Puolustusvoimat

Conscript 2020
A guide for you to carry out your military service
 Conscript 2020
A guide for you who are preparing
to carry out your military service

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 ISBN 978-951-25-3099-1
ISBN 978-951-25-3100-4 (PDF)
ISBN 978-951-25-3103-5 (e-book)

PunaMusta 2019
Conscript 2020
Entering service with an open mind ....................... 7 Daily allowance and other compensation ................ 33
Leave and free time .............................................. 34
Future conscript ..................................................... 10 Travel during leave ................................................ 34
The security of Finland and the regional division Conscription for those coming from abroad ............ 34
of Finland's military national defence ..................... 10 Paternity leave and paternity allowance .................. 35
Tasks of the Defence Forces ................................... 11 Crisis prevention and support measures
How Finnish defence works ................................... 11 for conscripts ....................................................... 36
Every man is liable for military service ..................... 12 Time Out! Getting life back on track and
Voluntary military service for women ...................... 13 outreach youth work ............................................. 36
Equality and non-discrimination, and appropriate
Before military service .......................................... 14 behaviour in military service .................................. 36
First to the call-up ................................................. 14 Questions on day-to-day garrison life? .................. 36
Physical examinations ........................................ 14 Military justice ..................................................... 36
Questionnaire .................................................. 15 Legal assistance .................................................... 37
The call-up ....................................................... 15 Anticipate entering the Reserve ............................. 37
Reporting for service ......................................... 15 Professional matters and military service certificate . 37
Choice of service location .................................. 15 Mustering out ...................................................... 37
Military Service Register .................................... 16 Refresher training and voluntary national defence ... 37
General dates of entry into service and
mustering out ................................................... 16 Services and branches ........................................... 38
Decisions made upon application ........................... 17 Army ................................................................... 40
Changing your starting date or service location ... 17 Infantry ............................................................ 41
When you have more than one nationality .......... 17 Field artillery ..................................................... 41
Unarmed service ............................................... 17 Ground-based air defence ................................. 42
Non-military (civil) service .................................. 17 Signals ............................................................. 42
Those with right of residence on Åland ............... 17 Engineers ......................................................... 43
Is your physical condition good enough to meet Military police ................................................... 44
the challenges of military service? .......................... 18 Logistics ........................................................... 44
Prepare yourself mentally for military service .............. 19 Driver training .................................................. 45
Recruit letter and preliminary questionnaire ............... 19 Navy .................................................................... 46
Air Force .............................................................. 48
Military service ...................................................... 20 Border Guard ....................................................... 50
Reporting for service ............................................. 20
Everyday life of a conscript .................................... 21 Special forces and special tasks ............................. 53
Leave and free time .............................................. 22 Applying for special operations forces and special tasks 53
Soldiers’ clothing and equipment ........................... 23 Special operations forces ....................................... 53
Catering .............................................................. 24 Paratroopers ..................................................... 53
Accommodation ................................................... 24 Divers .............................................................. 55
Health care ........................................................... 24 Special Border Jaegers ....................................... 55
Military chaplains .................................................. 25 Finnish Rapid Deployment Force ......................... 56
Social Welfare Officers .......................................... 25 Electronic warfare training ................................. 57
The Conscript Committee ...................................... 25 Pilots................................................................ 58
Initiative activities ................................................. 25 Assistant fighter aircraft or helicopter mechanics .. 58
Air picture and fighter controllers....................... 59
Leadership training ............................................... 26 Military drivers .................................................. 61
Military bandsmen ............................................ 62
We take care of our conscripts .............................. 28 Athletes ........................................................... 63
Changing your starting date or service location ....... 28 Special duties ................................................... 64
Conscript's allowance ........................................... 29 Physicians, dentists, veterinarians and
Studies ................................................................. 30 pharmacists (M.Sc.) ........................................ 64
Interest on student loans ....................................... 30 Legal branch .................................................. 64
Other income support, social services and Conscript chaplains and deacons ..................... 65
social security benefits .......................................... 30
Public Service and Employment Contracts ............... 30 Contact information .............................................. 66
Entrepreneurship .................................................. 30
Farmers ................................................................ 30 After military service ............................................. 68
Unemployment ..................................................... 31 Training by the National Defence Training Association 70
Taxation ............................................................... 31 Military professions ............................................... 70
Pension ................................................................ 31 Defence Forces special operations forces course ...... 70
Loans and debts ................................................... 31 Civilian duties within the Defence Forces ................ 71
Driving licence ...................................................... 31 Working in the Border Guard ................................. 72
Passport and police clearance ................................ 31 Applying for crises management duties .................. 72
Occupational and in-service safety ......................... 31
Suspected health risks ........................................... 32 Insignia of rank of the Defence Forces .................. 73
Military injuries and service-related illnesses ........... 32

5
6
Entering service
with an open mind

Corporal Elias Holmi, 2 GBADBN / RADBN, exactly what to expect, – I just embarked on military
Vice-Chairman of the Jaeger Committee service with my spirits up. – The first morning wasn’t
Before entering into service, Corporal Elias Holmi had such a big deal. – I got a few hours of sleep, even if the
a goal of serving one year in military service. – My ser- barracks room was full of noises. - At first, at night, the
vice motivation was high right from the first morning. room was a bit of a zoo, Holmi, who is serving in Ro-
My goal was to become a military police NCO, because vaniemi, says with a laugh, but it didn’t take me long
I dreamed of enrolling in the Police University College to get used to it.
one day. I have heard that it would be useful for me During the basic training period, his physical fitness
in the Police University College selection process, Hol- got better fast. According to Holmi, things in military
mi says. He had been assigned to the service location service were hectic at the beginning, but physically not
of his choice, and becoming a member of the Jaeger too much to take. – There is time to do various kinds
Committee after the MILPOL NCO course was another of sports in your freetime as well, if you have enough
dream of his. energy left after the day’s service.
Before starting his military service, Holmi had heard Holmi thinks that a good conscript leader is someone
that it could be tough and “hectic”. – I didn’t know who is actively involved, shows example, gives guidance

7
 Corporal Elias Holmi Corporal Frans Wirtanen

and is there for you. These are qualities that he has be. The support by your service mates has been great,
striven to improve in himself as a leader. To conclude, which helps you cope when things get tough. When
Holmi says that so far, military service has made sense asked about the beginning of his military service, Wir-
to him. He has lived in three different barracks rooms tanen recollects that you had 3 min. to get ready in the
and made plenty of good friends. Mustering out is a morning. – That is how we rolled for some time and you
few months away, and after a well-performed military sort of wondered if that was how things were going to
service, it will be nice to enter the reserve ready to take be like for the rest of your service and whether you’d
on new challenges. get used to it. Soon enough, they switched to giving
you plenty of time to do your morning routines, Wir-
Corporal Frans Wirtanen, tanen says laughing.
High-Level Readiness Unit / Lapland Wirtanen is highly motivated to do his military ser-
Jaeger Battalion, ranger signaller vice and he wants to grow as a soldier and a human
Corporal Frans Wirtanen from Espoo is serving in being. – It is my goal to get assigned for crisis manage-
Sodankylä in the High-Level Readiness Unit as a ranger ment tasks after military service. I am also interested in
signaller, – I expressed the wish to serve in Sodankylä the professions of a fire fighter or police officer, and I
and get way from the hustle and bustle of the south think that leadership training and well- performed mili-
to the peace and quiet of Lapland. I had heard that tary service will come in handy in those jobs. The past
Sodankylä provides tough training and you really get few days have also given him the idea to seek employ-
to challenge yourself. I haven’t regretted coming here ment with the Defence Forces. According to Wirtanen,
for one second and I’m really happy with my service lo- the most important qualities of a conscript leader are
cation and branch, Wirtanen says. determination, ability to inspire confidence and set an
– Before I started my military service, my friends tried example. – A good leader is someone who thoroughly
to scare me by saying that in military service, the dis- knows the matter at hand and is prepared to teach it,
cipline is tough, time windows to get something done and who reaches out to the subordinates.
are ridiculous, it’s horrible and demoralizing. Wirtanen – During his military service, Wirtanen’s physical fit-
was soon to learn the truth. –- It has really not been at ness has gone way up. – In the basic training period, I
all what my friends told me it was going to be like. At ran about 2300 meters in the 12 minute running test
times, it has been physically rough, of course, but it’s and towards the end of the NCO course 3100 meters.
part of the deal. It has not been as brutal as it is said to I have started to exercise more actively and in my free

8
 Jaeger Niilles Hirvasvuopio

time, I ‘m in the habit of doing many types of sports. In nice things to do you feel positive , Hirvasvuopio sums
service, at breaks, we sometimes do push-ups or “plank- up. For Hirvasvuopio, the first morning at the garrison
ing”, Wirtanen states. was no big deal. Even before his military service, he was
During his military service Wirtanen has made a lot used to waking up early to go to work. – The day of re-
of good friends. He has learned to enjoy challenging porting for service was easy for me. We went to pick up
himself and says that here he has been given a great our gear, had good meals and got to know the mates we
opportunity to learn and try new and cool things that were to share our barracks room with. The first night, I
aren’t accessible in the civilian world. To conclude, Wir- slept well, but trying to do my bed in the morning was
tanen says it’s all about your attitude! not that easy at all, Hirvasvuopio recollects.
According to HIrvasvuopio, a good conscript leader
Jaeger Niilles Hirvasvuopio, is someone who sets a good example, motivates his
1st Jaeger Company / Lapland Jaeger subordinates , knows how to teach and gets it done. –
Battalion, medic course If the leader is interested in the subject matter him- or
Jaeger Niilles Hirvasvuopio selected to the medic course herself, he or she will make the subordinates interested
is serving in Sodankylä in the 1st Jaeger Company. Hir- in it, too. And you’ve got to do it with a bit of humour,
vasvuopio got a spark for applying for medic duties too. A little “twinkle in the eye” won’t do anybody any
from the supervisor of his barracks room, a medical harm, as long as it is in good taste.
NCO. One of Hirvasvuopio’s friends, too, had recom- During his military service, Hirvasvuopio’s physical fit-
mended medic duties to him. – My service motivation ness has gone up. His running stamina and oxygen up-
has gone up, especially now that I got assigned to the take have improved the most and his muscle fitness has
medic course. In the future, I will enrol in studies prob- remained at a good level. – To balance it all out, don’t
ably involving medicine. Helping people is close to my forget to eat well and get a good amount of sleep, Hir-
heart, Hirvasvuopio says. vasvuopio says. According to Hirvasvuopio, simulators
Hirvasvuopio’s expectations before his military service and marksmanship with laser guns serve their purpose
were a bit contradictory. – I didn’t actually know what well indeed in training. – In our freetime as well, we
to expect. My friends tried to scare me by saying that have had an opportunity to train marksmanship with
discipline would be tough. But military service has been laser guns, so our scores have improved. Pretty often,
a positive surprise to him and the team spirit has been though, we start competing with each other, Hirvasvuo-
good. It’s all about your own attitude, and if you have pio says with a laugh.

9
Future conscript
The security of Finland and the regional division of
Finland's military national defence
”You are the best
person to defend
our country.” Border with
Norway: 722 km
Finland needs your effort,
IVALO
because you are the best
person to defend our coun- Border with
Sweden: 596 km Border with
try, our independence and Russia: 1,324 km
our territorial integrity. Mili-
tary national defence based
SODANKYLÄ
on general conscription and
your own input guaran-
tee that your rights and the
rights of everyone living in
our country are not violat-
Symbols
ed against, and that no-one ROVANIEMI
Locality
can threaten our life here in Border, territorial waters
Finland.
Finland does not belong to Defence Command
any military alliance, which is Army Command
why it maintains and devel- Regional Office Border, territorial
ops its national defence and waters: 1,250 km
Air Force Command
a credible military capability. Air Command
OULU
Finland strives to stay outside Navy Command

of international conflicts and Brigade-level unit

look for peaceful solutions Bridage-level unit/BG

to such situations. KAJAANI

At the same time, how-

ever, it is necessary to show VAASA

that Finland is able to defend RISSALA

itself. Independence and safe KUOPIO

conditions for our citizens
TIKKAKOSKI
must be maintained – they
JYVÄSKYLÄ
are what Finland has fought
for in previous wars. As a ONTTOLA

conscript, in other words,

you are an important part of JOENSUU

our national defence. NIINISALO

During your military ser-

vice you will be given train- MIKKELI

ing which will enable you to SÄKYLÄ

VEKARANJÄRVI
effectively defend Finland IMATRA
and those close to you, in- TURKU LAPPEENRANTA

cluding yourself. The FDF UTTI

trains every conscript for a KOUVOLA

specific wartime duty. HAMINA

By carrying out your mil- LAHTI

itary service to the best of RIIHIMÄKI

your ability, you demonstrate
your will to secure the future
TAMPERE
HELSINKI
of our country. Those who
are not able to help secure HÄMEENLINNA
RAASEPORI
UPINNIEMI
HATTULA
their country and its rights
are also depending on you.

10
The tasks of the European Union or in Article 42 paragraph 7 of the
Treaty on European Union;
Defence Forces
4) participating in international military crisis manage-
The Defence Forces must be at the disposal of the state ment and in military duties in other international
authorities to ensure the independence of our country crisis management.
by arms in such cases where all other measures have
been exhausted. The most important task of the De-
fence Forces is by its mere existence to prevent our
country from becoming involved in war. How Finnish defence works
Finland’s military defence is implemented according to
The tasks of the Defence Forces are: the principle of territorial defence. Territorial defence
1) The military defence of Finland, which is to: means that the vital functions of society are secured and
a. monitor the land and sea areas of Finland and targets and functions that are important from the point
its airspace, and to ensure the territorial integ- of view of military activity are protected in cooperation
rity of Finland; with other authorities. An invader’s entry into areas that
b. secure the livelihood and basic rights of the pop- are important from the point of view of the function-
ulation and the freedom of action of the govern- ing of the nation, along with the invader's possibility to
ment, and to defend the legal social structure; influence the vital functions of society, are prevented.
c. provide military education, to guide voluntary Areas that are important from the point of view of the
national defence and to promote the will to de- country’s own activities are held under all circumstanc-
fend the country. es. Attacks are repelled and if necessary the invader is
defeated through a joint ground, sea and air operation.
2) Giving support to other authorities, which is to: Defence delays the enemy and causes casualties to
a. work with other authorities to maintain law and his manpower and materiel. The enemy is pushed back
order and security (called executive assistance), and defeated in a decisive place of our own choosing
prevent and interrupt crimes of terrorism and to using ground defence. Air defence is used to prevent an
secure society in general; attacker from gaining air superiority and to protect the
b. take part in rescue activities by providing equip- vital functions of society and friendly units. The task of
ment, personnel and expert advice when needed; maritime defence is to repel attacks by sea and secure
the sea lines of communication of the nation.
3) take part in providing aid, regional surveillance co- All three services, along with the Border Guard, and
operation or otherwise providing aid and partici- civilian authorities take part in the realisation of ground,
pating in international activities as mentioned in sea and air defence. Conscripts carrying out their ser-
Article 222 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the vice are an important part of this system.

11
Every man is liable for military service
The civic duty defined in AGE 18 19 – 20 30 50 60

section 2 of the Conscrip-

tion Act, starts at the be- 165
days
ginning of the year in RANK AND FILE IN THE RESERVE AUXILIARY
which a young man reach- Refresher training max. 80 days or 150 days RESERVE
es his eighteenth birthday 255 days

and continues until the 347 days

end of the year in which

he turns sixty. A man liable OFFICERS AND NON-COMMISSIONED
for military service is either MILITARY
SERVICE OFFICERS IN THE RESERVE
in service, in the reserve or Refresher training max. 200 days
in the auxiliary reserve.
In general, military ser-
CALL-UPS AUXILIARY RESERVE
vice is carried out at the AUXILIARY RESERVE
age of 19-20. In special
AGE 18 19 – 20 30 50 60
cases, men enter service-
between the ages of 18
Period of liability for military service in Finland is 43 years.
and 29.

Military service lasts 165, 255 or 347 days. The

Structure of training training period for an officer, non-commissioned
officer and conscripts being trained for especially
6 weeks 6 weeks 6 weeks 6 weeks 14-16 weeks demanding rank and file duties is 347 days. The
service period for conscripts trained for demand-
Special Unit ing rank and file tasks that require special and
Basic training Branch training phase training phase ROC
phase training professional skills is 255 days. Unarmed service
NCO 1 NCO 2 lasts 255 or 347 days. The service period for oth-
Weapons and marksmanship training programme er rank and file duties is 165 days.
Performance programme
The task for which a conscript is trained and
the related service period is determined based
Basic training phase (6 weeks) on selections made in the brigade-level units.
From a civilian to a soldier
The majority of conscripts serve 347 days. This
1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week 1 week
is why, when entering service, you should always
Oath week be prepared to serve the maximum period of ser-



4PMEJFS




'PSDF






Orientation Survival




TLJMMT protection
Training
vice, i.e. 347 days.
branch selections
More specific information about the length of
Free order
service is available at the call-ups and by directly
contacting the brigade-level unit responsible for
Branch training phase (6 weeks) the training in question. Contact information can
Basic course on the training branch be found on page 66of this booklet.
The aim of conscript training is to produce
Basic course
on the Service
Readiness Basic course on the training branch troops with good combat efficiency and skilled
and branch course
Selection and capable personnel for placement in the war-
time units of the Defence Forces. In addition,
training helps maintain basic readiness and the
Special training phase (6 weeks) capability to raise readiness when necessary.
Basic course on wartime task

Advanced and continuation course on the training branch

NCO Course Phase 1

Unit training phase (6 weeks)

Wartime unit

Reserve
Unit training courses
path
Final war

NCO Course Phase 2

Reserve Officer Course (ROC)

Training phases (165–347 days)

12
Voluntary military service for women
The requirements for women’s voluntary military service the selection events, where information on voluntary
are: Finnish citizenship, 18-29 years of age at the start military service is given, applicants are interviewed and
of military service, a good state of health and personal their state of health is determined. Selection events are
suitability for military training. At the earliest you can held during April. After this, an order to enter service is
apply during the year that you turn 18. sent to those who have been chosen for service. Those
A woman who has received an order to enter military who have not been chosen will receive a notification
service, must give notice in writing if she decides she will telling them their application was not successful.
not enter into service. Correspondingly, a woman who As grounds for selection the following is considered:
has begun her military service may give notice within 45 individual characteristics and the fact that those selected
days of the date of entry into service, that she will not should be as suitable as possible to be trained for the
continue her service. Within 45 days, the commander Defence Forces Reserve. Women begin their service at
of a brigade-level unit can revoke the order to enter ser- the same time as the men.
vice given to a woman due to an injury, illness, evident Unless otherwise stated in your employment contract
unsuitability or other similar reason. A woman who has or agreed with your employer, the selection day is an un-
been ordered into service is subject to regulations con- paid day off. You must cover the travel costs relating to
cerning all conscripts. the application procedure yourself. You may be reimbursed
After their service, women enter the reserve and are for costs relating to a medical examination. You should
called to refresher training according to the same princi- keep the receipts and bring them to the selection event.
ples as men and they are subject to the Conscription Act The following documents must be included in the
until the end of the year that they reach the age of 60. application:
Application for voluntary service
Applying to serve Questionnaire concerning service and for the evaluation
The 12 Regional Offices of the Defence Forces process of your state of health
the applications, accept them and give the service or- A doctor's certificate on the applicant's state of health
(Defence Forces’ form)
ders to women who have applied to do voluntary military
service. Acceptance into the special operations forces is
handled by the brigade-level unit in question. Instruc- A word on special arrangements
tions for applying and application forms are available at Military service for women is realised in all Services and
the Regional Offices, other service points of the Defence Branches. Military tasks are not distributed according to
Forces and the Defence Forces website. At the time of gender. Appointment to different duties is determined
printing this booklet, women's application into military based on the demands of the task and on suitability.
service through the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service The content of women’s training is the same as that of
is being prepared. You should check the possibility for other conscripts. Entry requirements for the special op-
electronic application from the Finnish Defence Forces’ erations forces or special branches are the same as for
website before submitting paper applications. men, as is the possibility for leadership training and later
Your application with attachments must arrive at the a military career. Women’s physical fitness is maintained
regional office that your home municipality belongs to according to the same principles as men’s.
by 1 March at the latest. You can apply to both contin- Women’s military service is implemented with as few
gents of the three years following the year of applica- special arrangements as possible and using solutions
tion and the July contingent of the year of application. that are economically favourable from the point of view
The number accepted in the July contingent of the year of the Defence Forces. Women have their own barrack
of application is limited. You can find the coming years' rooms in garrisons. In field exercises, during military
general dates of entry into service and mustering out on exercises and on naval warships separate accommoda-
page 16. The instructions on how to apply for special tion is not arranged.
forces can be found on page 53. Pregnancy is grounds for interruption of military ser-
Based on applications, the Regional Offices and spe- vice. A separate decision on how the service is to be
cial operations forces will notify those selected about continued is made later.
Before military service

At the call-up: you are given information and guidance, your official identity is verified, your state of health is checked,
you can express your wishes on your upcoming military service, important decisions on your military service are made, including
whether you are fit for military service, when and where you begin your service, issues related to exemption and decisions on applications.

First to the call-up is punishable in accordance with the Conscription Act.

