His thesis, completed as part of the TalTech’s Business Information Technology programme, is titled “Development of a New Version of the Command and Control System for the Estonian Defense Forces” — a topic of significant relevance to Estonian national defense. Moreover, the material is so sensitive that access to it is restricted and classified for internal use only. The Estonian Defense Forces is one of the few NATO members that develops such an important command and control system independently.

Reidolf explains that command and control systems are crucial distributed systems used in both military and civilian operations for managing and coordinating complex activities. These systems aim to provide real-time situational awareness to operation executors, supporting faster decision-making for more effective troop management. “Currently, they play a crucial role in achieving operational goals by facilitating effective communication, collaboration, and coordination between different units,” Reidolf says.

The thesis develops a complex system using carefully selected methodologies and frameworks. Reidolf believes the award was primarily for the analysis section, which examined whether and how the Estonian Defense Forces should continue using a conscript-based development model. It also explored how to involve conscripts effectively in software development projects, considering aspects like field camps, shooting exercises, and the maintenance of military units and barracks.

Conscript Service Sparked Interest

Reidolf’s interest in national defense deepened during his conscript service. He learned about the opportunity to join the cyber service from his university classmates. “Many of our ancestors were obliged to serve in the Soviet army. My grandfather was a tank unit commander. While the stories were interesting, I had little interest in the military field during high school. After high school, I pursued higher education, knowing I would eventually serve. I heard from classmates that those with an IT background could join the cyber service. It was said to be a somewhat ‘underground’ place, accepting only the sharpest minds, with only about ten recruits. Friends didn’t raise my hopes much, but if you managed to join, you’d be at the top. I contacted the Cyber Command’s Information and Communication Technology Centre, wrote to them, and was invited to a technical interview and test, with results promised only during the basic course. So, I entered conscription with the risk of not being selected and spending 11 months in the forest with a rifle.”

Everything turned out well. “My comrades and I were digging trenches for the fifth or sixth hour. The water in the bottle was frozen due to -20°C, and motivation was near zero. I remember thinking of my university friends and colleagues at the bank, wondering why I was there with a bunch of bald guys. Moments later, an officer called me to headquarters for an important call from the city. I was informed that I had been accepted into the development team but would need to complete a non-commissioned officer course to lead the team and earn sergeant stripes. It was truly powerful!” Reidolf recalls.

At the Cyber Service ICT Centre, Reidolf’s first task was to assemble the project team from over 120 candidates across the Defence Forces. The team's mission was to develop a new version of the command and control system. “My responsibilities included preparing everything needed for development, forming the project organization, selecting the right team, managing all project documentation, choosing methodologies, initiating development processes, and leading the development work to completion,” Reidolf explains.

Realizing that the topic was well-suited for a TalTech Business Information Technology master’s thesis, he approached it with special thoroughness and received a national student research award in the technical and technology field. Reidolf highlights that the one-and-a-half-year master’s program at TalTech, during which he completed his award-winning thesis, provided him with the essential knowledge and helped him make a significant career leap.

System Provides Battlefield Insight

Management coordination is always carried out according to predefined plans and procedures. However, these plans may be under-specified and not entirely accurate, as real situations may differ, requiring adjustments to the pre-planned operations. In such cases, the person on the ground must provide sufficient information to the operation leader to adapt the plan in line with the commander’s intent. Operation leaders then make the necessary changes based on this input to achieve the objective.

Military command and control operations involve higher officers, known as operation leaders, and executors, including brigade, battalion, company, or platoon commanders. Operation leaders conduct military-tactical operations via C2 systems and prepare detailed plans during the planning phase based on the commander’s intent. These plans are then sent for approval and, once approved, implemented by subordinate unit commanders.

Detailed battle plans often become irrelevant once the operation begins. Subordinate unit commanders facing unexpected events must initiate a decision-making process based on the situation. Their task is to achieve the higher commander’s goal, even if the assigned task is no longer feasible.

The goal is to reduce the OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) cycle time, making the unit more decisive and faster than the opponent. This approach forces the opponent to react, increasing their lag and reducing their response capability.

Unique Opportunity for IT-Studying Conscripts

Although similar systems are built worldwide, from national defense to e-commerce solutions, Reidolf finds the greatest value in his work lies in the thorough analysis of whether and how the current Estonian conscript service format allows conscripts to be involved in software development tasks.

“Estonia is one of the few NATO countries building such a system with conscripts,” Reidolf notes. Typically, such large systems are developed by private or state-owned companies, costing tens of millions. Reidolf sees an additional advantage in Estonian conscription: IT-trained youth can continue their professional careers during service, contributing to the development of a very complex system.

Master’s Program Facilitates Career Leap

While many focus primarily on their education during the studies, Reidolf began thinking about his career early on, leading to years of active engagement in the job market. He currently works as a team leader at the software company Net Group and is now also involved with the Estonian Defense Forces Foundation CR14, which builds cyber ranges, where he serves as a business manager. 'Because my master’s thesis was nationally awarded and I gained valuable experience during conscription, I caught their attention. It’s a significant career leap,' he says confidently. Additionally, he co-manages Tempo Post, one of Estonia’s fastest-growing logistics companies, which helps online merchants deliver products worldwide.

For Reidolf, remaining an active reservist is crucial to maintaining his position in the defense forces. “In the reserves, you have to fight for your wartime position and stay visible to the command. You must continually educate yourself and prove your worth to the team. Nothing is handed to you in life – everything has to be earned,” he emphasizes.