Andrus Merilo (born 2 June 1973) is an Estonian General and current Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces since 2024.https://mil.ee/uudised/kindralmajor-andrus-merilo-vottis-ule-kaitsevae-juhtimise/
In 2005 he was the commander of ESTPLA-10 in Iraq. In 2007 he was the commander of ESTCOY-4 in Afghanistan.
Merilo commanded the Scouts Battalion from 2013 to 2016. Since June 2021, he commanded the 1st Infantry Brigade.
Effective dates of promotion + Promotions Insignia Rank DateEnsign16 July 1999Sub-lieutenant3 June 2002Lieutenant12 June 2003Captain3 October 2006Major9 February 2010Lieutenant colonel16 February 2015Colonel18 February 2020Brigadier General23 February 2024Major General19 June 2024Lieutenant General20 June 2025
Awards, decorations and recognition
Decorations and badges
5th Class of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle(with swords)Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defence (III class)Distinguished Service Decoration of the EDF(for battle merit)Cross for the Exemplary Service of the Estonian Defence ForcesGold Cross of the Officer of Land ForcesSilver Cross of the Officer of Land ForcesEstonian Defence Forces General Staff Cross of MeritMoD Medal of Participants in International Military OperationsEstonian Defence Forces Long Service MedalMerit Medal of the Defence League Special ClassMemorial Medal "10 Years of the Re-Established Defence Forces"Distinguished Service Decoration of the Peace Operations CentreNational Defence Medal(gold grade) with bar 1st Class Commander of the White Rose of FinlandNATO Medal for ISAFNATO Medal for KFOR United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon MedalNational Service Medal (Army)
Badges Badge of the Estonian Scouts Battalion Badge of the Estonian 1st Infantry Brigade The badge of the Finnish reserve officer course United States Army Command and General Staff College International Graduate Badge
References