If you move to a different municipality before the call-
Call-ups are organised every year between August and up, you should contact the Regional Office of your new
December. They concern male Finnish citizens that reach area of residence in good time before the call-up. Un-
the age of 18 during the year in question. In addition less otherwise stated in your employment contract or
such persons also take part in the call-ups, who have agreed with your employer, the call-up day is an unpaid
been ordered to be re-evaluated in that year’s call-up, day off from work.
and people under thirty years of age who have not re- Remember that notice of removal must be given to
ported to previous call-ups and who have not been the Registry Office when you move permanently from
separately evaluated. one address to another or when the duration of a tem-
Among other things, this booklet, questionnaires and porary move is longer than three months. Notice of re-
the call-up notice, which includes information on the moval must be given at latest one week after the move.
arrangement of call-ups in different municipalities, are You can give notice e.g. electronically on the Internet
sent to the home address of each person liable for mili- at www.muuttoilmoitus.fi. Additional information on
tary service. Even if you have not received this consign- matters relating to giving notice of removal can be ob-
ment due to, for example, a change of address, this tained from your nearest Local Register Office or on the
does not give you the right to stay away from the call- Internet at www.maistraatti.fi.
up. The call-up notice can also be found on the web-
site of the Defence Forces at www.puolustusvoimat.fi Physical Examinations
and on the official notice board of your municipality. According to law, physical examinations of men of call-
Failing to arrive at the call-up without a legal reason up age are carried out at municipal health centres be-

14
 branch at the call-up but are chosen on the basis of ap-
plications and selection examinations. They are assigned
a reserve location at the call-up.

Further information on the special operations forces and

branches on pages 53-65.

The call-up
To the call-up, you should bring your driving licence,
passport or some other official identification card as well
as any medical and student certificates you might need.
Persons who are temporarily resident in a different
locality can also go to the call-up there or to the closest
possible call-up location. However, you must agree on
this with your own Regional Office in good time before
the planned call-up day.
Persons residing abroad are not required to appear
in person at the call-up. They can manage their call-up
affairs by proxy in Finland. Those residing abroad may
send the required call-up documents also to the clos-
est Finnish mission, which will send them to Finland.
Most employers pay wages when you attend the call-
up like on any other normal working day even though
no such obligation is included in collective agreements.

At the call-up:
– you are given information and guidance
– your personal information is verified
– your state of health is checked
– conscripts’ wishes are heard
– decisions regarding the conscript are made:
– decision on fitness for military service
– decision regarding the date and location
of entry into service
– matters relating to exemption
from service.

Reporting for service

Photo: JAAKKO ALA-HIIRO
When the age group is divided into contingents, we
strive to take into consideration among other things
also the wishes you have expressed. We recommend
that those taking their matriculation examination in the
fore the autumn call-up. This check-up does not exempt spring following the call-up should apply to be included
you from the actual call-up. A youth health certificate in the January contingent of the next year. If your stud-
does not exempt you from the preliminary physical ex- ies/school does not pose a problem, we recommend that
amination. If you have a doctor’s certificate from a spe- you be in the contingent entering service in January im-
cialist, bring it with you to the preliminary physical ex- mediately following the call-up. The winter contingent
amination and the call-up. also enables you to improve your grades in the autumn
Travel expenses to health centres and call-ups are not or to improve you financial situation by working.
refundable, nor are possible specialist’s medical cer- The general reporting for service takes place twice a
tificates. year in January and July. The Sports School has differ-
ent dates of reporting for service.
Questionnaire
The determination of your fitness for military service, Choice of service location
service location and branch of training is affected by A general rule of principle is to place conscripts in bri-
the answers you give on the preliminary questionnaire. gade-level units located near their home. The aim is also
Questionnaires should be filled in carefully and returned to place conscripts in such military training and tasks
as instructed. The authorities handling the information that correspond with their education, profession, plans
you provide are bound to confidentiality. for the future, skills and hobbies. However, the loca-
The wishes you express in your answers regarding ser- tion of the brigade-level units, training possibilities and
vice location and period of service are taken into con- number of conscripts often make it impossible for all
sideration where possible. Conscripts are not assigned conscripts to be situated in the brigade-level unit clos-
directly to the special operations forces or to a special est to their home.

15
 Swedish-speaking conscripts are mainly trained in the
Nyland Brigade in Raasepori. If they so wish, this bri-
gade-level unit also takes conscripts who have Finnish
as their mother tongue but also speak Swedish in case
there are enough places available.
Make sure you tell about your wishes concerning
what service and branch of training you want to do
you service in beforehand. In what kind of tasks could
you make use of your civilian knowledge and skills?
What training can the Defence Forces provide that
would benefit you in your studies or professional life?
Notice that similar tasks can be found among the dif-
ferent branches.Make your wishes clearly known to
the Call-up Board!

The Military Service Register

The military service register contains information nec-
essary for the determination of conscripts' fitness for
service, ordering into service, planning and arranging
training and service. Information can be obtained and
released on the basis of the Act on the processing of
personal data in the Defence Forces. Information en-
tered into the register is obtained from e.g. the Popula-
tion Register Centre, health service providers, social and
police authorities. The register can release information
to e.g. the Police and the Social Insurance Institution.
According to the Youth Act the Defence Forces are re-
quired to release individualisation and contact informa-
tion to the youth's home municipality for youth work
purposes concerning young people who are in need of
support , e.g. after having been exempted from military
service due to lacking fitness for service or dropping out
of military service. The need for releasing information is
always evaluated on a case-by-case basis. You can ob-
tain a copy of your own register at your Regional Office.

Try to think of which service and branch you would like to

serve in before you start military service

General dates of entry into service and mustering out

Army, Navy, Air Force and Border Guard

Entering Mustering out

service 165 days 255 days 347 days

I/21 4JAN2021 17JUN2021 15SEP2021 16DEC2021

II/21 05JUL2021 16DEC2021 16MAR2022 16JUN2022
I/22 03JAN2022 16JUN2022 14SEP2022 15DEC2022
II/22 04JUL2022 15DEC2022 15MAR2023 15JUN2023
I/23 02JAN2023 15JUN2023 13SEP2023 14DEC2023
II/23 03JUL2023 14DEC2023 13MAR2024 13JUN2024

You must report for duty by 1600 hours on the day of entry into service.
Starting dates of the Sports School can be found on page 63.

16
Decisions sons with multiple nationalities living in the aforemen-
tioned contracting countries are encouraged to clarify
made upon application their own position at the Finnish Embassy, consulate or
their own supervisory Regional Office in Finland.
Changing your starting date A person liable for military service is not obligated
or service location to report for the call-up or military service if he is also
It is recommended that conscript service should be start- a citizen of another country and his place of domicile
ed as soon as possible after finishing school and before has been elsewhere than in Finland for the last seven
starting a family, long-term studies, moving abroad or years. Such persons do not need to apply separately for
starting up one’s own business. Carrying out your mili- exemption. An exempted multinational conscript can be
tary service when older is often experienced as bur- ordered into service if he moves to Finland before the
densome because of e.g. economic or family-related end of the year in which he turns 30.
worries. Decisions on exemption as well as agreement inter-
The date of entry into service can be changed upon pretations are based on address and citizenship data of
application if it is seen as particularly important the population data system. Therefore it is a good idea
– because of graduating to a profession or because to check with the population clerk or mission that your
of studies, data is correct. In addition, multi-nationals coming from
– in order to be able to arrange your financial cir- abroad to serve who are 21 years or older, should make
cumstances, sure that they are not about to lose, or have not lost
– other similar special personal reasons. their Finnish citizenship at the age of 22.
The service location can be changed if it is abso-
lutely necessary for the conscript for some special per- Further information on addresses:
sonal reason. migri.fi
Submit your application to the Regional Office. The maistraatti.fi
vaestorekisterikeskus.fi
reason for applying must be explained and a certificate
Contact information of Finnish missions
of proof of the necessity for changing the date must
abroad at formin.fi
be included, for example a certificate of an educational
establishment regarding the duration of studies. Hav-
ing left in an application is not sufficient justification
Unarmed service
for failing to enter service. If your religious or ethical convictions prevent you from
Application forms and additional information are pro- completing armed military service and you apply for
vided by Regional Offices, the Defence Forces’ website unarmed service, you are relieved from armed service
and at call-up locations. and ordered into unarmed service. The service time for
unarmed service is at least 255 days, or 347 days, if re-
When you have quired by the task trained for.
more than one nationality Information on applying for unarmed service is avail-
able on the Defence Forces website, at Regional Offic-
Foreign citizens who have gained Finnish citizenship and
es, and call-ups.
who have carried out the compulsory peacetime military
service of his/her former home country, or a portion of
if (at least four (4) months) can upon application be
Non-military (civil) service
exempted from military service in peacetime. Decisions If as a conscript you have strong personal convictions
regarding exemption are made by the Regional Offices. that prevent you from doing the military service that is
In peacetime, upon application for special reasons, required by law, you are exempt from service and or-
the Regional Office can exempt from peacetime mili- dered to do non-military service instead. (Finns often call
tary service a Finnish citizen who is also the citizen of non-military service “civil service” in English. It is called
another country, if this person's domicile proper is not “siviilipalvelus” in Finnish.) Non-military service includes
in Finland and he does not have any real ties to Finland. a basic training period, community service, continuing
Regarding the conscription of a Finnish citizen who training, additional service and service during mobili-
also holds Norwegian, Swedish or Danish citizenship, sation. Non-military service takes 347 days. The train-
that which is ordered in previously made agreements ing period is 28 days and community service 319 days.
(Agreement 44/68) between the contracting countries You can apply to do non-military service before, dur-
in question is also in force. In addition, a correspond- ing or after the law requires you to perform military ser-
ing agreement was made between the United States vice. However, you cannot apply for non-military service
of America and Finland (Agreement 25/39) concern- before call-ups. For information on how to apply for
ing conscription. A Finnish citizen, in relation to whom non-military service go to siviilipalveluskeskus.fi, contact
the aforementioned agreements apply, is not liable for your regional office or ask personnel during the call-up.
military service, nor does he need to carry out service
in relation to his liability for military service in Finland Those with right of residence on Åland
during a time when he is considered to be a citizen of Persons who have the right of domicile (regional citi-
a contracting country other than Finland. zenship) on the Åland islands and persons who have
Persons with multiple nationality living in contracting moved to Åland under the age of 12 and who have re-
countries do not need to apply separately for exemption gional citizenship can instead of carrying out military
as the aforementioned agreements apply to them. Per- service, serve in a similar way at a pilot station or light-

17
house service or within some other civilian administra- well-suited to develop these abilities. Good training in
tion. Until this type of service can be arranged, those this category include, for example, different ball sports
with regional citizenship are exempted from carrying and athletics 1–2 times per week.
out military service. Fitness training should be started progressively and
carefully, taking into consideration one’s own starting
Is your physical condition good enough level. For those who have done less exercising, training
to meet the challenges of military should be easy and short (20–30 minutes) during the
first weeks. The level of exertion is increases as fitness
service?
improves by increasing the pace of the exercises and
In the conscript training system the proportion of physi-
by moving to a more demanding exercise environment,
cal education is over 20 percent of the time used for
by lengthening the duration of the exercises and by in-
training, and the proportion of physical training almost
creasing the tempo and number of exercise times. When
half. The aim of physical education is to promote a per-
exercising to improve your fitness it is very important to
manent interest in physical exercise so that conscripts
do different kinds of exercises.
continue to maintain their physical fitness also in the re-
Take advantage of the mobile phone app Marsmars.
serve. Good physical fitness helps to improve your own
It allows you to do a simple fitness survey and to take
health, working capacity and quality of life.
advantage of ready training programmes and instruc-
tions. With marsmars.fi you can track your own train-
If you doubt your fitness ing and if you want, you can include your friends to see
Start versatile fitness training without delay. Remember your training schedule and cheer you.
that you get in better shape if you exercise 3-4 times
per week for at least 30 minutes each time. You will Testing of fitness
find that increasing your fitness does not require a great
Before beginning fitness training you should make sure
commitment in your weekly routines.
that you are in good health. If necessary you can see a
Military service includes a lot of walking. You can
doctor for a check-up. It would be a good idea to take
get used to walking in advance by increasing your daily
a physical fitness test to check if your level of fitness is
amount of walking. If where you are going is not too
up to expectations. Download the Marsmars-application
far, walk instead of taking the car. Instead of using the
into your phone and complete a virtual fitness test, that
elevator of lift, take the stairs. By changing your rou-
drafts a training programme for you. The service also
tines and the ways in which you move, you will get in
contains a large selection of training videos that give
better shape without even noticing it.
you tips for safe and varied fitness training.
Stamina and muscle strength are the most important
You can also test your fitness level by doing the so-
basic qualities needed in military training. Nor should
called Cooper test. Walk, jog or run for 12 minutes at
you forget about the speed and agility needed for fight-
as good a pace as possible. The test will tell you quite
ing in urban areas, for example.
reliably the state of your respiratory and circulatory sys-
Endurance can easily be developed through walking,
tem as well as your physical fitness. If you are able to go
Nordic walking, running, swimming, bicycling, rowing,
over 2,900 metres in 12 minutes, you are in excellent
roller-skating or cross-country skiing. You should do aer-
physical shape. If you make it less than 2,200 metres
obic fitness exercises 1–2 times per week. One exercise
you should start all-round exercising regularly as soon
session should last at least 30–60 minutes and it should
as possible. During the first weeks of conscript service
make you a bit short of breath and break out a sweat.
your endurance will be tested with a 12 minute run-
Muscular strength can be developed by e.g. working
ning test (so called Cooper test) and your muscle fit-
out at a gym, through fitness boxing and martial arts.
ness will be tested with a fitness test consisting of sit
Muscular strength training focuses on working on the
ups, push ups and standing long jump. Your ability to
arm and mid-section muscles. You should do muscle
swim will also be tested with a 200 metre swim test.
strength exercises 2–3 times per week. One exercise
You should train these abilities and practice the tech-
session should last at least 30–60 minutes. You can also
niques already before starting military service, since only
do physical exercises at intervals during the day. Do for
repeating them will help you prepare and improve your
example 10 push-ups, 20 sit-ups and 20 squats both
ability to do well in them.
morning and evening to start with. You will notice that
you will improve quickly.
Recovery and nutrition
In addition to improving your aerobic and muscle fit-
ness, it is good to work on your agility, speed and mo- In order for your fitness to rise optimally, you must also
tor skills 1–2 times per week. Working on these abilities allow your system to recover. Remember that it is on-
should be combined with your warm-up and cool down ly during recovery that your system develops and your
stretches while doing endurance or muscle fitness. The level of fitness rises.
stretches can include for example different motor func- You can help your recovery with the following:
tion, jump and leap, spurt and balance exercises. Also, – fitness exercises should always be preceded and fol-
for example, ball sports, gymnastics and athletics are lowed by a warm-up and cool-down (10–15 minutes)
– regular muscle care/maintenance is a natural part of
fitness training: (15–30 min/session): stretching the
main muscle groups for 30 seconds after exercising,
foam rolling during cool down, exercises increasing
MarsMars.fi Fit for the mobility, and 1 minute stretches.

military in three months!

– Proper hydration during and after exercising (a sip of Prepare Yourself Mentally
water every 15 minutes) for Military Service
– exercise that is easy and aims for recovery after hard Conscript service is different from the situations and
training and training periods (30–45 min), e.g. walk- life experiences most young men and women have ex-
ing, Nordic walking, swimming, bicycling at an easy perienced before. You will face a lot of new people in
pace speed up recovery better than staying still. The conscript service and do things according to specific in-
intensity in recovery exercises should be low and a structions and schedules as part of a larger group. Life
good practical advice is that you should be able to in garrison is much more regulated than in the civilian
move without being out of breath. world. In civilian life you can avoid going out of your
– healthy and versatile nutrition comfort zone, but in conscript service it is not neces-
– regular and sufficient rest and sleep, 7–8 hours per sarily always possible.
day Doing your conscript service requires flexibility and
– a regular, versatile and a stimulating life style. Smok- some social skills, such as adapting to common accom-
ing and alcohol slow down the recovery process. modations, to a chain of command and working as a
section. You also need to be able to fit together your
A healthy diet includes enough essential nutrients (vita- conscript service and civilian life. You get the most out
mins and minerals) and energy to meet the body's needs. of military service if you see it as an opportunity to im-
Replace hard saturated fats with soft and unsaturated prove yourself. It will give you many useful skills and
fats. Avoid refined carbohydrates that are rapidly ab- experiences for your future.
sorbed. Don't overuse salt and alcohol. Pay attention Social skills are something you can train before ser-
to at least the following things in your diet: vice by interacting with others. Good mental prepara-
– Vegetables, berries and fruit lighten your diet and tion could be for example learning a relaxation exercise
promote a healthy heart. Eat half a kilo of these every technique and reading up on military service from the
day. Defence Forces website or from this guide.
– Wholegrain products, beans, lentils, vegetables, nuts
and seeds guarantee a sufficient amount of fibre (slow Recruit letter and
carbohydrates).
– Decreasing your salt-intake helps to prevent and con-
preliminary questionnaire
trol elevated blood pressure. Brigade-level units send recruit letters to future recruits
– Suitably sized portions and regular meals will keep about 2–3 months before the beginning of military ser-
your mind alert. vice. The aim of the recruit letter is to wish the recruits
welcome, guide them to fill in the preliminary question-
Tobacco products naire in the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service (asiointi.
puolustusvoimat.fi) and provide instructions and infor-
Smoking and using snuff products causes both health-
mation about military service and how to get prepared
related and cosmetic damages as well as weakens users’
for it. You can also find the recruit letter on your bri-
physical performance. Smokers who smoke one pack a
gade-level unit’s website.
day spend on average € 2,500 per year on cigarettes.
The purpose of the preliminary questionnaire is to
An immediate benefit from giving up smoking is bet-
find out about your motivation with regard to different
ter health; smokers typically suffer from recurring res-
training alternatives and the state of your physical fit-
piratory infections. Also the risk of getting cardio-vascu-
ness. The goal is to assign you to a company-level unit
lar diseases and cancers decreases. Scandinavian snuff
and platoon in accordance with the training option of
has a high nicotine level (c. 20 times more than ciga-
your choice. Your answers will be taken into account
rettes) and prolonged use causes a strong addiction.
for selecting a company-level unit, platoon and service
Snuff is especially damaging for the mouth’s mucous
task for you. However, your answers are not binding;
membranes and the teeth and it exposes users to can-
during the basic training period, you will be asked what
cer and cardiac and circulatory illnesses. Snuff may be
service task you would like to be assigned for.
used instead of cigarettes because it is wrongly thought
You should answer the questionnaire primarily via
to be less dangerous.
the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service (asiointi.puolus-
Welcome to Finland’s biggest fitness centre!
tusvoimat.fi). You can identify yourself in the E-Service
with your online banking code, mobile ID or electronic
More information on the Finnish Defence Forces physical
education and training can be found at https://puolustus-
identity card. Each brigade-level unit has its specific
voimat.fi/web/sotilasliikunta/etusivu questionnaire in the E-Service.

Defence Forces' 12-minute fitness classification

Women's classification in parentheses

Less than 1950 m Weak (less than 1700 m) 2,700–2,900 m Good (2,400–2,600 m)
1,950–2,500 m Poor (1,700–2,200 m) 2,900–3,100 m Commendable (2600-2800 m)
2,500–2,700 m Satisfactory (2,200–2,400 m) More than 3,100 m Excellent (more than 2,800 m)
Military service
Reporting for service

Order to enter service You must remember to present your tickets and other
Your order to enter service will either be given to you receipts together with your application for reimburse-
at the call-up or posted to you. It will tell you when and ment as soon as you enter service.
at which brigade-level unit you must enter into service. If before leaving for military service, you have such an
Your order to enter service also serves as your travel accident or illness that prevents you from travelling or
ticket: you can use the detachable tickets included to is a hindrance to carrying out your military service, you
take the bus or train from your home municipality in should contact the Regional Office. It is very important
Finland to the service location (the tickets are not valid that you give the Regional Office a medical certificate
in local public transportation in Tampere and Turku or concerning the type of illness or injury, the detriment it
in regional public transportation in the Helsinki region). causes and its likely duration or development.
The time of validity is written on the ticket. Other Only submitting in a certificate does not mean that
modes of travel are reimbursed afterwards upon pres- you do not have to enter service, for this you need a
entation of receipts at your place of service. separate decision from your Regional Office.
– compensation for travelling expenses from your home
to your location of service for the part which the tick- Leave early enough
et included in the service order does not cover Leave early enough. If you arrive at your brigade-level
– compensation for food costs if the trip takes more unit already around noon you will have time to collect
than six hours. your equipment and try it on without any hassle. Be-

20
 vilian clothes in the garrison area after your first leave.
When you leave for military service, take the follow-
ing with you:
– if you want to, you can bring your own shaving kit
– personal hygiene necessities
– social security card (KELA-card) and driving licence,
passport (if you have one), or some other official iden-
tity card
– vaccination card
– if you want to, you can bring this Conscript booklet
– your bank account number (in IBAN form) and your
online banking access codes
If you do not have a bank account in Finland, in an
EU or EEA country, you must open an account before
the start of military service. It is recommended to have
Finnish bank account, if you want to avoid possible ac-
count-use charges by foreign banks.
After some time, you can also bring sports equip-
ment with you to the garrison. There is a locker or stor-
age room at the brigade where you can store personal
sports equipment.
The garrisons have a free WLAN network for con-
scripts. You can use your own laptop, tablet or mobile
device. The company-level units distribute information
using the Finnish Defence Forces online learning por-
tal, PVMOODLE, so you can get information about cur-
rent issues with your own mobile device regardless of
the place and time.

