Jaak Tarien

Jaak Tarien has extensive work experience in the defense and security sector. Jaak most recently served as the Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Defense at Cybernetica since September 2022. Prior to that, they worked at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) as the Director from August 2018 to September 2022. Before their role at CCDCOE, Jaak held various positions in the Estonian Air Force, including Commander, Chief of Staff, and Chief of the Operations and Planning Branch. Jaak also had roles at NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT), serving as the Estonian National Liaison Representative and as an Aide de Camp to the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT). Earlier in their career, Jaak served at the Air Surveillance Wing of the Estonian Air Force as Commander and Chief of Staff. Jaak also worked at the Control and Reporting Centre Karmelava, where they served as Deputy Commander for Operations and Estonian Senior National Representative. Overall, Jaak Tarien has a diverse background in defense operations, planning, and international cooperation.

Jaak Tarien earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy from 1994 to 1998. Jaak then pursued a Master of Science degree in Military Operational Art and Science/Studies from the USAF Air Command and Staff College from 2004 to 2005. In 2010, they attended the Baltic Defense College, Tartu, Estonia for a Higher Command Studies Course. Lastly, from 2017 to 2018, they obtained a Master of Science degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.