other required documents, customs formalities will be cleared by the Estonian Defence Forces.

EESTI SÕJALIS-SPORTLIK SELTS “ERNA” 2 Toompea 8, E Tallinn 10142 ESTONIA Tel: 372 6 278231; Faks: 372 6 278232; 372 6 406 170 Reg. nr. 01832062 Hansapank kood: 767 a/a 22- 1002161881

OPERATIONAL PLANNING

The main competition document “General Instructions for Participants” will be sent out to all registered countries by 22th May 2003.

It is advisable that teams travelling from outside Europe should arrive in Estonia at least one (1) week before the competition start date. This is necessary for the teams to acclimatise to the Estonian environment and time differences. The teams will be accommodated at Estonian active service units and be provided with escort officers. Included in this period will be a complimentary three (3) day familiarisation programme concluding with a session of questions and answers.

Accommodation (food and bedding) costs for this period will be 4.00 USD per day per person plus transportation.

Jeep type car rental for the competition period has been arranged through Avis car rentals at a special rate of 112 USD per day.

Countries not wishing to bring their own weapons can be provided with weapons in Estonia free of charge provided that they give three (3) months notice.

Meelis Rätsep Lieutenant President of MSS “Erna”

EESTI SÕJALIS-SPORTLIK SELTS “ERNA” 3 Toompea 8, E Tallinn 10142 ESTONIA Tel: 372 6 278231; Faks: 372 6 278232; 372 6 406 170 Reg. nr. 01832062 Hansapank kood: 767 a/a 22- 1002161881

CONTACTS:

“ERNA” Military Sporting Society (MSS “Erna” Selts) 8 Toompea Street, Tallinn, 10142, Estonia

Tel/Fax: +372 6278232 or +372 666 1013 Fax: +372 6601922

E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.erna.ee

DISTRIBUTION LIST:

ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA AUSTRIA BELGIUM CANADA PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA DENMARK FRANCE GERMANY GREECE HUNGARY ICELAND INDIA IRELAND ISRAEL ITALY REPUBLIC OF KOREA LATVIA LITHUANIA MALAISIA MOLDOVA NETHERLANDS NORWAY POLAND ROMANIA RUSSIA SLOVENIA SOUTH-AFRICA SPAIN SWEDEN SWITZERLAND TURKEY UKRAINE USA

EESTI SÕJALIS-SPORTLIK SELTS “ERNA” 4 Toompea 8, E Tallinn 10142 ESTONIA Tel: 372 6 278231; Faks: 372 6 278232; 372 6 406 170 Reg. nr. 01832062 Hansapank kood: 767 a/a 22- 1002161881