Everyday life of a conscript

Day of reporting for service
You have entered into service the moment that you
report to your brigade-level unit. According to law, a
conscript is considered military personnel from the mo-
ment he/she should at the latest have arrived at his/her
unit. The first day is reserved for picking up equipment.
There will be no actual training yet so you can take time
to get to know your new surroundings. The earlier you
report to your unit the more time you will have to get
used to life as a soldier.

The first morning

ing late when arriving at your brigade-level unit causes The first wake-up call in the military is memorable –
problems both for those receiving you and yourself. though it is hardly as bad as in the stories you may have
Don’t make yourself the object of attention by ar- heard. The point is to start learning military promptness
riving intoxicated and remember that drunkenness in and punctuality right from the start. At the beginning,
a soldier is punishable, as is bringing intoxicants into getting dressed and into formation with haste as well
the garrison area. as military behaviour in general confuses anyone who
Guidance and transportation will be arranged from is used to civilian life. At the beginning it feels like you
the local railway or bus station of your brigade-level are always in a hurry to wait somewhere, but this is part
unit. Where possible, at least your first trip to your ser- of it all, the idea is to get down to the actual training
vice location should be made using public transporta- as soon as possible.
tion. Don’t be scared by the action-packed beginning. Eve-
rything will be taught to a recruit before he or she is
What to bring? required to know how to do it.
When you leave for military service, wear practical
clothes suited to the weather that you will take home Training begins
with you on your first leave. Although conscripts are Military service and the basic training phase start with
allowed to wear civilian clothes when on leave and in a two-week orientation course. The course teaches you
their free-time, you are not permitted to keep your ci- the basics of military service, the rights and obligations

21
The Soldier's Home serves conscripts in their free time.

of a soldier, serving in a military organisation and the Also recruits have the right to leave the garrison ar-
basics of occupational and in-service safety. ea – but not until after they have learned the basics of
military behaviour. This aim should be achieved during
Don’t brood over your problems the first two weeks of service.
You should not be hesitant about turning to you supe- While on leave and during your free time you are
rior, they will give advice even in small matters. Your allowed to wear civilian clothes outside of the garri-
closest superior is your own section leader, usually of son area. However, you must wear your military uni-
the rank of corporal/petty officer/senior airman. You form when leaving to go on leave or free time and also
can ask anything about the daily routines of military ser- when you return.
vice from your conscript leaders; your section leader Weekend leave for conscripts who are not part of the
or your platoon leader (usually the rank of an offic- on-site strength starts on Friday after service and ends
er candidate). The unit ‘s company sergeant major on Sunday at 2100 to 2300 hours as a general rule,
manages the practical administration and logistics of local circumstances taken into consideration. Usually
the unit. You can also turn to him/her e.g. in matters once a month your weekend leave is extended to in-
relating to travel reimbursements or leaves. The unit clude Monday as personal leave. When included in the
commander is responsible for the administration, train- training plan, the weekend that is followed by personal
ing and welfare of his/her entire unit. Every conscript leave is generally free.
may turn to him/her whether the problems are related It is important to leave enough time for returning
to military or civilian matters. from leave since being late usually leads to discipli-
In the private, so-called arrival interviews, superiors nary measures.
get to know their subordinates and offer the oppor-
tunity for conscripts to present their own wishes and Further information on leave and travel, pages 34-35
questions. Discussing these will make it easier for you
to get used to military life. The Defence Forces have an The Soldier’s Home canteen
on-duty 24-hour health advice number +358 (0)299 581 The Soldier’s Home is the conscript’s place to “take
010 that serves conscripts in all health-related problems. a break” in the garrison. You can go there in your free
The phone is answered by a nurse. The Finnish Associa- time to relax between service with different games,
tion for Mental Health also has a national crisis hotline books, magazines or coffee and pastries. The Soldier’s
010 195 202 that is available almost round the clock if Homes (often called “Sotkus”) also serve combatants
you need to talk to someone. during long field exercises.
Also the commander of your brigade-level unit, chap-
lain, physician, nurse, social welfare officer and con- Exercise during free time
script committee are ready to help in solving problems. Most garrisons have modern sports facilities. In your
free time, you can use the garrison’s indoors and out-
doors sports facilities, for example the swimming pools,
gyms, ball playing and martial arts halls, indoors firing
Leave and free time ranges and street basketball courts. Conscripts’ sports
Time that is not counted as service or rest time is con- clubs organise versatile free time exercise activities in
sidered the conscript’s own free time. garrisons. You can find information about the sports
Service permitting, evening free time is usually from clubs and their timetables for example in Facebook. If
1730 to 2130 hours. There can be exceptions to this you're interested in becoming an instructor in one of
because of training or readiness, catering arrangements the sports clubs, contact your Conscript Committee or
or other reasons, such as maintenance or other prepa- the local military sports club.
rations. You can use your own mobile devices during
free time. More information at sotilasurheilu.fi (in Finnish).

22
Training and competitions The service dress in the Army, Air Force and coastal
You have the possibility of continuing your own sports units of the Navy is the combat uniform M05. Combat
training and competition career also during military ser- training equipment includes combat uniform, rubber
vice. Conscripts can also participate in the competition boots, a helmet, hearing protectors and the M05 com-
activities of the Defence Forces – the most successful bat vest and rucksack. The leave uniform in the Army,
even compete at international level. If you compete at Air Force and the coastal units of the Navy is the combat
national top level, contact the physical education of- uniform M05 that is part of the Combatant's Uniform
ficer of your brigade-level unit. He/she will advise and 2005 combination. Navy conscripts wear the m/05 leave
help you in sports-related assignments. and parade uniform and the m/95 Navy battle dress and
conscripts serving on Navy vessels and all those serving
in the Coastal Fleet wear the m/30 conscript leave and
parade uniform and m/55 overcoat.
Soldiers’ clothing In addition, each conscript is issued among other
and equipment things:
– bed linen and a towel
In military service, conscripts are issued different types – underwear and socks
of clothing and equipment. All this equipment is equip- – gloves and mittens
ment that the Defence Forces’ troops would use in ex- – winter boots and combat boots
ceptional conditions. Everybody is obligated to observe – a backpack and mess kit
the instructions on the use and care of the materiel. Ap- – a sweatsuit and sports shoes.
propriate care of materiel will ensure that it will last as Suitable equipment is procured for conscripts wear-
long as planned, reduce use-related costs and ensure that ing special sizes (very large or small sizes) to measure-
it can be used also in exceptional conditions if needed. ments taken at the latest when they enter service. To
Conscripts' clothing consists of several different com- ensure the availability of special-sized equipment
batants’ outfits designed for different purposes and sea- at entry into service call the Quartermaster Depot
sons. You are responsible for keeping and exchanging (tel. +358(0)299 800, switchboard) at the latest six
the clothing you have been issued at the central issue months before your service begins. While on leave
facility when it needs cleaning and mending. Instruc- and during free time you are allowed to wear civilian
tions on the care of equipment will be given at your unit clothes outside of the garrison area.
at the beginning of service.

23
Catering Health care
During service, conscripts are served filling, healthy and Health care for conscripts begins already before the call-
varied meals in the garrison dining hall and in the field up, with preliminary medical examinations conducted
that fulfil the general Finnish nutritional recommenda- each spring. Conscripts who fall ill during their military
tions. Special diets are served for those who need them. service receive basic medical care in the Centre for Mil-
The aims of catering include guiding conscripts’ eating itary Medicine's garrison health centres (where a con-
habits in a direction that promotes better health and script may consult a nurse, doctor or dentist) and spe-
maintains and ensures the availability of sufficient ca- cialist services at regional civilian partnership hospitals.
tering in all conditions during service. The services and medication arranged by Defence
Meals are served from a self-service buffet in garri- Forces health care are free of charge for conscripts.
son dining halls. On weekdays, breakfast, lunch, dinner In addition to these, the medical care of the Defence
and a voluntary evening meal are served. On Sundays a Forces also includes preventive health care and training
larger breakfast, dinner and voluntary evening meal are and field hygiene, which means ensuring the cleanness
usually served. Garrison dining hall meals are planned of the environment (food, water etc.) especially during
according to a rotating 6 week menu, which is changed field exercises.
every six months. For meals in the field during exercises Chief physicians are responsible for medical care in
a mess kit and spork are issued to all conscripts. They garrisons. They work at the garrison health centre to-
are also issued canteens and additionally, thermos bot- gether with medical professionals and other person-
tles if necessary.. The food served in the field is based nel. Conscripts carrying out their military service who
on separate menus that take into consideration the in- have an education in the field of health care (e.g. a
creased need for energy. In field exercises that are con- physician’s or nurse’s education) take part in provid-
ducted near the garrison, the food is usually brought ing medical services in duties corresponding with their
from the garrison kitchen. In some exercises meals are education.
prepared according to the set menu in field kitchens by At the physical examination carried out in connec-
military cooks carrying out their military service. During tion with entry into service, the health care personnel
exercises and training events catering can also consist of check the health of the new conscripts and evaluate
field rations or different kinds of lunch bags. their fitness for service. If you have medical certificates
or copies of medical records, bring them with you when
you enter service. If necessary, additional examinations
will be carried out and your class of fitness for service
Accommodation may be redefined. The validity of vaccinations is veri-
fied (it is important that you bring your vaccination
During military service, conscripts are accommodated
card) and conscripts are given the necessary statutory
in barracks. The barracks of a company-level unit in-
vaccinations.
clude rooms for 8-10 persons, classrooms, rooms for
Health issues are discussed in lessons on medical is-
the company commander, Company Sergeant Major
sues and on exercises, training in first aid is given as
and instructors, storage and sanitation facilities and a
well as instructions on what to do if you fall ill during
lounge for free time.
service. Some conscripts are trained to be medics or
During field, combat and live firing exercises accom-
medical section leaders.
modation is arranged in tents for 10 to 20 persons. The
During military service the most common illnesses
tents have a wood heater so you don’t need to freeze
are upper respiratory track infections and pains and ill-
in the tents in wintertime. A sleeping bag and pad are
nesses due to physical stress as well as other symptoms
also provided for field accommodation. During exercis-
from physical exertion. Starting military service is a big
es accommodation may also be arranged in temporary
change in life that can sometimes cause psychological
barracks or other buildings.
symptoms. If you wish, you can talk about such prob-
lems with the health care staff. A conscript suffering
Women’s accommodation, see page 13
from personal worries can also always talk to the social
welfare counsellor or chaplain of the brigade-level unit.

24
 Contact the health care personnel if you want infor- The social welfare officer provides advice and guid-
mation and support to stop smoking or using snuff or ance in issues relating to social and economic benefits
intoxicants. and other matters. These include, among other things,
On weekdays, conscripts who feel ill can visit the income support and conscript’s allowance, work and
brigade-level unit's health centre. Doctors and nurses studies, as well as relationship issues. Social welfare of-
on duty are bound by confidentiality with regard to all ficers are also a link to services of relevance to the con-
health data. script, such as outreach youth work, working with KELA
and educational establishments. S/he is also a member
Special training for physicians, dentists and pharmacists of the unit’s psychosocial support group.
(M. Sc.), see page 64

Conscript Committee
Military chaplains Conscript Committees are a part of the organisation of
The chaplains' work aims to spiritually and mentally the FDF and the activities of the brigade-level units. Each
support everyone serving within the Defence Forces and brigade-level unit of the FDF and those of the Border
Border Guard, and to maintain their capability to act in Guard training conscripts run a Conscript Committee
an ethical manner in all circumstances. composed of conscripts. The conscripts choose a com-
The FDF employ Lutheran and Orthodox chaplains. mittee among themselves to improve the conscripts'
They are there for all conscripts regardless of denomi- service conditions and free time. The Committee ar-
nation or conviction. ranges various free time activities for conscripts, such as
During military service conscripts take part in lessons entertainment evenings, mustering in and out parties,
held by a chaplain. Lessons relate to soldiers' ethical and courses, exercising and competition activities, possibili-
mental ability to act. The lessons are part of the training ties to play an instrument and loans gaming equipment
that aims to enhance your overall capabilities and all etc. In many brigade-level units, the Conscript Commit-
conscripts must take part in these lessons. Participating tee takes part in arranging joint transportation for con-
in religious events that take place during your service scripts going on leave.
time is part of military service. Alternatively, conscripts The Conscript Committee makes initiatives and pro-
may choose a non-religious event that aims to enhance posals to the commander of the brigade-level unit and
one’s psychological capabilities. Participation in any re- higher headquarters regarding matters concerning mili-
ligious event that takes places when you are on leave or tary service. The activity is a part of the military service
during free time is voluntary. It is also possible to take feedback system. You can tell CC officials about mat-
confirmation classes as a conscript. ters or problems concerning service. Conscript commit-
Pastoral care is part of the work of military chaplains. tees have initiated many important reforms related to
The aim is to help people in a holistic way by listening service conditions.
and talking with them. The chaplains are also bound by The brigade-level unit's Conscript Committee includes
absolute confidentiality. a chairman and other officials if necessary as well as a
representative from each company (equiv.). Further in-
Training for conscript military chaplains and deacons on formation on the CC is available at varusmies.fi and
page 65. from the CC officials of the brigade-level units.

Initiative activities
If you come up with a great idea during military service
– you should make an initiative! An initiative is a pro-
posal that, when implemented, can improve the quality
of functions, make activities more effective, save costs
and time or increase satisfaction and safety during ser-
Social Welfare Officers vice. An initiative does not need to be inventive or a
novelty, nor does it need to be ready to use as such. All
The Social Welfare Officers are the experts in their field, conscripts can make initiatives.
working in the brigade-level units to support fulfilling The Initiative Committees of the Defence Forces con-
the Defence Forces’ tasks. According to the Conscrip- sider initiatives aiming to improve the workings of the
tion Act, in matters associated with social security dur- Defence Forces that are made by conscripts, reservists
ing military service, a conscript is entitled to relevant and personnel in the brigade-level units. You can sub-
professional assistance. The brigade's social welfare of- mit your initiative to your brigade-level unit’s initiative
ficer supports the psychological and social capacity of committee or CC.
conscripts, the Defence Forces’ salaried personnel, re-
servists and crisis management personnel by organiz-
ing teaching, guidance and appointments relating to
social welfare.

25
Leadership Training
– a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

26
Purpose, end goal and objective
Leadership training is the beginning of your develop-
ment and growth as a leader. It spans over the entire
military service period. Those in conscript leadership
training are given the basics and positive attitude they
of the NCO course. Afterwards, those to be trained
will need to develop as leaders once they are in the Re-
as reserve officers continue on to the reserve officer
serve. The aim is for leaders in the Reserve to be able
course. After the courses, leadership training contin-
to start leading and training their troops independently
ues in the form of the leadership phase in the company
with self-initiative and efficiently once they participate
level (equiv.) units. Conscript leaders who complete the
in refresher training or in the mobilization of troops.
leadership phase courses generally act as leaders of the
Lifelong resources for development as a next contingent.
leader – learn to learn Leadership training is useful –
By taking part in leadership training, conscripts gain a the greatest beneficiary being yourself
great advantage for the future. A large part of those Thanks to the new leadership training programme, the
who have gained leadership training in the Defence leadership training given to conscripts is valued exten-
Forces succeed very well in life and come to be placed sively in society. Its esteem is seen in both studies and
in valued positions in society. work life.
Developing as a leader is growing as a leader. For The deep leadership training programme is developed
each of us, this is a lifelong challenge. We can meet this in order for it to fully correspond with the demands
challenge by leaving it to chance or by learning the hard of civilian organisations concerning development as a
way. But there is also another, more systematic way of leader. Today's labour market competes for this kind of
facing this challenge – by ensuring that you learn and know-how, not to mention the near future's.
seeking entry into leadership training. Educational institutions, universities and other higher
At the core of leadership training is the skill to lead education establishments recognise study credits accu-
people and develop oneself as a leader. Learning how to mulated from military leadership training. It is important
lead people is taught and learned on the basis of deep to remember that each educational establishment, uni-
leadership. The aim is to become a leader who builds versity faculty and institution of higher education de-
trust, gets people enthusiastic about their work, brings termines whether credit is given for education, training
about learning and values others as equal human beings. and work experience during military service when apply-
Development as a leader is based on activities and ing to the establishment or in the studies themselves.
practice together with real subordinates, which takes There are some educational establishments, universities
place during the last six months of service. Learning and institutions of higher education that do not yet credit
during the leadership period is supported by system- leadership training received during military service. Infor-
atic feedback, which also includes leadership profiles mation on credits given for studies during military service
and individual development plans. The aim is the abil- is provided by the educational establishment in question.
ity to evaluate one’s own learning, i.e. one's capability When continuing on developing as a leader in the
for reflection and self-steering. reserve, national defence is in good, knowledgeable
The learning process is filed in a so-called leadership hands. It is also possible to deepen your leadership and
file, which is given to the conscript for further use in training skills in fixed term service or by applying to the
the Reserve. The time in the Reserve, i.e. the time after National Defence University and flexibly taking exami-
your first service as a conscript when you are still liable nations at different levels.
for military service, is a long time. It is a time, when de- The greatest beneficiary is, however, the leader himself/
velopment as a leader should continue based on expe- herself. Growing as a person, developing as a leader and
riences in civilian life. learning to learn is a great resource that will be of use to
Everyone has the possibility of taking you for the rest of your life. It is good to be prepared for
the fact that you will need your leadership certificate and
part in leadership training – your own leadership file in many instances in civilian life.
skills are decisive With a few exceptions, reserve officer training is giv-
With the exception of certain specialised units, lead- en at the Reserve Officer School in Hamina, which be-
er selections are carried out in all brigade-level units longs to the Army Academy (Army) or Naval Academy
at the same time and in the same way. The selections (Navy) on Suomenlinna or Air Force Academy (Air Force)
take place after about 11 weeks of service. The selec- at Tikkakoski.
tion procedure is absolutely objective, fair and is based Non-commissioned Officer Courses are organised at
on scientific research. almost all brigade-level units. Special courses for NCOs
In the selections, capability and individual leadership are primarily organised centrally at brigade-level units
qualities displayed in service carry the most weight. specialising in the field in question.
Gender and the profession or educational background Experiences gained from war show that in defence
of your parents does not affect leadership selections. forces based on an extensive reserve, both non-com-
Everyone starts from the same line as new recruits. missioned officers and reserve officers must have the
Leadership training is divided into reserve non-com- same kind of leadership training. For this reason both
missioned officer (NCO) and officer training. All those groups receive the same amount of training in leader-
chosen for leadership training go through the first phase ship and training skills.

27
We take care of
our conscripts

The aim of the Defence Forces is to create the service Changing your starting date or service
conditions that will allow you to fulfil your civic duty location
without being concerned by civilian matters too much. If you have a pressing need to change your starting date
This guide contains basic information on the social se- or military unit, due to, for example, the recent birth of
curity and financial benefits and other support meas- a child, a difficult financial situation, an important stage
ures for conscripts and their families. Your immediate in studies, a change of residence, illness, injury or some
superiors in the military unit, the social welfare officer, other similar reason, you should contact your Regional
and the conscript committees will answer any question Office immediately to discuss changing your date of en-
you may have. try. Women volunteers must give notification in writing
The information in this guide is based on the situ- if they decide not to start their service after all.
ation in 2019. The same benefits apply to women car-
rying out voluntary military service. More information on changing the date of entry into ser-
If you organize your civilian life properly before you vice or the location can be found on page 17.
enter service, you will avoid many problems during your
service.

