The academic program of EMA provides a balanced education in military and civilian subjects.

The school was established on April 3, 1919, by the decree of the commander-in-chief of Estonian Defence Forces, General Major Johan Laidoner.

During the Estonian War of Independence, preparation of non-commissioned officers was limited because men and resources were needed on the front line.

Cadets were taught tactics, topography, administration, fortification, machine-gun employment, military law, health care, Estonian, artillery science and gymnastics.

[1] In 1940, after the Soviets had annexed Estonia, the academy was reorganized into an infantry school for the Red Army.

Before that, officers received training in the Defence College of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Between 2001 and 2002, Finland helped organize courses for logistics, engineering, artillery and communication specialties.

To reflect that change, in February 2020, it received a new flag from the Estonian Reserve Officers’ Association, cadet council of the City of Tartu and the Defence Forces.