The Kuperjanov Infantry Battalion is an elite Estonia Army military unit which was established during the Estonian War of Independence on 23 December 1918 by the order of Colonel Ernst Limberg. The commando type unit composed of volunteers was established after the Estonian Provisional government call for volunteers to the Estonian National Army.
Julius Kuperjanov had been a school teacher who was commissioned in the Imperial Russian Army. In 1918 he joined Estonian forces at the start of the War of Independence. In December 1918 he received permission to raise a ranger battalion. School students were among the first recruits of the Tartumaa (that is, Tartu County) Partisan Battalion, which was formed at Puurmani manor. Due to a flow of young, but highly motivated volunteers, Kuperjanov's unit became an independent battalion known for its high morale and daring tactics. The battalion played a crucial role in liberating the southern part of Estonia.