28
 and the family members entitled to allowance affect
the allowance given. Any property or return on it does
not affect eligibility or quantity of conscript’s allowance.
Conscripts themselves can receive housing allowance
and have the interest on student loans paid for them
during conscript service.
In order to receive housing allowance, the residence
must have been obtained about 3 months prior to start-
ing service, unless there is a valid reason for having ac-
quired it at a later date (such as starting a family, studies
or work beginning in a different locality). In addition,
a conscript applying for housing allowance must be
able to prove that he/she pays for his/her own hous-
ing expenses.
The conscript's allowance paid to a conscript’s fam-
ily can consist of basic assistance, housing allowance
and special allowance.
The basic assistance is intended to cover everyday ex-
penses, for example groceries, clothing, phone expens-
es and insurance payments that cannot be covered by
other income. The full basic assistance is equivalent to
the monthly national pension (EUR 628.85). The amount
of basic assistance received varies according to the num-
ber of eligible family members: the first person receives
100%, the second 50% and the third and anyone af-
ter that receives 30% of the full amount. Kela pays the
amount corresponding to maintenance allowance to a
child entitled to maintenance allowance if the conscript
is not capable of paying it during his military service.
If the conscript has an income, Kela takes it into con-
sideration in the amount of maintenance allowance to
be paid. Kela does not grant basic assistance to a child
entitled to maintenance allowance.
A housing allowance is used to pay for the conscript's
or conscript's family’s reasonable housing costs, which
include rent, maintenance charge, water bills, interests
on housing loans, electricity and gas bills, and the nor-
mal maintenance costs of a detached house. Fees paid
for the use of the Internet, sauna and parking space
fees, security deposits, forehand rents, real estate agent
fees or real estate taxes are not taken into account as
housing costs. Home insurance can be covered with in-
come support.
Special allowance can be used to pay for expenses
that are necessary and of a reasonable size, such as
other than minor health care expenses (e.g. prescrip-
tion medication, hospital fees, dental care fees and fees
related to sight testing and purchase of eyeglasses),
Conscript's Allowance costs relating to child care (e.g. average-priced pram/
Conscript's allowance is a benefit paid by the Social In- baby carriage, pushchair/stroller, bed or car seat)inter-
surance Institution (SII, or KELA in Finnish) based on the est ona family member’s student loan, moving costs,
Conscript's Allowance Act. funeral costs and work-related travel costs that exceed
For the duration of their military service, conscript’s EUR 500 per year. The special allowance can be granted
allowance is paid to conscripts, women carrying out on condition that costs do not fall under the basic as-
voluntary military service as well as to his/her next of sistance and that the applicant does not receive com-
kin. The following are entitled to conscript's allow- pensation for them from elsewhere.
ance: the conscript's spouse; registered partner, com- Conscript’s allowance is applied for from a Kela of-
mon-law spouse (with whom the conscript has an un- fice or using the Kela website (www.kela.fi), preferably
derage child); the conscript's own or adopted child; a month before entering military service. An application
spouse's child; and a child placed permanently in the on paper may be submitted to any Kela office. The ap-
conscript's custody. Other relatives are not entitled to plication is made by the conscript him/herself, a family
conscript's allowance. member entitled to the allowance or the guardian of
The actual disposable net income of the conscript such a family member. Application forms and instruc-

29
tions on filling in the form and on appealing a decision Other income support, social services and
are available at Kela offices, on the Kela website or via social security benefits
the customer service number 020 692 200 (Mon.–Fri. You and your family are entitled to apply for all the stat-
08:00–18:00) as well as from the social welfare officers utory social security benefits you need, such as income
of military units, and from the company-level unit Com- support, social services (children's home care, day care,
pany Sergeant Major. As for conscript's allowance, there social counselling), housing allowance provided by Kela
is no deadline for applying for backdated payment. and other services provided by society. The social wel-
Conscripts living abroad should apply well ahead of fare officer will give you guidance in matters relating
time (2-3 months) either through a Finnish diplomatic to these benefits and services.
mission or electronically before entering military service.
The allowance is paid from the beginning of the Public service and
month when the application was submitted, but no
earlier than the actual starting date of military service.
employment contracts
The allowance is paid to the end of the month you mus- According to law, (Act on the Continuation of Contrac-
ter out The allowance is paid to the end of the month tual and Public-Service Employment contracts of People
you muster out Kela can grant you the allowance once Fulfilling Their National Defence Obligation 305/2009)
it has received confirmation from the military unit that public service or employment contracts cannot be ter-
you have effectively started your service. Notify Kela im- minated or notice given on them by the employer while
mediately, if changes occur in your life that may affect the employee is carrying out military service. The em-
your eligibility for conscript’s allowance. Inform Kela if ployer must offer the same or equivalent work after his/
your service is interrupted or ends, if your income or her employee has been mustered out . Furthermore, an
the income of your immediate family changes, or if employee can be given notice under the Employment
your obligation to pay child maintenance support ends Contracts Act in connection with transfer of business,
or custody changes. Conscript's allowance is not ad- the employer's death or bankruptcy.
justed due to a change in income if the income is of a That is why you should tell your employer at least
one-time nature and fully retrospective. two months beforehand when your service starts and
Conscript's allowance is tax-free. Kela will pay the al- make initial arrangements for when you are going to
lowance on a Finnish bank account provided by the ap- go back to the same job. As an employee, you must tell
plicant, usually on the first banking day of the month. your employer that you will be returning to your job at
The decision on allowance can be appealed within 37 least 14 days before you intend to start working again.
days of the day it was posted in writing. Appeals must If you want to start working immediately after you fin-
be delivered to the Kela office. ish your military service, contact your employer while
you are still doing your military service. Once you have
Studies told your employer that you will start working again,
you must start working within 14 days, unless you have
It is a good idea to do your military service before em-
agreed otherwise. If you do not contact your employer
barking on any long-term studies. If you have been ac-
within a month of having finished or interrupted your
cepted to study somewhere, you must make arrange-
military service, your employer may consider your em-
ments with the educational institution about starting or
ployment contract is terminated.
continuing your studies after your military service. Check
if you have taken part in refresher training, you must
if you can postpone or continue your studies. While
return to work immediately after it is over.
in military service, you can plan for studies after military
Do not quit your job because of military service!
service, apply and participate in entrance exams. You can
familiarise yourself with matters relating to studies and
submit applications at opintopolku.fi. You can turn to
Entrepreneurship
the brigade-level unit’s social welfare officer for guidance Many young people have started companies, and it may
and advice in matters relating to studies. Financial aid for be problematic to ensure that this company is kept run-
students is not paid during military service. ning during military service. At the moment, the best
way is to try to arrange everything in the company be-
Interest on student loans forehand and to secure your financial situation and that
of your family, because during your military service you
Kela can pay the interest on a conscript's student loan
will only have limited opportunity (during leave and free
as military assistance, if the interest payments fall due
time) to take care of business matters. Brigade-level
during service or during the last month of service. Kela
units try to be flexible within the regulations to allow
requires that you have not received study assistance
you to run your business. As an entrepreneur, you can
during the semester or the one before it, when the in-
also get advice from your central organisation.
terest falls due for payment. If you have received study
assistance the interest is added to the loan capital. The
interest will be paid either to the applicant or directly to
Farmers
the bank. Apply for interest assistance early enough for Farmers that fulfil the general requirements for having
Kela to be able to make the payment by the due date. an appointed stand-in can receive one for the duration
When loan interest is paid by Kela, only the income of their military service. For more detailed information,
that affects your conscript's allowance is taken into ac- contact the office responsible for these matters in your
count. The income of your relatives referred to in the own municipality.
Conscript's Allowance Act is not considered.

30
Unemployment your bank or other lender. If you have any fines, it can
If you are unemployed, you must inform the employ- usually arranged so that you pay the fine after you have
ment and economic development office of the date you finished military service. You can also make arrange-
begin your military service, and regularly report to the ments with the bailiff concerning payments.
employment office until your military service starts. You Avoid taking loans and making instalment purchases
must also inform the unemployment fund if you receive before or during military service! For example, quickie
earnings-related unemployment allowance. loans, credit card debts or mobile phone bills may cause
payment difficulties.
Taxation
A decrease in income due to conscript service can low- Driving licence
er the amount of tax withheld or even result in there We recommend that you have the second stage of your
being no tax withheld. When you go to the tax office, driving licence (i.e. a full valid driving licence) completed
take along a military service certificate or your military before you begin military service. This may be difficult
service order, and a declaration of income. to do while in service.
You must meet the deadlines for your tax return and
all other taxation matters (tax rectification, tax appeal, Passport and Police Clearance
payment of tax arrears, and application for postpone- For the purposes of getting a passport, police clearance
ment of payment). You should mention in the tax form can be given to conscripts living in Finland or abroad
that you have a smaller income because you are doing until the end of the year when the applicant turns 28.
military service. Daily allowance (also called per diem) Provided that your conscription issues are in order, the
and conscript's allowance are not taxable income, so police clearance remains in force after you have finished
you do not have to report them. military service.

Pension Occupational and In-Service Safety

Military service does not accrue pension. The occupational and in-service safety of conscripts is
assured by making sure that they can serve in an envi-
Loans and debts ronment that is healthy and safe in all situations. The
The conscripts' daily allowance is only enough to cover FDF follows it’s own safety regulations (in military train-
small expenses from living in garrison, so changes in ing and exercises) and general legislation on occupa-
your income level and how it impacts paying off loans tional health and safety. The aim of the FDF’s occupa-
and payments should be considered. tional and in-service safety activities is a state of zero
It is a good idea to try to agree to postpone loan in- accidents as well as an open and uninhibited culture
stalments or make part-payment arrangements with where safety risks are reported. The aim is always to

31
prevent accidents from happening. Here, the incident 2. Report a suspected problem to
cards(“ near misses) filled out by conscripts and sala- the Conscript Committee
ried personnel alike play an important role. The goal is If you suspect that there is an air problem in your bar-
to improve activities so that no accidents or damages racks, it is in your own interest to report this. Based on
happen. It is important that the conscripts openly re- reports, investigations will be started to determine if
port any dangerous situations that they observe so that there is a problem and necessary measures will be tak-
accidents can be prevented. en to fix the problem and remove the possible health
Traffic safety is always considered when making free risk. Conscripts should report their observations to their
time and leave arrangements. The risk for young men closest superior, the company sergeant major, local con-
dying in traffic accidents as drivers is higher than other script committee or the occupational and in-service safe-
age groups so leave transportation is available for con- ty officer of the brigade-level unit. For the sake of your
scripts via public transport (trains, busses, airplanes) or own health, it is important that you also tell your gar-
by common transportation arranged by the brigade- rison health station about possible symptoms.
level unit.
The Conscript Committee of each military unit has 3. Keep your room clean
an in-service and occupational safety delegate. S/he will Common reasons for air problems in garrisons are un-
participate in the brigade-level unit’s occupational and tidiness, dust and drying wet equipment and kit in bar-
in-service safety activities and will represent the con- racks rooms and closets. The daily cleanness checks
scripts and report observations from the field regard- that may sometimes seem irritating are carried out for
ing in-service safety. a good reason! Also, the ventilation vents must not be
covered or adjusted. If there is a draft in the room or
Suspected health risks the ventilation does not work, you must notify your su-
The Defence Forces’ aim is that their premises are suit- periors who will contact maintenance. In other words,
able for their purpose and safe and healthy for their you can help to avoid the most common problems by
users. In addition to being unpleasant, bad air indoors taking care to keep the barracks clean and by reporting
can also cause health problems, which can appear as problems that arise.
different symptoms and illnesses.

1. Recognise a problem Military injuries and

Recognising problems with air quality is often up to service-related illnesses
one’s own senses. Good air should be fresh and suita- During military service, the Defence Forces' health care
bly warm. In addition to this, ventilation should be suf- system is responsible for health care and treatment
ficient and drafts should not be a problem. Common costs. When you have completed your military service,
air quality problems are stuffiness, dry air, dustiness the State Treasury will cover the costs caused by a dis-
and abnormal strong smells. Rooms can be drafty and ability or in-service illness acquired as a result of military
the temperature can vary from too cold to too warm. service and it will take care of any other compensation
The most common symptoms caused by air problems according to the Compensation for Military Injuries Act.
are respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation. If possible The compensation corresponds to that provided under
symptoms are relieved during weekend and longer fur- statutory accident insurance.
loughs, there is reason to suspect that there is a prob- The following groups are entitled to compensation
lem with the air in the barracks. based on the act on military injuries: conscripts in either

32
armed or unarmed military service, women in voluntary
military service, and men in non-military service. Com-
pensation can also be paid to anyone who has partici-
pated in refresher training, call-ups, the health exami-
IF DURING SERVICE...
nation arranged by the Regional Office or an entrance
examination to a military educational establishment.
Compensation can be paid when an accident has oc-
curred at one’s service location or in an area belonging
to it. Compensation can also be made for an accident
that has occurred while travelling in connection with
military service, or during free time or leave that is con- If you are
sidered military service time. injured or
A service-related illness can be any disease referred to become ill
in the Occupational Diseases Act. It can also be a dis- during service
ease probably caused by military service or made con-
you can apply
siderably worse by military service.
The compensation process begins with filling in a for compensa-
military accident/service-related illness form with the tion from the
brigade-level unit's occupational safety delegate. The State Treasury
person who has been injured or has fallen ill can apply
for compensation themselves from the State Treasury
over the Internet at https://lomake.fi/forms/xml/VK/VK_
£FIND MORE
sotilastapaturma/fi.
INFORMATION
Register into the SUOMI.fi viestit service so that you
can easily and securely contact the State Treasury. ON THE STATE
TREASURY'S
WEBSITE
Daily allowance and other compensation
Data is based on the situation in 2019.
statetreasury.fi/en-US/
Conscript's daily allowance Citizens_and_Communities/
The conscripts' daily allowance (also called per diem) Compensation_and_
is progressive and based on the number months a con- benefits
script is in military service: EUR 5.15 (1 to 165 days), EUR
8.60 (166–255 days) and EUR 12.00 (256–347 days).
The daily allowance is paid to a bank account twice a
month on a Friday. The daily allowance is paid for each
day in military service, including free time and leave.
Special personal leave or absences without leave are Food and accommodation allowance
not regarded as days in military service. Food and accommodation allowance is paid on assign-
ments during which the Defence Forces cannot provide
Women's equipment allowance either of these.
Women's military clothing is largely the same as men’s. On domestic assignments, the food allowance is EUR
In order to buy any personal items that are not provided 7.50, for assignments that last from 6 to 8 hours; and
by the Defence Forces, women receive an equipment EUR 13.50 for assignments that last more than 8 hours.
allowance of EUR 0.50per day on the same grounds as If the assignment exceeds a full day as calculated above
conscript daily allowance is granted. by 2-8 hours, EUR 7.50 is added to the increased food
allowance.
Additional daily allowance for military service On foreign assignments, the food allowance is EUR
abroad 28.00 for each day in which at least 8 hours is spent on
For the duration of military service taking place abroad, the assignment, starting the moment the assignment
for example in international Rapid Deployment Force began; and EUR 15.00 if the assignment exceeds a full
training, conscripts can receive an additional daily al- day as calculated above by 2 to 8 hours.
lowance of EUR 11.00 to cover personal costs. The accommodation allowance is EUR 55.00 for each
assignment that at least 4 hours between 21:00 and
Paratroopers’, divers’ and pilots’ allowances 06:00 have been used for other than travel. On for-
Conscripts in special training receive additional allow- eign assignments the allowance is EUR 100.00. If the
ances as follows: paratroopers – a total of EUR 110.00 actual expenses during the assignment are more than
for the basic parachuting course and EUR 22 each for the above, only the Defence Command can authorize
the next 20 jumps; combat divers – EUR 13,50 for the payment.
days when diving; aeroplane pilots – EUR 182.56 per A food allowance of EUR 13.50 a day is paid during
month after the first solo flight. home care to those who are under the responsibility of
the FDF’s health care.

33
Leave and free time vice duties. When doing temporary work, it is good to
Under the Conscription Act and the decree on con- remember the validity of accident insurance and the
scription, conscripts can be granted exemplary conduct effect of income on your possible conscript allowance.
leave, personal leave, and special personal leave.
Exemplary conduct leave can be granted to conscripts Travel during leave
who have distinguished themselves during service. The Conscripts have the right to travel to their municipal-
maximum amount granted is 10 days (to those serving ity of domicile or residence or to a location in Finland
165 days), 15 days (those serving 255 days) and 20 days where they have special ties. Travel using long-distance
(those serving 347 days). trains is free of charge for conscripts during leave if you
Every conscript has the right to personal leave: 6 are wearing your leave uniform and use a conscript card
days (165 service days), 12 days (255 service days) or with a bar code. When travelling on a long-distance
18 days (347 service days). Conscripts do not have to train, it is a good idea to book a seat with the VR mo-
state the reason for applying for personal leave, but it bile application. You are also entitled to travel free of
is intended for seeing to personal matters. In accord- charge when entering service and being discharged.
ance with training plans, some personal leave days For leave travel, you receive a bar code for your con-
are used as the unit’s common leave days (for those script card for railway travel, a travel card or voucher
serving 165 days the number is four days, for those for bus travel and, under conditions defined by your
serving 255 days nine days and for those serving 347 brigade-level unit, an airline ticket for long flights. Gar-
days twelve days) so that conscripts usually have one risons often arrange transportation for conscripts by
Friday or Monday that is not a public holiday per one bus to the nearest railway and bus stations, or in some
month of service as a personal leave day. You do not cases directly to the municipality or region you live in.
need to apply for the unit’s common leave days, but Use public transportation when you can – it is safe
you must apply for the remaining personal leave days and comfortable!
and earned exemplary conduct leave yourself. If you
know that you will be attending a higher-education Conscription for those coming
entrance exam(s) while you are completing your mili-
from abroad
tary service, it is worth saving a few days of leave to
prepare for and attend the exam(s). Under the Act on Conscription, all men who are Finnish
A maximum of 6 months of special personal leave can citizens are liable for military service. It is possible for
be granted to conscripts for pressing personal reasons. multinationals to be exempted from military service. So
It must be noted that special personal leave extends the if you are granted the nationality of another country,
service period by an equivalent amount of time. Supe- particularly during call-up or conscription age, you must
riors can grant special personal leave for example on inform the military authorities, or if you are abroad, in-
the following grounds: studies, financial reasons, fam- form the Finnish diplomatic mission.
ily reasons, sports competitions, and duties of a posi- More information on multinationals on page 17.
tion of trust.
As an option to special personal leave, conscripts can The Finnish diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, con-
apply for deferment. Based on a medical certificate, or sulate) is the contact authority for conscripts. Before
due to the death or serious illness of a near relative, or entering military service, you should at least take care
for some other urgent personal reason, a conscript can of the following: clear up any uncertainties regarding
be granted exemption from other service. Exemption nationality; have medical examinations concerning pos-
from other service is granted by the company command- sible changes in your state of health; make sure that
er (72 h at most). For participating in entrance exams, your passport, visa, and work and residence permits are
you should use personal leave or exemplary conduct valid; submit your application for conscript’s allowance
leave days, or if it is not possible, you can ask for ex- (Kela office); get the travel tickets you need to report
emption from other service or special personal leave. for service at the beginning of your service.
A travel time extension can be granted if the con- Conscripts entering military service must themselves
script's one-way travel to his domicile using public make the necessary notifications and arrangements con-
transport and/or arranged transport takes more than cerning their accommodation, work, studies or taxation
six hours. The leave or weekend is extended by the abroad. The law concerning the obligation of employ-
same amount of time as the six-hour limit is exceeded. ers to take back an employee to his previous position
You may travel abroad during leave only with the per- applies only in Finland.
mission of the officer granting the leave. The conscript For further information on the free travel quota for
identification card may not be taken out of Finland. those entering military service from abroad see below
Leave can start on the first day of military service only under “Travel Abroad and to Finland”. As soon as you
if there is an extremely pressing reason for this. start military service, contact the unit’s company ser-
Free evenings offer conscripts a chance to take part geant major to get a refund for travel and food costs
in many activities, events and training during free time incurred on your journey to your service location. The
organized by the conscript committee. company sergeant major will procure tickets for travel
More information on regulations concerning free time to destinations outside Finland.
and leave are on display in your company-level unit. The families of conscripts living abroad are entitled to
Temporary work is permitted during free time and the same conscript's allowance as the families of con-
leave, as long as it does not interfere with military ser- scripts who live in Finland. A conscript living abroad re-

34
ceives conscript's allowance for keeping his accommo- customer service team at pv.fi@contactcwt.com. In-
dation there during military service (reasonable housing structions for booking tickets will be attached to your
costs), and for the accommodation he may have needed call-up order. If you have compelling issues relating to
to acquire in Finland for the duration of his military ser- the trip to start your military service, you can contact
vice. The military allowance is explained in more detail the Finnish diplomatic mission abroad. You can be reim-
under 'Military allowance'. bursed for the tickets you purchased yourself, when you
Conscripts entering military service from abroad have travelled by using the cheapest mode of transport
should note that the Compensation for Military Inju- and will deliver all of the receipts and documentation
ries Act also covers leave and related travel abroad. The with the reimbursement application to your company-
benefits and paternity allowance in the Sickness Insur- level unit’s Company Sergeant Major immediately upon
ance Act do not apply to those who live permanently starting your military service.
abroad. As a temporary resident, you can apply for in- Your time of travel must be in immediate relation to
come support from the Kela offices. (ask the social wel- your entry into service (within 4 weeks before). Those
fare counsellor for help). who have arrived earlier than four weeks must send a
Conscripts arriving from abroad have the right to use substantiated application to the Regional Office.
their own mother tongue when dealing with public au- Travel expenses to and from Finland are only reim-
thorities, so interpreting arrangements will be made bursed if you live abroad permanently.
upon request. The language used in conscript training In order for you to receive a refund on you ticket
is Finnish or Swedish. home abroad after mustering out, you must still have a
permanent home in that country. In order for your trav-
Travel abroad and to Finland el to be reimbursed it must be directly related to you
Within their basic quota, conscripts permanently resi- having finished your military service (4 weeks). Free-
dent abroad carrying out their military service in Fin- ly formulated applications concerning lengthening the
land can travel to their domicile abroad, depending on time frame should be sent to the brigade-level unit for
the length of their military service, 1-4 times (2 trips for a decision.
those serving 165 days and resident in Europe and one The company-level unit usually obtains free tickets for
trip for those resident outside of Europe; three trips for travel during leave for conscripts living abroad, or re-
those serving 255 days and resident in Europe and one funds the equivalent sum against receipts. Air tickets are
for those resident outside of Europe; four trips for those not usually bought for conscripts who live in Sweden.
serving 347 days and resident in the Nordic countries
and three trips for those resident elsewhere in Europe Paternity Leave and Paternity Allowance
and two trips for those resident outside of Europe. In Conscripts who are married or live in a common-law re-
addition to the above quotas, conscripts can be granted lationship are granted a paternity leave of 12 days ei-
a free return trip abroad in the case of serious illness, ther as a single period when the child is born or, taking
death or burial of a family member, their own wedding into consideration the service or family situation of the
or the birth or christening of their own child. conscript, in several periods. Paternity leave does not
Tickets (ship tickets on the Baltic Sea and flight tick- affect the length of the service period.
ets) booked for starting your military service must Paternity leave must start within one month of the
primarily be booked via the Carlson Wagonlit (CWT) child's birth, but due to for example the illness of the

