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Tarmo Kõuts

b. 1953

Estonian politician, military personnel and sportsperson (born 1953)

Politician Military personnel Sportsperson
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About Tarmo Kõuts

Born 1953. Tarmo Kõuts is an Estonian politician, military personnel, sportsperson and border guardsman.

Tarmo Kõuts (born 27 November 1953) is an Estonian politician and former Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces.

Kõuts graduated from Tallinn Maritime School in 1973 and from Kaliningrad Technical Institute in 1985. From 1973 to 1990 he worked in various positions in the Estonian Shipping Company. He served as the rector of Estonian Maritime Academy from 1990 to 1993 and as the director-general of Estonian Border Guard from 1993 to 2000.

In September 2000, Rear Admiral Kõuts was appointed commander of the Estonian Defence Forces. Having been promoted to the rank of vice admiral in 2002, Kõuts retained the position until 2006, when he stepped down to move into politics. He joined the right-wing Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica and successfully ran for a seat in the parliament in the 2007 elections.

Effective dates of promotion

Estonian Army See Military ranks of Estonia

Awards, decorations, and recognition

Awards and decorations

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Important facts

Born
27 November 1953, Pihtla Selsoviet
Birth century
20th century
Occupation
Politician, military personnel, sportsperson, border guardsman
Nationality
Estonia
Education
Tallinn Maritime School
Positions held
Member of the Riigikogu, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces
Awards
White Cross of the Estonian Defence League 3rd class; White Cross of the Estonian Defence League 1st class; Order of Merit of the Italian Republic; Order of Prince Henry; Order of Viesturs; Order of the Cross of the Eagle; Order of the Lion of Finland; Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas; Order of the National Coat of Arms; Royal Norwegian Order of Merit; State of Maryland Distinguished Service Cross

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Tarmo Kõuts?

Estonian politician, military personnel and sportsperson (born 1953)

When was Tarmo Kõuts born?

Tarmo Kõuts was born on 27 November 1953 in Pihtla Selsoviet.

What is Tarmo Kõuts's occupation?

Tarmo Kõuts is a politician, military personnel, sportsperson and border guardsman.

What nationality is Tarmo Kõuts?

Tarmo Kõuts is Estonian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Tarmo Kõuts

· Wikidata: Q7686357

· DBpedia: Tarmo Kõuts

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Tarmo Kõuts. https://biography.guide/tarmo-kouts-politician/

MLA: "Tarmo Kõuts." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/tarmo-kouts-politician/.

Chicago: "Tarmo Kõuts." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/tarmo-kouts-politician/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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