Client story | Rain Rosin: ”My health has been much better because I don’t have that stress anymore.”
January 8, 2025
What is a ”DEBRIEF”? And why should every leader start using it immediately?
July 28, 2025“I didn't go to the exercise for myself.” - aka a summary of participating in the HH2025 exercise
At the end of December, I received an email saying that I had to go on a yearly spring military exercise.
Actually, I already knew a bit about it – I’ve been going to reserve training meetings for the last three or four years, and the topic had already come up.
When the invitation to the reserve training meeting came, I thought, “I can’t wait.” Not because it would be a fun holiday, but because the exercises would take me away from my routine. They remind me of something very important.
The environment, the people, the pace of life – it’s all familiar to me. During my military service, this was my world. And although it’s strange to say so… it was also a kind of home.
This exercise already felt special to me. Working at Combat Ready over the past year has given me a lot to experience and to make sense of. I’ve learnt in depth about taking responsibility, leadership, teamwork and ego management.
I was curious – am I now looking at the exercise in a different light? Do I behave and feel differently?
I arrived the day before the other reservists with another reservist staff officer. We were about to prepare for formation. I have to point out here, and be honest, that a few days before I went I was just…. tired. The work has been intense, the pace fast. I didn’t feel that I was mentally or physically in “training condition”.
But, well, no one asks, “are you ready?”. In some situations they don’t ask if you want to go. You just have to go.
The first day went as usual – learning the ropes and readjusting. Old familiar faces, warm handshakes. Iconic Tapa canteen food. In the evening we packed up our gear and quietly thought about the forest life ahead the next day. And I have to mention – the barracks bed is one of those places where I always sleep well. Maybe it’s an old habit, maybe it’s the feeling of being back where you were once part of something bigger.
The next day’s main briefing went well. Our unit was relatively punctual and showed up at the time we said, people were ready and happy. Some things took a while, but that’s part of the big system and part of the process – when you have 150+ people to get dressed and equipped, it takes time. Of course it could be better and faster.
Then the bus took us to the forest. And there the work began.
We were in the woods together for (I think) five days. From there we moved to a hidden place.
Those next few days – those were the days when I could feel the boundaries starting to fade. Physically everything was bearable, although not moving is a challenge for the body too.
But emotionally… a person gets tired when there is no personal space, when he can’t be alone for a moment. When there is no silence. When even thoughts end up sounding too loud.
And yet – that’s exactly how it would be.
We tested out the real scenarios that the war in Ukraine has taught us. We played out situations where these learning sites matter more than personal comfort.
On the positive side, I felt that I didn’t have to get used to the situation – my body knew what to do. It was all very familiar. You put on your uniform, you have your equipment and you know what to do. And the brain somehow switches over. It’s a bit difficult to explain..
One thing that stood out this time – teamwork and team spirit. In some cases everything went as it should. In other cases, there was emotion. Tension. Anxiety. A drop in morale (at least in my own case I noticed it). But alongside this, there was also a skill to pause, not to react immediately. The ability to let things calm down.
Leadership in very many situations is not just about words. Sometimes it’s just the skill of not saying “nothing” with the first emotion. And take a step back. And to act when things have been thought through.
For me, this exercise was also different in that it was not “my experience” in the sense of “me”. In the past, I often wanted some kind of huge recognition for my work, a desire to develop myself. However, at the end of the exercise, I wrote in the feedback after DEBRIEF that I wanted to develop, but now that I’m back at home, I’m wondering if it’s at least necessary in that role and in that environment…. My role is to do one task.
I realised more on this occasion that I wasn’t there to challenge myself more or to “prove myself”. I was there because I know that when it really comes down to it, I have to be the one who knows what to do in that role. Just in the role I have been given.
Even when my role isn’t the brightest.
Even when I’m tired.
Even when no one’s watching.
Someone has to fill this role. And well.
When I came back from the exercise, I felt that something had changed.
Not dramatically changed now.
Rather internally, in mindset.
Perhaps it was the war, which is not far away from us in geographical terms, and which seems sadder and harder every day.
Maybe it was just that once I know what’s going on and practice things in the exercise, I can’t look at the world the same way.
Awareness brings some clarity. But this kind of clarity can also be difficult to bear.
It’s a bit dramatic really, but it seems to take me a while to digest it all. To make sense of it for myself.
But one thing is clear – freedom does not stand on its own.
We need to keep it that way. Each in our own way.
My way of keeping it going is to take part in the exercises and be present when possible.
Because every reservist counts. Every contribution counts.
In civilian life, I contribute to the preservation of freedom at Combat Ready by talking through marketing about our mindsets and principles, all of which support the preservation and maintenance of our freedom.
And if you haven’t found your way yet, maybe this post will help you get thinking about it – there are other ways to contribute, not just wearing a uniform.
Helping the weak in your community, or just being prepared and aware.
Every ”twig” counts – in real life.
Mia-Alexandra Aidla
Combat Ready Marketing Specialist