35
newborn or the mother, it can also start later. In order It is the duty of every conscript to build and maintain
to be granted paternity leave, you must present a birth a working culture which respects equality and non-dis-
certificate or a certificate from the child welfare officer crimination and ensure that no one is treated unfairly.
of your place of residence. The Defence Forces working culture and being a soldier
A conscript who requires time to care for his child also include good behaviour. Harassment, bullying and
can receive paternity allowance from Kela. Paternity hazing are not tolerated. Anyone doing his/her mili-
allowance can be paid to a person in military service or tary service has to make sure that he/she behaves ap-
non-military service who lives together with the child's propriately. Superiors carry particular responsibility for
mother and is on paternity leave or on other leave from the operating procedures and atmosphere within their
service. unit. If a superior becomes aware of inappropriate be-
The paternity allowance for a person carrying out haviour directed at his/her subordinates, it is his/her
military service is EUR 27.86 per day. Paternity allow- duty to intervene. It is the company commander's duty
ance can be applied for online (kela.fi) or at the Kela to ensure that all of the conscripts in his/her unit know
Office with the form Application – Parental benerits for what to do in a situation where someone is treated in-
fathers (SV 29a). appropriately. You can find more information on pro-
Paternity allowance is taxable income. cedures in case of harassment, bullying and hazing in
the Soldier's Guide, on company notice boards and in
Crisis prevention and barracks information folders.
support measures for conscripts
The Defence Forces’ support network that provides Questions on day-to-day garrison life?
mental support for conscripts consists of specialists in Join your brigade-level unit's Facebook group. There you
the brigade-level unit (doctor, social welfare officer, will find information on everyday life in the military and
chaplain) as well as superiors and fellow conscripts. useful tips for entering and carrying out your military
The role of comrades, conscript committees and con- service. The Facebook groups are maintained by the pre-
script leaders in preventing crises among conscripts and vious contingent's conscripts, the so-called Some (So-
in support measures is important since it might be eas- cial Media) Agents. You can also use Facebook's private
ier for young people to talk about their problems with message function to ask them about things you may be
someone who is of the same age than with someone wondering about. You can find the links to the groups in
older. Every conscript can provide peer support and a the recruit information bulletin you get before starting
person to talk to for their fellow conscripts If you have your service. Come and find out about everyday life in
a hard time in service and you feel anguished, contact the garrison and your fellow soldiers through Facebook!
your closest superiors, brigade-level unit specialists and
in urgent cases a doctor for an evaluation of the situa-
tion and possible treatment. Military justice
Military justice is based on the provisions of Chapter
Time Out! Getting life back on track 45 of the Criminal Code concerning military offences
and outreach youth work as well as on the Military Court Procedure Act and on
the Act on Military Discipline and Crime Prevention in
Social welfare officers are there to help conscripts in
the Defence Forces. Conscripts and women who have
need of support. If necessary, conscripts who are drop-
been accepted into voluntary military service fall under
ping out of military service are assigned a Time Out!
the jurisdiction of military justice as soon as they have
or outreach youth councillor. Time Out is a coopera-
arrived or were liable to arrive to carry out their military
tion model used in the Defence Forces. It provides ac-
service. They remain within the system until they muster
tive support to young people during call-ups and for
out, even in their free time and during leave. Persons
those who drop out of military service. Together with
failing to arrive at their military unit when called up are
the Time Out! or youth outreach councillor, conscripts
guilty of absence without leave or desertion.
can talk about personal issues relating to coping with
The commanders of company-level units (company/
for example studies, applying for a job, living, relation-
battery/flight/unit), their superiors and the company ser-
ships and health. The councillors offer personal support,
geant major have the right to enforce discipline. In mil-
information and encouragement in managing your af-
itary discipline proceedings, after investigations have
fairs. If necessary conscripts also receive help in finding
been carried out, a conscript can be given a disciplinary
the services they need.
punishment (reminder, confinement to barracks, extra
duty, warning, disciplinary fine). You can appeal a dis-
Equality and non-discrimination, and ciplinary decision made by the battalion commander,
appropriate behaviour in military service company commander or company sergeant major, i.e.
It is the right of every conscript to be able to serve and make a request for settlement to the commander of
train in an environment where equality and non-dis- the brigade-level unit. Disciplinary decisions, including
crimination are respected. In a well-functioning con- those based on pleas for resolution, given by the bri-
script service, men and women, different contingents, gade commander or a higher disciplinary official can be
people of different origins and with differing personal appealed by issuing an official disciplinary complaint to
characteristics, all have an equal opportunity to make a court of law.
choices, increase their knowledge and skills in military The Parliamentary Ombudsman ensures the legality
service, and be rewarded. of military justice. According to law, the Parliamentary

36
Ombudsman must especially monitor the rights and fair
treatment of conscripts.

Legal assistance
Conscripts can meet with legal problems, with which
they need expert help. Especially in legal proceedings
it is often necessary to have a legally trained advisor.
Conscripts can be appointed an advisor to help with
legal matters either entirely or partly funded by the
state. Legal assistance is provided by public legal ad-
visers, lawyers and other jurists. The website oikeus.fi
provides more specific information on legal assistance
as well as other information on the workings of the ju-
dicial system.

Anticipate entering the Reserve

After mustering out, you may experience a temporary
feeling of indecision and emptiness. A busy and event-
ful time in service is left behind and new friends are no
longer there. It is a good idea to keep in touch with
your friends, and It is easier to return to civilian life if
you start planning your future: work, studies or future
profession well in advance. The social welfare officer for the military unit's physician to write you a certificate,
and the conscript committee are there to support you contact the State Treasury for actual compensation, and,
also in this phase. if necessary, apply for income support from KELA.
You and your family are entitled to an evaluation of
Professional matters and the need for income support and other social security
military service certificate benefits (contact KELA) as well as the social services in
Many aspects of military training are of use in a civilian your municipality (contact the social welfare office in
profession, too. Certain elements of military training your home municipality).
are accepted as the equivalent of the practical train-
ing needed for some professions, and in some fields Refresher training and
conscript service can be considered work experience. voluntary national defence
It may be easier to obtain many civilian jobs if you Once you have completed your military service, you will
have done your military service successfully and have be placed in the Reserve. The Reserve forms the major
received special or leadership training. Military service part of the Defence Forces' wartime personnel.
also opens up opportunities in peacekeeping, the Rapid Reservists are paid a reservist salary when they must
Deployment Force or a military career. attend refresher training. The rates are the following
All conscripts who have completed their military ser- (situation in 2019):
vice receive a military service certificate stating the mili- – rank and file EUR 60.10 a day
tary training given and a personal assessment. This will – non-commissioned officers EUR 62.80 a day
be useful in working life (work experience) and edu- – commissioned officers and special officers EUR 65.85
cational establishments (credit). Educational establish- a day
ments decide independently how military service can – all receive a tax-free per diem of EUR 5.15 a day
be credited. (women receive an additional equipment per diem
of EUR 0.50 a day).
Mustering out In addition to mandatory refresher training, reserv-
If you have a job, inform your employer well in advance ists can participate in voluntary national defence and
that you will be returning to your job. Remember that attend courses organised by the National Defence Train-
you have the right to return to your own position or ing Association in order to maintain and develop their
post or an equivalent one. military skills and the feeling of togetherness and team
If you are unemployed, you should report to the em- spirit with their wartime unit.
ployment and economic development office and to the
unemployment fund of your trade union.
If you have a place as a student in an educational
establishment, inform your school that you will start
your studies and make sure your student financial aid
is in order.
If you are an entrepreneur, you should inform your
pension institution that you are mustering out.
If you cannot work because of an accident or an ill-
ness you had when you were doing military service, ask

37
 Services
and branches

38
 The aim is a wartime force
The aim of conscript training is to provide training and ori-
entation for conscripts in functions serving national de-
fence, and thus provide the necessary prerequisites for the
country to form total units in case of war. This means that
each conscript must be trained for wartime duties accord-
ing to his abilities and talent. Conscript training takes place
in the Army, Navy and Air Force or Border Guard.
The training of the wartime units takes place at the end
of the service period for rank and file (165 days), which is
called the unit training phase. The unit training phase lasts
six weeks. The aim is that training and other activities take
place during the entire training period in as realistic cir-
cumstances as possible and in the wartime composition in
which training in refresher exercises also takes place. The
unit training phase is considered the peak of conscript train-
ing with regard to skill and knowledge.
The successful realisation of training requires leaders
with the right kind of attitude towards their subordinates.
Straightforward and strict military discipline is a part of the
training, but leaders must understand their responsibility for
the well-being of their subordinates. In the same way, sub-
ordinates must understand the responsibility of their leaders
with regard to the activities of the unit and the training. All
involved, both those in training and their instructors, be-
long to the same unit and work towards a common goal.
Photos: FDF PHOTOGRAPHIC CENTRE / Processing: TEEMU LIIRI

The content of the basic training phase is

the same for everybody
With regard to the content of training, the basic training
phase that begins military service is basically the same for
all conscripts. During the phase, all conscripts receive a
soldier’s basic training and take the basic military examina-
tion. The basic training phase is identical in all Services and
branches of service.
Selections for training branches are made during the basic
training phase. When selections are made, the conscript’s
motivation for entering the training in question is also taken
into consideration. After the basic training phase, conscript
training diverges according to branch of training.

39
 Army
The Army forms the main part of the Defence Forces’ wartime
strength. During peacetime, the main task of the Army
brigade-level units is to train the ground forces to be formed
in case of raising readiness. The Army includes infantry, field
artillery, air defence, engineer, signals, logistics and nowadays
also army aviation.

40
Infantry
The infantry is the backbone of the Army. In combat, its
task is to repel and strike at the enemy in cooperation
with other branches. The infantry moves by modern all-
terrain trucks or armoured vehicles. Success depends on
the speed of the action.
Carrying out combat missions requires good ability to
move both on foot and skis. Infantrymen are required
to be in good physical condition and to have psycho-
logical resilience and the ability to take the initiative in
fulfilling their tasks.
Approximately half of all conscripts called up are
trained in the infantry. The versatile training is divided
into several branches of training. These are:
– jaeger training
– reconnaissance and special forces training,
– mortar training
– anti-tank training
– armour training and
– military police training
In all branches of training some conscripts are trained
as non-commissioned officers and some as reserve offic-
ers. Learning the personal skills of a combatant and how
to use modern weaponry as well as leadership training
are interesting and challenging.

Infantry is trained in different parts of the country:

– Jaeger Brigade in Sodankylä and Rovaniemi
– Kainuu Brigade in Kajaani
– Karelia Brigade in Kouvola
– Army Academy in Hamina
– Utti Jaeger Regiment in Kouvola
– Armoured Brigade in Hattula
– Pori Brigade in Säkylä and Niinisalo
– Guard Jaeger Regiment in Helsinki

Although training varies according to where the bri-

gade-level unit is and what special branch the training
is for, on the whole the training is the same: it aims to
train an efficient combatant and his leader.

Field artillery
The field artillery is a versatile and technological branch.
It has at its disposal the most modern equipment, such
as target acquisition equipment, laser range finders
thermal cameras, light amplifiers, radars and informa-
tion technology in different levels of calculators, signal
systems and simulators. The most important task of the
field artillery is to support the infantry in battle with
well-timed and precise close support fires. This is done
by firing artillery pieces, armoured self-propelled guns
and rocket launchers at distances up to 70 kilometres.
Those serving in the field artillery are called gunners.
Gunners have the possibility of training for the task of
reserve officer, non-commissioned officer or rank and
file. The branch is an entity made up of leaders, signal-
men, forward observers, target acquisition men, recon-
naissance, gun line and others in different support tasks.
Activities are often carried out as cooperation be-
tween different sections and fireteams. The spirit of the

41
gunner, which is prevalent in the branch comes from
the awareness that the input of each and every one is
equally important so that the common goal is reached.
However, the best professional skill is gained during
exercises. Each gunner earns his spurs on the largest
firing range in Western Europe at Rovajärvi in the sce-
nic nature of Lapland.

Field artillery training units:

– Pori Brigade in Niinisalo
– Armoured Brigade in Hattula
– Kainuu Brigade in Kajaani
– Karelia Brigade in Kouvola
– Army Academy in Hamina

Ground-based air defence

Ground-based air defence protects combat units and
military and civilian targets against enemy air attacks,
and cause casualties to the enemy. Units are equipped
with surface-to-air-missiles and air defence guns as well
as command and control and surveillance instruments.
Air defence missiles are efficient and technologically
demanding systems. They form the brunt of region-
al air defence. The mid-range ITO12 (NASAMS) and
short-range ITO90M (Crotale) missile systems are used
for protecting important regional targets, the most im- Signals
portant troop formations and military targets, and to The task of signals units is to build and maintain connec-
cause casualties to the attacker. The short-range ITO05 tions for command and control, reconnaissance and use
and ITO05M missile systems are well-suited for caus- of fires Connections are achieved using modern signal
ing casualties to the enemy in the deployment areas of systems and instruments, among others digital IP-based
the combat troops. Projectile-based air defence weap- communications system M18, regional units’ communi-
ons are used to supplement the capability of missile cations systems and digital field radios. Signals units es-
systems. The size of the projectile air defence weapons tablish, maintain and protect their echelon's command
varies from the 12.7 mm heavy machine gun to the 35 posts and are responsible for moving and maintaining
mm air defence cannon. them. Communication links and command posts are
An advanced command and control system is used to established either in vehicles or in movable containers
lead combat operations. This means situational aware- and the information systems that they contain enable
ness can be created and the use of fire be led in real- situational awareness and the effective command of
time. troops. The signals branch offers interesting tasks for
Rank and file and section leaders of the air defence those interested in making use of possibilities provided
branch are trained in Parolannummi, Vekaranjärvi and by technology in different crisis conditions. Although
Rovaniemi and reserve officers in Hamina. training in communication and information technology
Air defence as a branch offers tasks that are tech- is considered an extra bonus for those applying into the
nologically challenging to both those in rank and file signal branch, it is not essential.
and those trained for leadership duties. Command and Signals NCO’s are trained in the same brigade-level
control (C2) and weapons systems are now technically units as rank and file. Reserve officers are trained at
more demanding. That is why there is a greater need the Army Academy's Reserve Officer School in Hamina
for people with an education in electronics and infor- and in the Army Academy's Armour School in Hattula.
mation technology.
A special group needed in all air defence units is peo- Signals systems training units:
ple with experience of RC model air planes to fly remote – Jaeger Brigade in Sodankylä
controlled target drones. If you are interested in these – Guard Jaeger Regiment in Helsinki
types of duties, please let your superiors know by the – Pori Brigade in Säkylä
time you start your service in a brigade-level unit that – Karelia Brigade in Kouvola
trains conscripts in air defence. – Kainuu Brigade in Kajaani
– Armoured Brigade in Hattula
Ground-based air defence training units:
– Jaeger Brigade in Rovaniemi Long-range radio training units:
– Karelia Brigade in Kouvola – Karelia Brigade in Kouvola
– Armoured Brigade in Hattula – Kainuu Brigade in Kajaani
– Jaeger Brigade in Sodankylä
– Pori Brigade in Säkylä
– Utti Jaeger Regiment in Kouvola

42
Engineers
Engineers are the workmen of the battlefield. Their tasks
are extensive and diverse, and include combatant tasks.
Engineers mould the operating environment so that it
is to the advantage of their own troops and limit the
effects of the enemy and the prevailing circumstances.
The engineer branch trains conscripts into engineers,
explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts and CBRNe
specialists. Some of the engineers are trained to work
as mechanics and drivers of various machinery and into
special equipment operators. Engineers are trained by
the Army in Kainuu Brigade, Pori Brigade, the Armoured
Brigade, Karelia Brigade, the Reserve Officer School and
by the Navy in Nyland Brigade.
The task of the engineers is to slow the movement
of the enemy by laying mines and by destroying roads
and bridges essential for the operations of the enemy.
To aid the movement of friendly troops, engineers clear
mines, maintain the roads in good condition and, when
needed, build bridges and roads that are suitable for
field conditions. Pontoon and bridge equipment can also
be used to cross waterways. Those who are trained for
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) become specialised
in clearing demanding target areas. Most rank and file
A pontoon bridge built by engineers in use.
and leaders that train to become engineers complete a
blaster’s certificate.
CBRNe is part of the engineer activities. The objec-
tive of CBRNe training is to provide combatants with
readiness to survive when within the sphere of influence
of chemical, biological, nuclear and incendiary weap-
ons. Training includes CBRNe surveillance and recon-
naissance, protection and decontamination as well as
rescue activities. Rescue training includes a fire fighting
and rescue course, which earns participants a certifi-
cate equivalent to that of the Finnish National Rescue
Association’s course. In addition, training is also given
in smoke diving and first aid skills. CBRNe training is of
use also in the civilian sector, in fire fighting and rescue
duties. If you are willing to serve in CBRNe duties you
should make this known at the call-up. Conscripts to be
trained in the CBRNe troops and persons going on crisis
management missions are trained in the Pori Brigade.
All other brigade-level units that train engineer branch
conscripts (excl. the Army Academy) also train conscripts
for CBRNe reconnaissance and rescue sections.

Engineer training units:

– Karelia Brigade in Kouvola
– Kainuu Brigade in Kajaani
– Pori Brigade in Säkylä
– Armoured Brigade in Hattula
– Nyland Brigade, Raasepori (Navy)
– Army Academy in Hamina
– Jaeger Brigade in Sodankylä

43
Military Police
The Defence Forces also trains military police. Their task
is among other things the security surveillance of mili-
tary installations and maintenance of order as well as
traffic supervision and direction.
In addition to the basic training of a combatant, mili-
tary police also gain knowledge and skills that can be
compared with the training of a civilian police or guard.
These are e.g. knowledge and skills relating to the use
of force. Military police training is of use when applying
for posts in the aforementioned professions.
As training progresses, the military police serve in
guarding tasks in the garrisons. Here also, the aim is a
high-quality combatant. At the same time, the tasks of
military police in times of crisis also become familiar.
Those to be trained as military police are selected from
among the brigade-level units.
Due to the nature of the tasks, military police are re-
quired to be in good physical and mental condition. In
addition, those in military police training must have an
irreproachable background. The service period for mili-
tary police to be trained as leaders is 347 days and 255
days for regular military policemen.

Logistics
The job of logistics is to make sure that the troops are technical and versatile training environment, if you have
equipped for combat. In order to protect their own ac- a professional degree in a logistics-related subject or if
tivities, logistics units are capable of fighting as infantry. you are studying in the field of technology (metal, ma-
In order to maintain the capability, logistics replen- chinery or electronics), transportation or logistics, or if
ishes and maintains materiel, transports, provides com- you intend to apply to study in this field after your mili-
batants with medical care in the field and maintains tary service. If you have a degree in health care or medi-
the capability of soldiers by means of support servic- cine, military medical training offers an excellent oppor-
es. Resupplying includes among other things the stor- tunity to gain experience in emergency field medicine.
age of munitions and petrol, oil & lubricants (POL) and At the end of military service, you receive a service
their distribution to the units. Maintenance includes e.g. certificate stating your tasks, which will be of use to
maintenance and repairing of weapons and vehicles. you in the future.
Transportation moves materiel and troops to the right
place at the right time. The task of the medical corps Logistics branch conscripts are trained in all brigade-level
is to provide care and treatment for the injured, ill and units conducting conscript training.
wounded as well as to evacuate them to a treatment
facility. Logistics services also include providing rations
and water for the troops.
The logistics units’ compositions include heavy trucks
and trailers and load-handling equipment, road tractors
and container trailers, all-terrain vehicles (quad bikes),
different kinds of containers, maintenance vehicles and
modern repair equipment. The medical corps has mod-
ern field medicine stations, evacuation vehicles and am-
bulances. Logistics’ command and control equipment
has been updated to meet logistics command and con-
trol requirements and challenges of the modern-day
battlefield.
You can specialise in logistics also elsewhere than
in the logistics units Logistics tasks are included in the
tasks of wartime personnel in all branches and services.
Logistics training for rank and file and NCOs is given in
all brigade-level units and reserve officers are trained
in the Reserve Officer School in Hamina.
It is definitely a good idea to apply for a placement in
logistics already at the call-up, if you are interested in a

44
 The Defence Forces driver training provides a driver’s
Driver training professional competence and deepens the profession-
The Defence Forces train around 3,000 conscripts annu- al competence of those who have a basic degree in lo-
ally to become military drivers of heavy vehicles. Driv- gistics. This is not a vocational degree, however, but
ing licence instruction is given for C1, pvC, C, CE and rather a driving permit in accordance with the act on
D licences as well as advanced driving training if need- the professional qualification of truck and bus drivers.
ed. Basic level (280 hours) and expedited basic level The skills acquired in the Defence Forces are also useful
(140 hours) professional training is also given, as well when applying to continuing training and professions
as advanced professional training. Some of those in in the transportation and logistics branch.
driver training also receive ADR training for transport-
ing dangerous substances. Training is given in eight For more detailed information contact your Regional
Office or the brigade-level unit that you would like to
brigade-level units.
do your military service in.
Drivers are needed in all units. To be chosen for driver
training you have to have at least a B licence that has
been valid for a minimum of three (3) months at the
time of selection for training. Your state of health must
satisfy the requirements set for a C/CE licence. To be
chosen for the training you cannot have committed any
serious traffic offences during the last two years. It is to
the applicant’s advantage if he or she already has a basic
degree in logistics or forest machinery (equiv.) and/or
a professional bus, combination or lumber driver’s de-
gree and a valid C/CE licence. Professional competence
training and possible work experience in the field are
also to your advantage. Persons who have completed
basic level professional competence for goods traffic
drivers (280 h) are eligible for applying for D category
driving training. Those selected receive extended pro-
fessional competence training for passenger traffic. The
service time for military drivers (C, CE and D licences)
is 347 days.
Brigade-level units also provide training other drivers
to qualify them to drive the Defence Forces vehicles
they need to drive for performing their tasks. You can
be trained to drive e.g. the following vehicles: cars and
off-road vehicles, emergency vehicles, tractors, snow-
mobiles, all-terrain vehicles (quad bikes) and off-road
motorcycles. The rank and file combatants receiving
this training usually serve for the same amount of time
as soldiers carrying out the unit’s main task. Note that
those trained as ambulance drivers take the C1 licence
and emergency driving course, but do not gain basic
level professional competence.

