Education
In 1900 Põdder graduated from the Vilnius Military Academy.
In 1900 Põdder graduated from the Vilnius Military Academy.
In July 1917 he joined the Estonian national units as commander of the 3rd and 1st Estonian regiments. In 1918 Põdder was promoted to the rank of Major General. During the German occupation of 1918 he was one of the main founders of the underground Defence League.
At the beginning of the Estonian Liberation War, Põdder was Chief of Internal Security.
After the war Põdder commanded the 3rd Division and, after 1921, the 2nd Division. He actively participated in defeating the 1924 coup attempt.
In 1926 he became a permanent member of the war council, as well as an active organizer of scouting. Ernst Põdder was the only honorary member of the League of Liberators.