The crisis response exercise “Estonia Gateway 2005”, organized by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs concluded this week.

The exercise involved approximately 150 participants and allowed Estonia's national first responders to assess their readiness for an event involving weapons of mass destruction. The exercise also allowed Estonia to test its interagency cooperation and the operation of systems designed to protect the populace.

From October 27th until November 1st, specialists from the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency presented to Estonian participants a theoretical overview of the organization of cooperation between governmental authorities who would respond to a crisis involving weapons on mass destruction.

From November 1st until 3rd, a field exercise at the Estonian Public Service academy and at Muuga port took place. The exercise's scenario began at Tallinn International Airport where a suspect was apprehended during a routine check. During the questioning, the officials received information about a possible terrorist or criminal network in Estonia. Based on the information received, an anti-terrorism operation was conducted. During a table top exercise on November 3rd, the Estonian government summoned the “Crisis Management Team” to evaluate the possible threat and to suggest solutions for the emergency situation.

The Estonian Security Police, the Border Guard, the regular police, the Rescue Board, the Public Service Academy, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Radiation Protection Center, the Tax and Customs Board, and the Crisis Management Team took part in the exercise.

“Estonia Gateway 2005” is part of the U.S. government's international counter-proliferation program. This exercise integrated the training, skills, and equipment donations the United States has provided to Estonia since 2000.

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