Transportation and logistics are important components of Logistics.

45
 Navy
The Navy’s tasks for the military defence of Finland include monitoring our
maritime areas and repelling territorial violations, protecting sea lines of
communication and repelling attacks by sea.
The goal of the Navy’s capability and readiness building is to carry out the
tasks assigned by law. The Finnish Defence Forces have four main tasks:
Finland's military defence, assisting other authorities, providing and receiving
international assistance and participating in international military crisis
management. The Navy maintains real-time operational situation picture and
participates in the multinational surveillance of the Baltic Sea. The Navy is on
standby, patrols and monitors 24/7/365.
The Navy acts as a territorial surveillance authority. The Navy steers and monitors
military seafaring and measures to promote and ensure it by participating in
cooperation between maritime actors, for example.
The Navy comprises naval and coastal units. Naval striking force is composed of
surface warfare and mine counter-measure squadrons equipped with fast attack
missile craft, minelayers and coastal minelayers as well as mine counter-measure
vessels. The coastal troops include e.g. coastal jaeger, maritime reconnaissance
coastal missile and coastal engineer units. The Navy’s combat divers are the
maritime element of Finnish special operations forces.
The only Finnish Defence Forces unit that uses the Swedish language in training
is the Navy's Nyland Brigade. In addition to coastal jaeger training the Nyland
Brigade also provides international training on its Amphibious Task Unit courses.
Challenging circumstances, demanding tasks requiring independent initiative
as well as the international operational environment make service in the Navy
popular. The Navy's almost one hundred different leadership or rank and file
duties in conscript training offer something for everyone.

46
Conscript training in the Navy Training 2020 Programme experiments looks into the
Conscripts enter naval service in January and July. The carrying out of naval troops training with one contin-
basic training phase is carried out either in the Coastal gent per year. Depending on the results of the experi-
Brigade or the Nyland Brigade. In the Coastal Brigade, ments conducted in 2020, in the future, conscripts might
conscript training is provided in Upinniemi in Kirkkon- be selected for naval service only once a year from the
ummi. The training provided by the Nyland Brigade takes January contingent. At the same time, the service time
place in Dragsvik, in Raasepori. of all conscripts serving on vessels will be extended from
In the course of the basic training phase, all conscripts 255 to 347 days.
receive the standard basic training of a combatant. After
this, training is divided into specialised training in naval Coastal troops
and coastal troops. Coastal troops are given versatile training year-round in
In the Navy, a large part of the conscripts in the coastal the demanding conditions prevailing in the archipelago
troops are trained as specialists whose service is at least and the territorial waters. There are coastal troops service
255 days. The service period for those in training to be- places in all naval units that provide conscript training.
come officers, NCOs and for special rank and file (mili- During the basic training phase, conscripts are taught
tary boat and C and E class drivers) is 347 days. All those all the basic skills of a soldier, the skills of the individual
in training to become officers for the Navy and most of combatant and a pair of combatants within a section.
those to be trained officers for the coastal troops receive The branch training phase and special training phase
their reserve officer training at the Naval Academy in
for those serving in the coastal troops last 12 weeks in
Suomenlinna. Training for reserve officer students is di-
all, during which they gain the knowledge and skills of
vided into training for naval and coastal forces. All troops
the branch and specialise in one specific crisis task . The
receive the same leadership, instructor and tactics train-
ing. Naval reserve officers gain the basic knowledge and requirements for entry into training are largely the same
skills in seafaring and seamanship required for steering as in corresponding duties in the Army. Some of the NCO
a small vessel. The coastal forces’ programme is divided training in the coastal troops as well as the special train-
into maritime surveillance and maritime reconnaissance. ing of the rank and file, such as e.g. logistics NCO train-
Maritime surveillance teaches basics in maritime surveil- ing, is given on courses provided by the Army.
lance and forward observation. Those trained in maritime
reconnaissance gain basic skills in reconnaissance patrol- Coastal jaegers are trained in the
ling and observation in demanding coastal conditions. Swedish-speaking Nyland Brigade
Part of the officer training in the special fields of the The physically and mentally demanding coastal jaeger
coastal troops is carried out in programmes of the Army training is given at the Nyland Brigade in Raasepori. Ver-
at the Reserve Officer School in Hamina. Such fields in- satile training is provided in a maritime environment with
clude for example the military police, rifle, mortar train- modern equipment. The coastal jaegers move through
ing, anti-tank training and engineer training branches.
the archipelago by e.g. Jurmo and Jehu class landing craft
For instructions for applying to the diving course and fast raiding craft. The brigade also provides inter-
see page 54 national crisis management training on its Amphibious
Task Unit courses. Boatmen, coastal missile specialists
Naval troops and coastal engineers are also trained at the Nyland Bri-
The service places of the naval troops are among the na- gade. Those aiming to become boatmen must have nor-
val vessel units. Naval training begins with a basic training mal hearing, normal colour vision and their vision with-
period in the Coastal Brigade. The actual service aboard out eyeglasses must be at least 1.0 in the better and 0.5
is carried out aboard the vessels of the Coastal Fleet in in the lesser eye. Training in the Nyland Brigade is car-
Pansio (Turku) and Upinniemi (Kirkkonummi). ried out in Swedish but commands are given in Finnish.
The requirement for entry into service aboard as well
as diver is fitness class A.Those in training for tasks on
deck and those applying to naval training on the Naval
Reserve Officer Course must have normal colour vision
and vision must be at least 1.0 in the better and 0.5 in
the lesser eye without eyeglasses. Radio communica-
tions men, machine engineers and ship’s cooks are re-
quired to have at least 0.2/0.2 vision without eyeglasses
and 0.8/0.2 with eyeglasses. Those chosen for service
aboard cannot be prone to sea sickness, severe lactose
intolerance or coeliac disease. The Navy’s health regula-
tions have been published in the Defence Forces’ current
health examination guidelines (Terveystarkastusohje, TTO
2012 (in Finnish)puolustusvoimat.fi ori google: “Tervey-
starkasusohje”, pp 39-41). The dark green beret is one of the most famous berets
After basic training in Upinniemi, the branch train- in the world. The President of the Republic granted the
ing phase begins in Pansio (Turku). During the first three coastal jaegers the right to wear the green beret in 1980
weeks the training focuses on general training for navy to show the demanding and special nature of the coast-
sailors. After this the special training phase continues al jaeger training. This beret is one of the insignia that
aboard vessels in Pansio and Upinniemi. must be earned, and sweat is not the only thing it takes
Naval troops experiment transferring to a one-con- to earn it. You can also lose the beret through conduct
tingent training system starting from 2021. One of the not befitting a soldier.

47
 Air Force
The Air Force is responsible for the continuous surveillance and security of
Finland's airspace. Violations of airspace are prevented by force if necessary. In
addition, the Air Force supports the activities of other authorities, such as the
police and rescue services, and participates in international missions. During
wartime the main task of the Air Force is defending Finland’s airspace with
fighter aircraft.
The Air Force trains pilots and other personnel for peace and wartime duties
in airbases, radar stations and command centres. The Air Force offers a
rewarding way of carrying out military service for those interested in flying,
aviation, technology, transportation or military police work. After military
service, you may even find your future profession in the Air Force.

Photo: MIKKO MALINIEMI / AIR FORCE

48
Military service in the Air Force picture operators and fighter controllers) and Military
The Air Force annually trains approximately 1,300 con- Driver Course.
scripts for air defence tasks. Half of these are trained in The service period for the special courses is 347 days,
the Air Force Academy in Tikkakoski. Conscript training and with the exception of rank and file driver training,
is also provided in the Satakunta Air Command in Pirk- this always includes completing the NCO or Reserve
kala, and the Karelia Air Command in Rissala. Conscripts Officer Course (conscript leadership training). When
serving in the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi serve un- applicants are accepted onto a special course, the Re-
der the administration of the Jaeger Brigade. It is pos- gional Office will change their service location to the
sible to enter military service in the Air Force either by Air Force Academy, regardless of what service location
applying separately for specialist courses, or through was assigned in the call-up.
the call-ups. Both of these possibilities can lead to the
career of an NCO or officer, which means that your ser- For more information for applying to the Air Force’s
vice location can also become your future workplace! special courses see pages 58-61.
Service begins in January or July. During the basic
Up-to-date information on the training, selection crite-
training phase, all conscripts receive the same basic
ria and application process can be found on the intti.fi
training of a combatant as in all services. After this the
website at: intti.fi > About to enter into the military?
training diverges according to tasks. The service periods
> Air Force’s Special Programmes
in the Air Force are 165, 255 or 347 days. Training for
leadership tasks always lasts 347 days. All Air Force NCO Contacts and possible questions can be sent by email to:
courses enable possible entry onto the Reserve Officer erikoiskurssit.ilmav@mil.fi
Course. The Defence Forces’ leadership training is high-
ly regarded in the civilian labour market.
Women can apply for voluntary mili-
tary service in the Air Force through se-
lection events or special forces /tasks ap-
plication. Women applying to the special
forces/tasks fill in the special forces/tasks
application form and send their applica-
tions along with appendices to their own
Regional Office.

Military service in the Air Force

through the call-up
Those who have entered military service
in the Air Force through the call-up are
trained to be leaders and rank and file in
the wartime troops of battle bases and
overall air defence. The rank and file are
trained for among others the tasks of,
ordnance handling, military police and
signalman. Leaders for among others bat-
tle base signal troops and force protection
sections are trained on the NCO course.

Military Service in the Air Force

by application
Conscripts serving in the Air Force special
tasks get to fly, repair aircraft, monitor
the airspace, lead fighters in the sky or
drive lorries or articulated vehicles.
The application period for special
courses of the Air Force ends on1 Sep-
tember for the January contingent and on
1 March for the July contingent. The ap-
plication period for the Pilot Reserve Of-
ficer Course (military pilots) that starts in
July next year, ends on 1 November. The
following special courses are arranged in
Tikkakoski: Pilot Reserve Officer Course,
NCO Aircraft Maintenance Programme
(assistant mechanics), NCO Control and
Reporting Centre Programme (situation

49
 Border Guard
Operating under the Ministry of the Interior, the Border Guard is a modern,
cooperative and internationally renowned centre of expertise in border
security and maritime rescue issues. The core functions of the Border Guard
are border surveillance, border checks, crime prevention, maritime safety,
maritime environmental protection, international cooperation and national
defence.
The Border Guard functions on land, at sea and in the air, providing security
in all conditions.

50
The task of the Border Guard, which is subordinate to All conscripts receive e.g. weapon and marksman-
the Ministry of the Interior, is maintaining border secu- ship training, reconnaissance, ranger, wilderness skills
rity. The most important tasks are monitoring the bor- and engineer training. In addition, all conscripts receive
ders on land and in territorial waters as well as pass- training for border guard duties, which enables carrying
port control at border crossing points and in seaports out the main functions of the Border Guard in times of
and airports. The Border Guard leads maritime rescue crisis or, if necessary, already in peacetime. The train-
services, carries out search and rescue tasks, as well ing is challenging, especially physically, so those apply-
as the urgent transportation of patients. The Border ing to serve in the Border Guard are expected to be in
Guard is also responsible for maintaining public order good condition when entering service. Conscripts that
and safety at border crossings in cases when the Police are trained to become reserve officers are sent to the
is unable to do so. On occasion, the Border Guard can Reserve Officer School in Hamina. Reserve NCOs are
also perform urgent tasks related to maintaining public trained on the Border Jaeger Companies' own NCO
order and safety that the Police is not immediately able courses. NCOs are trained as combat lifesavers (medi-
to perform. In parallel with the Customs Service, the cal NCO), engineer, weapons and combat runner NCOs.
Border Guard carries out customs surveillance along the
borders of Finland and at such border crossings where Rank and file are trained on the following special courses:
the Customs Service has not organised customs surveil- – sniper‘s spotter
lance. The Border Guard has the authority to investigate – Combat Lifesaver (medic)
crimes that it detects in its field of duty and if neces- – signals
sary it submits these for consideration of charges. The – engineer
Border Guard has a military organisational structure. It – all-terrain carrier and quad bike driver
consists of the Border Guard Headquarters, four border – runner, including snow mobile or motorcycle
guard districts, two coast guard districts, the Air Patrol training
Squadron and the Border and Coast Guard Academy.
The Border Guard employs about 2,800 people. More information on military service in the Border Guard
Defending the nation has always been an important will be available at the call-up and the Border Guard web-
task of the Border Guard, a task which it carries out in site at raja.fi.
cooperation with the Defence Forces. Border control, i.e.
patrolling the national border and territorial waters is Applying for special forces training
at the same time the surveillance of territorial integrity. in the Border Guard
The Border Guard also trains conscripts for crisis duties. The Border Guard’s special border jaeger training is pro-
vided by the Border and Coast Guard Academy’s Special
Into the Border Guard Through Border Jaeger Company in Immola in Imatra. One con-
the Call-up tingent is accepted annually in July based on applica-
The North Karelia and Lapland Border Guard Districts tions and selection exams held on an annual basis from
train reconnaissance men in the border jaeger compa- January to February.
nies in Onttola and Ivalo for the wartime and emer-
Further information and instructions for applying
gency situation duties as border guard reserves. Entry
to the special forces and branches under the heading
into training takes place through the call-ups. The Bor-
Special Border Jaeger (p. 55).
der Jaeger Company of the North Karelia Border Guard
also trains women who have applied for voluntary mili-
tary service.

51
52
Special forces
and special tasks
Applying to join the special operations Apply online
forces and special tasks Mainly, you apply to the special operations forces and
You must apply separately to join the special operations specialist courses and tasks through the Finnish Defence
forces. You can apply to the special operations forces Forces E-Service. The service can be found on the web-
and courses before the call-up, after the call-up before sites of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard
starting your military service or during military service. and on the Suomi.fi platform. Always check the ap-
Persons having applied via the special forces applica- plication instructions and deadlines on the Finnish
tion process will be called to selection events based on Defence Forces website (intti.fi > about to enter in-
which the actual selections are made. Each training has to the military?) which has the latest information!
its own entry requirements and application period. Each
training programme will advertise their own selection, Applying for special tasks
organise their own selection, select the applicants ac- In special tasks, the aim is to train conscripts, who have
cepted into training and notify the applicants of the a university or equivalent degree or who are far along
results and the Regional Offices to send the orders for enough in their studies or otherwise have the required
starting military service. In other words, no-one is as- skills, for wartime duties that correspond with their field
signed directly through the call-ups to serve in the spe- or specialisation. In special tasks you get to use and
cial operations forces or special courses. For those who develop your own area of speciality and in return your
have applied to serve in them, a reserve posting is de- time as a conscript will pay off later in your studies and
termined at the call-up, in case they are not selected to your working life. Special tasks are available for those
join the special operations forces or tasks. Special op- who are studying or have completed studies in journal-
erations forces and tasks are e.g. paratroopers, divers, ism or media, intelligence, IT, scientific research, sports
special border jaegers, the Finnish Rapid Deployment science, environmental studies, theology, medicine and
Force, military bandsmen and special courses of the Air law, among others. Especially in the near future the De-
Force, electronic warfare personnel and athletes. You fence Forces will be looking for photographers, graphic
must report for service in accordance with the informa- designers, journalists, programmers and research assis-
tion stated in the call-up order given you at the call-up. tants. The newest special tasks are cyber specialist and
In other words, even if you have applied to be accept- virtual training environment support specialist. The need
ed into special training, you must report for duty at the for trainees and application instructions are published
service location marked in your order to enter service. on the Defence Forces website (intti.fi > about to enter
Before conscript service you can ask about the different into the military ?), in the Ruotuväki bulletin, as well as
tasks at the Regional Offices, and during your service using other e.g. professional channels. Instructions for
you can ask the commander of your company-level unit. applying are available on the Defence Forces website
(intti.fi > about to enter into the military?).
Women applying for special operations Those chosen for special tasks, transfer to their tasks
forces and tasks as soon as the basic training phase is completed. From
You apply to special operations forces according to each special tasks you can also apply for leadership training.
unit’s application schedule. Those selected for leadership training return to special
tasks as conscripts leaders after undergoing leadership
If you are applying with a paper application, submit the training (NCO or Reserve Officer Course).
following forms to your regional office: In addition to this, brigade-level units may also offer
– application to voluntary service the possibility to serve in special tasks in one’s own bri-
– an application to the special operations forces gade level unit or e.g. in the conscript committee. Ap-
– questionnaire concerning service and for the plying for local tasks is specific to the brigade-level unit.
evaluation of your state of health
– A doctor's certificate on the applicant's state of
health (must use Defence Forces’ form)
Special Operations Forces
If you are applying by E-Service, still submit the follow-
ing forms to your regional office:
Paratroopers
– application to voluntary service The special operations forces of the Army are trained
– questionnaire concerning service and for the in the Utti Jaeger Regiment. The Special Jaeger Battal-
evaluation of your state of health ion's Paratrooper Company trains conscripts that have
– A doctor's certificate on the applicant's state of applied and been selected to become paratroopers in
health (must use Defence Forces’ form) the special forces of the reserve of the Army.

53
 Soldiers in the special forces are physically and men- flawless colour vision
tally fit soldiers that are capable of operating as small normal field of vision and hearing
groups in very demanding conditions. These soldiers good physical condition
show judgement and initiative, and are capable of put- Able to swim 200 metres
ting the interests of the unit before his/her own inter- fair skiing skills
ests.
Paratrooper training is challenging both mentally and Eliminating factors include asthma,lactose intolerance
physically. Conscripts that have applied and been ac- that is easily aggravated, coeliac disease, difficult skin
cepted into paratrooper training receive basic training diseases and rashes, allergies demanding medical treat-
in special forces' reconnaissance and combat duties. ment, other prolonged, severe diseases requiring regu-
The special features of this type of training are versa- lar medication, unkempt teeth or dentures, limbs that
tile weapons, marksmanship and combat training, par- have been broken within a short period of time or dif-
achute training and operating with helicopters. Para- ficult joint injuries and a criminal register or acts that
trooper training is the basic training of a special forces' have led to punishment (theft, embezzlement, assault,
soldier. All paratroopers are trained at least as an NCO driving while intoxicated, aggravated endangering of
and about 20 % are trained to become reserve offic- traffic safety, or three other traffic offences and other
ers on the Reserve Officer Course arranged at the Utti issues considered disqualifying for driver training in the
Jaeger Regiment. Defence Forces ).
The Paratrooper Company takes only one contingent
per year. Paratroopers begin their service in July and Applying:
serve for 347 days. There is an entrance exam where Conscript service in the paratroopers is based on volun-
60 to 80 of the most suitable applicants are chosen. tary applications. The application period ends every year
Preselection takes place based on applications. Those on 30 November. An electronic application is submitted
who pass the pre-selection are called to a two-day se- the year before starting military service.
lection event in January. The selection includes physi- A two-day selection is held at the end of January.
cal and psychological aptitude tests, interviews and a The selection includes physical and psychological ap-
medical exam. Women who are applying for voluntary titude tests, interviews and a medical exam. Based on
military service can also apply for paratrooper training. the selection, 60 to 80 of the most suitable applicants
The admission criteria are the same for men and women. are chosen. The selections are announced in March.
You can apply to be admitted into paratrooper train-
Entrance Requirements ing even if you have started your military service in
Good health: category A fitness for service some other brigade-level unit. Even though you have
Vision minimum 1.0 in both eyes without eyeglasses (no already done part of your military service, this does not
eyeglasses/contact lenses) count when you are accepted into paratrooper training.

