This publication is the result of research into the functioning of the Estonian Defense League – a volunteer organization operating under the Estonian Defense League Act. The research used qualitative methods-interviews with experts from academic centers
(University of Tartu and Baltic Defence College) and with representatives of the Estonian Defense League (EDL). Non-reactive research – the content analysis method and the method of analyzing existing statistical data were also used. The article includes characteristics of the organization, including its structure and assigned tasks for state defense and security, as well as the genesis of its establishment and the values that guide it.