54
Paratrooper training always lasts 347 days. If you have have no way to fill out the electronic application. Ap-
completed your military service in another unit of the plications should arrive at the Diving School by 31 July
Defence Forces, you cannot start it again. at the latest.
You can ask for more information by email at Isvjk- You can apply to the diving course also after you have
hakeutuminen.utjr@mil.fi. entered service. Ask for more information from the Div-
Apply for paratrooper training through the Finnish ing School or your own company-level unit.
Defence Forces E-Service. The electronic application can Further information and instructions for applying are
be found athttps://asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi available at the Navy Diving School, tel. +358 299 325
502, FDF Regional Offices and the Defence Forces web-
Further information: intti.fi site intti.fi > About to enter into the military?

Diving School
Divers P.O. Box 5, 02471 UPINNIEMI
sukeltajakoulu.rpr@mil.fi
The Navy Diving School trains FDF divers in the Coastal
Brigade in Upinniemi. The selection is held during week
35. The selection exams include physical fitness tests
and the applicant will have a Medical Examination, an Special Border Jaegers
aptitude test and an interview. The applicant’s fitness The Border Guard’s special border jaeger training is pro-
class must be A. The requirement concerning vision is vided by the Border and Coast Guard Academy’s Special
1.0 in both eyes and normal colour vision. Previous div- Border Jaeger Company in Immola in Imatra. Motivat-
ing experience is not required. ed, physically and mentally balanced and strong people
The Diving School trains for combat diving and EOD are accepted for training. One contingent is accepted
tasks. The training alternates by year so that combat annually in July based on applications and selection
divers are trained even years and EOD divers odd years. exams held on an annual basis from January to Febru-
All diver conscripts attending diver training are trained ary. Selection exams include physical and psychological
as NCO’s or reserve officers. During conscript training aptitude tests and a medical exam. All special border
diving days amount to around 60. A separate reimburse- jaegers are trained to be reserve NCOs at a minimum.
ment is paid for diving. Approximately 10 special border jaegers from each con-
Entrance into service takes place annually with the tingent are trained as reserve officers at the Utti Jaeger
January contingent. The easiest way to apply is to fill Regiment in Utti. Special border guards are trained to
out an electronic application in the Finnish Defence perform the Border Guard's most demanding border
Forces E-Service. Fill in an application at https://asiointi. safety, reconnaissance and strike force duties in times
puolustusvoimat.fi. Use a paper application only if you of crisis and war.
The training is versatile and challenging because it
aims to prepare the people to work as a part of a war-
time unit. Proximity to the border and its special fea-
tures are typical characteristics of the operational en-
vironment.

Entrance requirements:
good physical condition and health
fitness for service, class A
visual acuity minimum 0.7 in both eyes
without glasses (glasses should not be necessary)
normal color vision, normal field of vision
normal hearing
the ability to swim at least 200 metres
fair skiing skills
a 12- minute running test result that is less than six
months old

Eliminating factors include difficult skin diseases, aller-

gies demanding medical treatment, other prolonged,
severe diseases requiring regular medication, unkempt
teeth or dentures, limbs that have been broken with-
in a short period of time or difficult joint injuries and
a criminal register or acts that have led to punishment
(theft, embezzlement, assault etc.).

Applying:
you can apply for the special border jaeger course via the
Defence Forces E-Service or by filliing in a application in
writing.

55
 Fill in an electronic application at https://asiointi.puo- Applicants cannot have
lustusvoimat.fi A criminal record,
A medical certificate no less than six months old must A record of drunk driving or a report of three other of-
be submitted with the paper application. Defence Forces fences,
medical examination form or T certificate (top part) are Chronic eczema or allergies,
accepted, a youth health form is not. Signs of psychological disorders,
Lactose intolerance that is easily aggravated,
Additional information, application forms and in- Coeliac disease,
structions are available at raja.fi/varusmies, or the Musculoskeletal disorders.
Border and Coast Guard Academy, tel. 029 542 9000, Of benefit to applicants
email: erikoisrajajaakariksi@raja.fi or Regional Offic- A suitable civilian education (e.g. a driver's, carpenter's,
es. Your application with appendices must arrive by 6 De- mechanic's education or education in the medical, rescue,
cember the year before you are to start your service. Writ- electrical or IT field),
Other language skills,
ten applications should be sent to the following address:
A clean traffic offence record,
Class C driver's licence
Border and Coast Guard Academy
Special Border Guard Company
Selections Secretary Applying
Niskapietiläntie 32 D Application instructions are available at intti.fi un-
55910 Imatra der About to enter into the military? Applications
must include:
an application to the special forces (Finnish Rapid Deploy-
Finnish Rapid ment Force)
a copy of your most recent school report
Deployment Force a free-form certificate that states the result of your
latest running test and is attested by the signature of
The Finnish Rapid Deployment Force is a special Army another person
unit that aims at training a high-quality, international-
ly interoperable battle group. Rapid deployment force Having already received an order to enter service does
units are primarily trained to defend Finland, in addi- not prevent you from applying for international train-
tion to which conscripts serving in these troops also ing. Those selected receive a new order to enter ser-
receive special training for military crisis management vice, which includes the new date of entry into service.
tasks during an international phase held at the end of The easiest way to apply is to fill out an electronic
the 347-day military service phase. application in the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service. Fill
in an application at https://asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi
Training Use a paper application only if you have no way to
The units in training are internationally compatible and fill out the electronic application. Applications must be
they are trained based on both national training require- received by 15 January at the latest at:
Pori Brigade
ments and criteria set for NATO's combat forces. This
Application for FRDF conscript training
ensures a high quality of training and good capabili-
Headquarters/Training Section
ties. In addition to defending their homeland, conscripts
P.O. Box 38
who have undergone Finnish Rapid Deployment Force
27801 SÄKYLÄ
training are ready to participate in international crisis
management tasks where conscripts are able to prac-
Selection event
tice the required skills as part of a multinational force
in an international exercise. The Pori Brigade conducts a pre-selection annually based
Rapid deployment force training produces a jaeger on applications. Those accepted based on the pre-se-
company and an engineer platoon out of the January lection test are sent a written invitation. The selection
contingent. event lasts two days and takes place in Säkylä in March
A conscript in international rapid deployment force or April. The event includes the following:
A 12-minute running test
training wears a gold beret emblem. The right to bear
Evacuation test
the emblem is earned in a demanding beret emblem
Muscular fitness test (push up, sit up, standing long jump)
test towards the end of military service.
Basic test 1
Basic test 2b
Selection criteria Interview
Requirements for applicants to the Finnish Rapid De- English language test (as part of the interview)
ployment Force
Fitness for service classification A,
The result of the 12-minute running test must be at
At least satisfactory skills in the Finnish language, least 2,500 meters.
Capacity to withstand psychological pressure, The result of the evacuation test must be at least 150
Good physical condition, meters in two minutes. The evacuee is a doll weighing
At least satisfactory skills in the English language (good approximately 55 kg.
grade in English in comprehensive school), In the three-part muscular fitness test, applicants
At least a class B driving licence must reach a satisfactory result with the points 2.25.

56
The technique and points given in the test are the same Requirements for electronic warfare training:
for women and men. normal health: category A fitness for service
The objective of the interview is to determine the ap- flawless colour vision
plicant's motivation and willingness to commit to the normal fields of vision and hearing
readiness forces also after their military service. The Good physical condition, 12-minute running test at least
English language test is arranged as part of the inter- 2,400 metres
view and it tests the applicant’s vocabulary and ability
to communicate in English. It is to your advantage if you:
are motivated and interested in learning new things
In the written basic tests, the applicant's intellectual
Have skills for persistent and independent action and
talent and characteristics are determined.
logical thinking
All participants in the selection tests, also those who
are interested in information technology, electronics,
were not chosen, are informed of the results in writing foreign languages, amateur radio and mathematical
during the month of May. subjects,
and are an upright citizen
For more information relating to the selection tests you
can email koulutusala.porpr@mil.fi or telephone+358 Eliminating factors are:
(0) 299 441 266. 12-minute running test under 2,400 metres on the selec-
tion test day
No medical certificate or medical certificate expired

Electronic Warfare Training Military service:

Electronic warfare (EW) refers to the gathering of re- – Service will begin in July of the same year in the Ar-
connaissance data by means of systems using electro- moured Brigade in Parolannummi with the basic train-
magnetic radiation, disruption of such systems, and ing of a combatant. The final selection for the EW
countermeasures against such systems. The Electronic NCO course will be done during the branch training
Warfare Training Centre in Riihimäki trains conscripts phase.
for demanding wartime duties in the field of electronic – The NCO course is organised in the Electronic War-
warfare. The special characteristic of the training is the fare Centre in Riihimäki.
intelligence and communications training taking advan- – Those selected for the Reserve Officer Course will
tage of technical systems. We are looking for motivat- complete the training in the Reserve Officer School’s
ed, regular men and women with interest in technol- reconnaissance programme in Hamina.
ogy, who want to challenge themselves both physically – During the second half of conscript service (the spe-
and mentally during military service. Everyone trained cial capabilities training period and unit training pe-
for electronic warfare duties are trained as non-com- riod) everyone will be in Riihimäki.
missioned officers (NCOs) or reserve officers. A single
contingent will be trained for electronic warfare duties
each year and the service last for 347 days.

57
The training is practical and includes command of elec- The period of application ends on 1 November the
tronic warfare troops and systems and system operator year before service begins. Selection tests are arranged
duties. The exercises will take place mainly with mobile during the winter and spring. If you have already begun
systems in the field. Knowledge of cyber or network your military service, it should not be completed before
warfare is not a prerequisite nor is it included in an op- the pilot reserve officer course begins.
erator’s tasks. Applicants receive the final results of the selection
After completing your military service, you can apply test approximately one month before entry into mili-
for jobs within this field in the Defence Forces or a post- tary service.
ing abroad in a crisis management operation.
Selection criteria:
Applying and selection exams: The applicant has achieved the Finnish matriculation ex-
– You apply to electronic warfare training after your amination or at least a 3-year vocational degree or is
call-up, but before the start of your military service otherwise eligible for higher education studies (a person
– Application is done via the Defence Forces E-Service in the final year of high school or 3-year vocational insti-
tution may apply in case he satisfies the above criteria
at asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi under ”Hae erikoisjouk-
before the start of the Pilot Reserve Officer Course).
koihin” by 31 January.
The applicant must present his/her matriculation exami-
– You can send the application also on paper, using the nation certificate or other degree certificate required
form “Application to the Special Forces” (Hakemus (e.g. vocational) before the Pilot Reserve Officer Course
erikoisjoukkoihin), which is available from the Region- starts.
al Offices, or you can print it from puolustusvoimat. The applicant must not be older than 22 the year the
fi/asiointi/lomakkeet . Paper applications must arrive course starts.
on 31 January at the latest at: the applicant must have turned 18 before the Pilot Re-
serve Officer Course begins.
Armoured Brigade military service already started must not be completed
Electronic Warfare Training Centre when the course starts.
P.O. Box 5 The applicant’s school grades must correspond to a suf-
11311 RIIHIMÄKI ficient total of points.
The applicant has applied to the Pilot Reserve Officer
Write “application to electronic warfare training” on Course twice at most. – One may apply to the Pilot Re-
serve Officer Course a total of three times maximum.
the envelope in Finnish:
Applicants must be Finnish citizens and have a good com-
Based on the applications, some of the applicants will
mand of the Finnish language. The applicant’s language
be invited to a one-day long selection event arranged in skills demonstrated during the selection process are
March. The testing day starts with a 12 minute running enough to prove his command of the Finnish language
test . Failure to achieve the 2400 m requirement leads The applicant’s psychological and physical qualities, his
to immediate elimination from the selection. Based on health and life style are suited for the training.
the selection the most suitable are ordered to report to the applicant has a normal level of swimming skills; he
the Armoured Brigade for military service. can swim 200 m. without stopping.
vision requirement: at least 0.5 on both eyes without eye-
Electronic warfare training offers you interesting glasses, and with glasses at least 1.0. ( Landoltin C chart,
and challenging work with first class technology - distance of 5 metres). Refractive error may be at most
+2.5 – -1.5 diopter
accept the challenge!
normal colour vision
mild allergies do not exclude application

Pilots To apply, use the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service:

The Pilot Reserve Officer Course at the Air Force Acad- https://asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi
emy opens up the possibility for an officer’s career as a
military pilot in the Air Force, helicopter pilot in the Ar- Up-to-date information on the training, selection cri-
my or a Border Guard pilot. The Course includes reserve teria and application process can be found on the intti.
officer training, aviation theory and approximately 40 fi website at:
hours of flight training on a primary trainer. intti.fi > About to enter into the military? > Air Force’s
Approximately 40 students are selected for the train- Special Programmes > Pilot Reserve Officer Course
ing that begins in July based on applications and selec-
tion exams arranged once a year. The Reserve Officer Contacts and possible questions can be sent by email to:
Course, which begins after the branch training phase, erikoiskurssit.ilmav@mil.fi
includes a total of around 180 hours of aviation theo-
ry. The course also includes survival training at the Utti
Jaeger Regiment, including e.g. parachuting training. Assistant fighter aircraft or
Flight service begins at the turn of the month in Jan-
uary-February. The aim of flight training is to deter-
helicopter mechanics
mine the students’ suitability for continued training to Students on the aircraft maintenance programme of
become fighter and helicopter pilots. Those who have the NCO Course at the Air Force Academy are trained
completed the course can apply to the military pilot to do maintenance work on fighters or helicopters, i.e.
programme at the Military Academy. for assistant mechanic duties. Assistant mechanics par-

58
ticipate in real fighter and helicopter maintenance work a foreign degree that carries eligibility in the country in
in airbases. After successfully completing military ser- question for corresponding higher education studies.
vice you can apply for a job as an NCO in aircraft main- The applicant must present a degree certificate before
tenance or apply to study at the Military Academy to his/her military service on a special course begins
become an officer in the field of aircraft maintenance . A person in the final year of studies aiming at the above
qualifications may apply in case he satisfies the above
On the NCO Course, which begins after the branch
degree criteria before the service starts
training phase, you will study both aviation technology
Applicants must be Finnish citizens and have an adequate
and leadership skills. command of the Finnish language
After the NCO Course, training continues as a fighter, The applicant’s psychological and physical fitness, his
helicopter, transport aircraft or UAV assistant mechanic health and life style are suited for the training.
in the Defence Forces’ and Border Guard’s flight units Health: category A fitness for service
(Air Force Academy, Satakunta Air Command, Karelia Vision requirement: at least 1.0 in both eyes without or
Air Command, Lapland Air Command, Utti Jaeger Regi- with eyeglasses, in which case the strength of the cor-
ment, Pori Brigade’s Satakunta Artillery Regiment, Air rectional lens is at most ±5 diopter (Landoltin C chart,
Patrol Squadron). distance of 5 metres).
Some of the students in the NCO Course’s aircraft The applicant must have a sharp colour vision (examined
under a daylight lamp with Ishihara plates).
maintenance programme are admitted to the Air Force’s
The applicant’s fields of vision must be normal examined
reserve officer training.
with a perimetry test with fingers
The NCO Course’s aircraft maintenance programme
The applicant’s hearing category must be I-II
is arranged twice a year. The application deadline for the applicant cannot have strong allergies.
the January contingent is 1 September and for the Ju-
ly contingent 1 March. Approximately 65 trainees are To apply, use the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service:
chosen for each contingent. https://asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi
The applicants approved for entrance exams are
called to one-day selection exams (aptitude tests, psy- Up-to-date information on the training, selection cri-
chological tests and physical fitness test). The selection teria and application process can be found on the intti.
exams are arranged in October and April. The applicants fi website at:
will receive the final results of the selection test approx- intti.fi > About to enter into the military ? > Air Force’s
imately one month before entry into military service Special Programmes > NCO Aircraft Maintenance Pro-
gramme
Selection criteria:
The applicant must be 18 years of age before the course Contacts and possible questions can be sent by email to:
begins erikoiskurssit.ilmav@mil.fi
The applicant must be eligible for higher education stud-
ies before the military service related to the Air Force spe-
cial course begins;
– Matriculation examination
Air picture and fighter
– International Baccalaureate (IB) controllers
– European Baccalaureate (EB)
– Reifeprüfung (RP) The Control Centre Course in the Air Force Academy
– Vocational upper secondary qualification, Further voca- trains students as air picture controllers or fighter con-
tional qualification, or Specialist vocational qualification trollers. After the branch training phase, training in ra-
Photo: MIKKO MALINIEMI / AIR FORCE

59
dar surveillance and the use of air defence signal sys- arranged in October and April. The applicants will re-
tems, as well as leadership skills continues on the NCO ceive the final results of the selection test approximately
Course. You can also advance to the Reserve Officer one month before entry into military service
Course from the Control Centre Course.
After the NCO Course, training continues as air pic- Selection criteria:
ture and fighter controllers in the Air Force’s Control The applicant must be 18 years of age before the course
and Reporting Centres in Karelia and Lapland Air Com- begins
mands, where trainees participate in forming a real-time The applicant must be eligible for higher education stud-
recognised air picture or controlling fighter aircraft in ies before the military service related to the Air Force
special course begins;
the air. Some will stay in the Air Force Academy as Re-
– Matriculation examination
serve NCO Training instructors. After successfully com-
– International Baccalaureate (IB)
pleting your military service you can apply for available – European Baccalaureate (EB)
NCO posts in the control centre field or apply to the – Reifeprüfung (RP)
Military Academy’s command and control training pro- – Vocational upper secondary qualification, Further voca-
gramme and an officer’s career. tional qualification, or Specialist vocational qualification
The Control Centre Course is arranged twice a year. a foreign degree that carries eligibility in the country in
The application deadline for the January contingent is question for corresponding higher education studies.
1 September and for the July contingent 1 March. Ap- The applicant must present a degree certificate before
proximately 10 people are selected for the January con- his/her military service on a special course begins
A person in the final year of studies aiming at the above
tingent and 15 for the July contingent. Fighter con-
qualifications may apply in case he satisfies the above
trollers are trained only from the July contingent. The
degree criteria before the service starts
applicants approved for entrance exams are called to Applicants must be Finnish citizens and have an adequate
one-day selection exams (aptitude tests, psychological command of the Finnish language
tests and physical fitness test). The selection exams are

60
 The applicant’s psychological and physical fitness, his
health and life style are suited for the training.
Military drivers
health: category A fitness for service Trainees on the Military Driver Course at the Air Force
vision requirement: at least 1.0 in both eyes without or Academy are trained for versatile transportation tasks.
with eyeglasses, in which case the strength of the cor- All drivers receive articulated vehicle training. After
rectional lens is at most ±5 diopter (Landoltin C chart,
the Military Driver Course, service continues in the Air
distance of 5 metres).
Force’s brigade-level units (Air Force Academy, Satakun-
The applicant must have a sharp colour vision (examined
under a daylight lamp with Ishihara plates). ta Air Command, Karelia Air Command, Lapland Air
The applicant’s fields of vision must be normal examined Command) or in the Utti Jaeger Regiment.
with a perimetry test with fingers After the basic training phase military drivers receive
The applicant’s hearing category must be I-II articulated vehicle training and the foundation for in-
Applicants cannot have strong allergies. dependent driving tasks. Trainees receive driving licence
training and basic level professional competence train-
To apply, use the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service: ing. This allows for the possibility of gaining a BECE li-
https://asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi cence before the age of 21 and the prerequisites for
working as a driver.
Up-to-date information on the training, selection cri- Training includes e.g. pre-emptive and economical
teria and application process can be found on the intti. driving, loading, information on occupational safety and
fi website at: first aid training. Most drivers also gain preparedness
intti.fi > About to enter into the military? > Air Force’s for working on an airfield in tasks relating to refuelling,
Special Programmes > NCO Control Centre Programme cleaning, maintenance and repair and transportation.
In the brigade-level units, training includes familiari-
Contacts and possible questions can be sent by email to: sation with forklift and motorised machinery, terminal
erikoiskurssit.ilmav@mil.fi functions, special transportation, driving in the terrain

61
and aiding a vehicle in difficult conditions. The training Up-to-date information on the training, selection crite-
also includes 20 hours of driving training for profes- ria and application process can be found on the intti.fi
sional competence. website at:
Those who complete driver training receive an ADR intti.fi > About to enter into the military? > Air Force’s
licence for the transportation of dangerous goods, oc- Special Programmes > Military Driver Course
cupational and road safety 1 instruction, forklift driving
training and a digital tachograph card. Some of the train- Contacts and possible questions can be sent by email to:
ees also receive training in driving motorised machinery. erikoiskurssit.ilmav@mil.fi
If you already have a basic level professional qualifi-
cation, you will receive versatile continuing training in
transportation, experience of driving special vehicles Military bandsmen
and the possibility to take the courses mentioned above,
if you have not already passed them all. In addition to The Defence Forces Conscript Band, which is part of
this you also have the possibility of taking the continued the Armoured Brigade in Parolannummi, trains about
training courses under the professional driver directive. 100 conscripts and women doing their voluntary mili-
The Military Driver Course is arranged twice a year. tary service a year.
The application deadline for the January contingent is The normal service period in the Conscript Band of
1 September and for the July contingent 1 March. Ap- the Defence Forces is 347 days, including NCO training
proximately 60 trainees are chosen for each contingent. in the military music branch, after which it is possible
Selection interviews are arranged in October and April. to apply to the Reserve Officer Course. It is also possi-
ble to undergo training in 255 days.
Selection criteria: Wind and percussion instrument players, vocalists,
The applicant must have completed basic education (Com- bass players, guitarists, keyboard and stringed instru-
prehensive school) ment players, sound and light technicians, people with
The applicant must have at least a category B driving li- skills in media and communication and other perform-
cence and have completed advanced driving training (if ing artists can apply to become conscript bandsmen.
the driving licence was obtained before 1 July 2018) Applicants who want to become military bandsmen are
The applicant must be 18 years of age before the course invited for musicality and suitability testing arranged
begins annually in April by the Defence Forces Conscript Band
the applicant’s health must satisfy the health require- in Parola.
ments set for group 2 for having a driving licence (Act
There are no formal entrance requirements. Musician-
on Driving Licences, Section 18) and allow him/her to
ship and ability are what counts. In addition to playing
handle aviation fuels.
no aggravated traffic offences committed in the past two
skill, applicants are required to behave in an upright
years way and to be enthusiastic about the task of conscript
Applicants must be Finnish citizens and have an adequate bandsman. Some of the musicians that are selected are
command of the Finnish language placed in other military bands as conscript bandsmen.
There are six military bands in Finland.
To apply, use the Finnish Defence Forces E-Service: Service begins in the January contingent with an
https://asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi eight-week basic training phase, which is the same for

62
Military service for men and women at the Sports School:

Service begins Mustering out 165 days Mustering out 347 days
III/20 13 APR 2020 24 SEP 2020 25 MAR 2021
IV/20 12 OCT 2020 25 MAR 2021 23SEP 2021
III/21 12 APR 2021 23 SEP 2021 24 MAR 2022
IV/21 11 OCT 2021 24 MAR 2022 22 SEP 2022

all conscripts. During the further training period, a fig- by and representing the FDF and it is where the best
ure marching composition, symphonic wind orchestra, athletes of each age group of conscripts are given their
string ensemble, entertainment ensemble, show band, military training.
technician team (lights, sound and image) and a media The Defence Forces Sports School is located within
and communications team are formed. The Defence the Guard Jaeger Regiment in Helsinki. All disciplines
Forces Conscript Band performs abroad annually at in- serve in the Guard Jaeger Regiment, except the winter
ternational tattoo events. sports biathlon, orienteering on skis, snowboarding,
Band and string musicians and sound and media peo- cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined
ple who are chosen for the conscript band are put into skiing, which serve in the Kainuu Brigade in Kajaani. En-
groups of around 20 people to form a rifle drill team. trance tests for all disciplines are arranged in Helsinki
Members of this troop must have a good sense of rhythm, at the Guard Jaeger Regiment.
be of proportional build physically and have a particularly
commendable attitude towards military training, which Military Training
demands persistence. The group performs as a part of The objective of the military training is to train recon-
a figure marching programme or and as its own unit. naissance sections for needs during exceptional condi-
After military service, bandsmen who have undergone tions. The compositions of the reconnaissance sections
leadership training and are interested in the profession include reserve officers that are trained as section lead-
of military bandsman may be recruited into one of the ers and reconnaissance unit forward observers and non-
military bands. Those with leadership training can also commissioned officers that are trained in other section
apply to the military conductor training programme at tasks. Examples of a reconnaissance NCO’s tasks include
the Sibelius Academy. such tasks as wireless operator, forward observer NCO,
sniper and combat lifesaver. Those selected for rank
The military bands are the:
and file training are trained as reconnaissance soldiers
Guards Band, Helsinki,
or for tasks within a reconnaissance company’s support
Dragoon Band, Lappeenranta,
Navy Band, Turku, and command elements.
Air Force (Big) Band, Jyväskylä (Tikkakoski), The period of service is 347 or 165 days. Both the
Lapland Military Band, Rovaniemi, reserve officer and NCO courses are carried out at the
Defence Forces Conscript Band, Hattula (Parola). Sports School. Leadership training is a natural part of
the athlete's path; through it the athlete strengthens
Applying is done primarily by electronic application. and learns skills in teamwork, organisation and lead-
You can fill in an electronic application at varusmies- ership. Training on the courses is integrated with the
soittokunta.fi > Puolustusvoimien varusmiessoittokunta sports training in a way that does not interrupt training
> Palvelus Varusmiessoittokunnassa. and competition activities.
Applications to the Conscript Band must arrive by 31
December at the latest. Sports training
Paper applications sent to the Armoured Brigade can The Finnish Defence Forces Sports School is a part of the
be accepted in exceptional cases: sports academy programme led by the Finnish Olympic
Armoured Brigade Committee. The Sports School cooperates vey close-
Defence Forces Conscript Band / Application
ly with the metropolitan Helsinki area sports academy
P.O. Box 5, 13701 Parolannummi
URHEA and with the Vuokatti-Ruka sports academy in
Instructions for applying and application forms to be- the field of winter sports. The goal of the Sport School
come a military bandsman are available from the Re- is to facilitate and enable continuing goal-oriented de-
gional Office in one’s area or the website of the Defence velopment and coaching for the talented athletes who
Forces at puolustusvoimat.fi. The path is: Aineistot -> are at the top of their age group , also during conscript
varusmiehille -> hakemukset ja lomakkeet -> hakemus service. The goal of the Sports School is to grow and
erikoisjoukkoihin. develop the athlete holistically so that they get used to
professional training and have the opportunity to de-
velop their abilities all the way to become a top athlete
Athletes internationally. Also goal-oriented military training has a
meaning in the athlete’s development. Demanding and
The Defence Forces Sports School is the national training disciplined military training helps support the emotional
centre for young top athletes and military athletes. The growth of the athlete. The most important support the
school caters for professional athletes, teams coached Sports School offers is combining coaching and military

63
training. In the Sports School 55% of the total military started during the Company Commander’s class and
service perior is used for coaching, events and compe- Conscript Committee's class and at the Finnish Defence
titions. The training of an athlete doing his military ser- Forces website and in social media. You can serve in
vice at the Sports School is carried out contingent by special duties also as a conscript leader, so if you are in-
contingent following a discipline-specific training and terested in leadership training, you can apply for both.
personal coaching plans. The coaching and training is Only conscripts who have specialised in medicine pri-
supported during the main training season with train- or to their military service are eligible for special tasks
ing camps organised by the Sports School. In addition in medicine after the basic training phase. Eligibility
to the common weekly schedules and training events, for special duties requiring legal expertise is restricted
the athletes can use 45–95 days of military service for to those who have been selected for the reserve offic-
training and competition activity depending on their er course. The special duties within medicine, church
service period and competition level. The coaching of work and the legal sector are described more in detail
the athletes during military service is still the responsi- in the sections that follow. More detailed descriptions
bility of the respective associations/federations, clubs of other special duties, such as those in communications
and personal coaches of the athletes. The Sports School and the media sector (for e.g. graphic designers, jour-
supports training with capable event-specific coaches nalists, photographers, information technology (incl.
and generalist coaches and with extensive, high-quality cyber tasks), or for programmers, virtual training sup-
testing and physical therapy services. port specialists and research assistants, can be found at

Applying: website intti.fi > About to enter into the military ?

Conscript service in the Sports School is based on vol-
untary applications. The application periods end annu- Physicians, dentists, veterinarians
ally on the last day of February (summer sports) and Au- and pharmacists (M.Sc.)
gust (winter sports). Selections are held during calendar Physicians, dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists, and
weeks 14 and 40. Selection exams include physical and students of these disciplines are placed in Army, Navy
psychological aptitude tests and a personal interview. or Air Force brigade-level units at the call-ups. After the
Entry into the Sports School takes place through ap- basic training phase they are assigned to the Logistics
plication via the Defence Forces E-Service: https://asioin- School in Riihimäki for the conscript physician course.
ti.puolustusvoimat.fi/ During the conscript physician course students are se-
When applying for voluntary military service for wom- lected for the Reserve Medical Officer Course.
en in the Sports School, the application form must be The aim of the Reserve Officer Course is to produce
submitted to the regional office by 1 March. medical officers capable of planning and managing the
wartime medical care of the company and brigade-lev-
Applying via the E-Service: el unit. The trainees specialise in combat injuries and
https://asiointi.puolustusvoimat.fi know the basics of the Defence Forces' medical care.
During their unit training phase, officer candidates go
Alternatively, paper application forms with annexes through additional field and disaster medicine train-
must be sent to: ing and acquire professional experience by working in
Finnish Defence Forces Sports School health centres and in exercises.
Guard Jaeger Regiment Those that are not chosen for the Reserve Officer
P.O. Box 6
Course after the conscript physician course will contin-
00861 Helsinki
ue their service in professional duties at health centres
and receive further training in medical care.
The applicants to the Sports School must be at the top
level in their discipline nationally or internationally. The Legal branch
discipline must be included in the Olympic or World
Application to reserve officer training in the judicial
Championship programme. Selections are carried out
field is done through conscript leaders’ supplementary
based on statements made by the olympic committee
application for special duties (intti.fi > About to enter
and experts in the various disciplines and on the results
into the military?) at the beginning of the Reserve Of-
of psychological and physical testing.
ficer Course. A person with a higher law degree, or a
Sports masseurs with training for a professional mas-
law student who has finished intermediate level studies
seur’s diploma can also apply to the 347-day service at
in criminal law and law of procedure in Finland, can be
the Sports School.
accepted onto the judicial officer training programme
(as a Jurist Candidate). In the selection process, consid-
Further information about military service in the Sports
eration is also paid to whether the Defence Forces need
School: intti.fi > About to enter into the military?
persons with legal training to be assigned to jurist can-
didate duties. Jurist Candidates accepted for training
Special duties are trained to be placed in different levels of wartime
judicial tasks among the units and in headquarters, such
Conscripts apply for special duties independently at intti. as legal officer in a wartime brigade.
fi > About to enter into the military? by the end of the The Defence Command assigns Jurist Candidates ac-
third service week at the latest. The opportunities for ap- cepted into training in one of the Services. The Defence
plying to special duties are publicised after service has Forces' chief legal advisor determines who will be as-

64
signed where. Training is carried out in a brigade-level conscripts to conduct church work both in times of
unit under the leadership of a Service headquarters and in peace and in emergency situations. Rank and file con-
accordance with the training programme drawn up by it. scripts serve 255 days. Those in leadership training serve
The training programme provided for the jurist candidate 347 days. Training is realised through a two-part con-
is carried out after the reserve officer course. Until that, script chaplain and deacon course (CCDC I and II) and
the conscript is expected to do regular military service. practical training.
A jurist placed in a Service headquarters and the le- CCDC I is held during the branch training phase. The
gal officer of each brigade-level unit are together re- course deals mainly with duties in peace time. The Field
sponsible for the practical implementation of this train- Bishop will conduct the final approval of the applicants.
ing programme. The entry requirement for the course is degree in the-
The training programme includes full-time work un- ology or that of a Bachelor of Social Sciences (sosiono-
der the guidance of one or more brigade-level unit of- mi). The degree must include qualification to work in
ficials, such as a legal officer, chief of logistics and chief a tenured position in the national Church of Finland.
of personnel, and an introduction to the legal activities Also students of the previously mentioned degrees can
of a Service’s headquarters. be accepted to the course.
After CCDC I, those trained to be conscript chap-
Conscript chaplains and deacons lains and deacons continue training in different brigade-
You can apply for conscript chaplain and deacon train- level units. They can also apply for leadership training.
ing through the national special duties application pro- CCDC II is arranged after the unit training phase.
cess (intti.fi > About to enter into the military ?). The The course trains conscripts to work as military chap-
aim of conscript chaplain and deacon training is to train lains and deacons in emergency conditions.

65
Contact Information:
REGIONAL OFFICES (street addresses in parentheses)
The Regional Offices websites can be found in the Finnish Defence Forces online service puolustusvoimat.fi
South Savo Regional Office
P.O. Box 57, 50101 Mikkeli
(Tyrjäntie 9, Rak 3, Mikkeli, Karkialampi) ........ etela-savonaluetoimisto@mil.fi ................ Tel. +358 299 436190.
Häme Regional Office
P.O. Box 175, 15111 Lahti
(Kirkkokatu 12, Lahti) ................................... hameenaluetoimisto@mil.fi ..................... Tel. +358 299 484190.
South-eastern Finland Regional Office
Kauppalankatu 43 C, 45100 Kouvola
(Kauppalankatu 43 C, Kouvola) ..................... kaakkois-suomenaluetoimisto@mil.fi ........ Tel. +358 299 438109.
Central Finland Regional Office
P.O. Box 1100, 40101 Jyväskylä
(Asekatu 3 D, Jyväskylä) ................................ keski-suomenaluetoimisto@mil.fi ............. Tel. +358 299 485190.
Lapland Regional Office
P.O. Box 23, 96101 Rovaniemi
(Someroharjuntie Rak 21, Rovaniemi) ............ lapinaluetoimisto@mil.fi .......................... Tel. +358 299 455118.
Southwest Finland Regional Office
P.O. Box 69, 20811 Turku
(Rykmentintie 15B, Turku, Heikkilän kasarmi) . lounais-suomenaluetoimisto@mil.fi .......... Tel. +358 299 480190.
Pirkanmaa Regional Office
P.O. Box 37, 33541 Tampere, Finland
(Uimalankatu 1, Tampere) ............................. pirkanmaanaluetoimisto@mil.fi ................ Tel. +358 299 482190.
Pohjanmaa (Ostrobothnia) Regional Office
P.O. Box 22, 65101 Vaasa
(Wolffintie 35B, Vaasa) ................................. pohjanmaanaluetoimisto@mil.fi ............... Tel. +358 299 486190.
North Karelia Regional Office
P.O. Box 28, 80101 Joensuu
(Torikatu 36 B, Joensuu) ................................ pohjois-karjalanaluetoimisto@mil.fi .......... Tel. +358 299 434434.
North Pohjanmaa (Ostrobothnia) and Kainuu Regional Office
P.O. Box 119, 90101 OULU
(Hiukanreitti 40, Oulu, Hiukkavaara)....pohjois-pohjanmaanjakainuunaluetoimisto@mil.fi .. Tel. +358 299 456108.
North Savo Regional Office
P.O. Box 1080, 70111 Kuopio
(Vuorikatu 26 B, 5.krs, Kuopio) ..................... pohjois-savonaluetoimisto@mil.fi ............. Tel. +358 299 435000.
Uusimaa Regional Office
P.O. Box 9, 00861 Helsinki
(Santahaminantie 1, Santahamina, Helsinki) ... uudenmaanaluetoimisto@mil.fi ................ Tel. +358 299 422211.

Also the following brigade-level units provide further information about military service
The websites of the brigade-level units can be found on the Defence Forces’ website at puolustusvoimat.fi

ARMY
Jaeger Brigade ............................................. kirjaamo.jpr@mil.fi .......................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Guard Jaeger Regiment ................................ kirjaamo.kaartjr@mil.fi ..................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Kainuu Brigade ............................................ kirjaamo.kaipr@mil.fi ....................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Karelia Brigade ............................................. kirjaamo.karpr@mil.fi ....................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Army Academy ............................................ kirjaamo.maask@mil.fi ..................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Armoured Brigade ........................................ kirjaamo.pspr@mil.fi .....................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Pori Brigade ................................................. kirjaamo.porpr@mil.fi ...................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Utti Jaeger Regiment .................................... kirjaamo.utjr@mil.fi ......................................Tel. +358 299 800.

66
NAVY
Coastal Brigade ............................................ kirjaamo.rpr@mil.fi .......................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Nyland Brigade ............................................ kirjaamo.uudpr@mil.fi ...................................Tel. +358 299 800.

AIR FORCE
Air Force Academy ....................................... kirjaamo.ilmask@mil.fi ..................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Karelia Air Command ................................... kirjaamo.karlsto@mil.fi..................................Tel. +358 299 800.
Satakunta Air Command ............................... kirjaamo.satlsto@mil.fi ..................................Tel. +358 299 800.

BORDER GUARD
Lapland Border Guard District ....................... lapinrajavartiosto@raja.fi ......................... + 358 (0) 295 425 000
North Karelia Border Guard District................ pohjoiskarjalanrajavartiosto@raja.fi .......... + 358 (0) 295 423 000
Border and Coast Guard Academy ................. rajajamerivartiokoulu@raja.fi ..................... +358 (0)295 429 000

Other contact information:

Defence Forces Initiative Committee
Defence Command Finland
P.O. Box 919, 00131 Helsinki

National Defence Initiative Foundation

Defence Command / Logistics Division
P.O. Box 919, 00131 Helsinki

Civilian Service Centre

Latokartanontie 79 A
07810 Ingermaninkylä
Tel. + 358 (0) 2950295 00
siviilipalveluskeskus.fi

67
After Military Service

Military training includes many aspects of training that of military service, conscripts receive a military passport
are of direct use in your civilian profession or in other and service certificate.
areas of your life after you have mustered out. The train-
ing provided by different branches opens up the pos- Obligatory Refresher Training
sibility of a civilian job in a similar field, where among After military service, you will be transferred to the Re-
written applications of equal value, special military train- serve. Because the personnel of our Defence Forces is
ing is considered a merit. made up mainly of reservists during wartime, it is es-
Certain elements of military training received as a sential that training received during conscript service is
conscript are accepted as equivalent to the practical maintained and supplemented, for example in refresh-
training period needed in some professions. This is er training exercises. The refresher training exercises
above all the case when applying to secondary-level are based on the Conscription Act, according to which
vocational institutions. Depending on the task during person who is in the reserve must take part in refresher
conscript service and branch of training, the period of exercises after receiving orders to attend training.The
time accepted as working experience varies. Further- number of days depends on the training he or she ini-
more, the length of military service as such is accepted tially received as a conscript. The maximum number of
as general working experience. All conscripts who have training days in the reserve for the rank and file is 80
completed their military service receive a certificate stat- days, rank and file that require special skills or rank and
ing work experience. file that have been trained for special tasks (longer ser-
With regard to future plans, it is a good idea to take vice period for rank and file) is 150 days and for NCO’s,
into consideration the practical leadership training in- warrant officers and officers 200 days.
cluded in NCO and Officer education. Many civilian jobs In addition to the days mentioned, if needed, the re-
require Reserve Officer or NCO training or that military servist can be ordered to attend refresher training cor-
service has been carried out successfully. As visible proof responding to their wartime task for an extra 20 calen-

68
dar days in one year based on their consent. This can The length of refresher training exercises varies de-
be done if the reservist is seen by the Defence Forces pending on the nature and the goal of the exercise. Usu-
to be essential to the command or training of the unit. ally refresher training lasts for 5-6 days. Reservists are
These orders to refresher training also require the writ- paid a reservist salary and daily allowance for their time
ten consent of the reservist’s employer if the training in refresher exercises and possible travel costs are reim-
takes place during working hours. bursed according to the costs one would acquire while
Refresher training exercises are therefore service pre- using the cheapest available mode of public transport.
scribed by law in the same way as conscript service is. Detailed instructions for those called to refresher train-
Refresher training exercises form an essential part of ing exercises and information about e.g. financial ben-
the peacetime training system of our Defence Forces efits are included with the exercise orders. Additional
and have an important effect on the defence readiness information on the Reserve and refresher exercises can
of our country. Most reservists are called to the first be found at puolustusvoimat.fi.
refresher training exercise in the same composition as
they were trained in during conscript service. The first Voluntary Training
refresher training exercise is approximately 2-5 years Obligatory refresher training exercises are held about
after military service has been carried out. every 3–7 years. In addition to these you can develop
your skills and capabilities by participating in the vol-
untary exercises led by the Defence Forces, in courses
Who is ordered to participate in refresher contributing to military skills organised by the National
training exercises? Defence Training Association of Finland, by participat-
The units and HQ staff needed the most rapidly dur- ing in crisis Management Operation or other voluntary
ing times of crisis are trained in refresher training ex- national defence training and by taking advantage of
ercises. Reservists placed in these units are called to the Defence Forces open learning environment online.
refresher training. Task-specific refresher exercises pro- The activity and voluntary training and capability devel-
vide training for leaders and key combatants who are opment of reservists is taken into consideration when a
placed in tasks central from the point of view of com- person is assigned to a wartime task that corresponds
bat efficiency. to his/her know-how.

69
Training by the National ficer Courses directly affects your entrance points. If you
are interested in a military profession it is a good idea
Defence Training Association to tell this to the platoon leader and unit commander
when you have your interview with them during your
The courses organised by the National Defence Training fist days of service.
Association (NDTA) of Finland are part of the reserve If you aim for or are considering a military profes-
training system. In addition to participating in refresh- sion, do your best in service and tell your superiors that
er training, you can maintain and develop your mili- you would like to undergo leadership training. Make
tary skills after conscript service by participating in the sure you do well in the NCO course and let your supe-
courses organised by the NDTA or become a voluntary riors know that you want to study at the Reserve Of-
instructor on their courses. In addition to gaining new ficer School. If you are not accepted into the Reserve
skills, you earn refresher training days that are counted Officer School, make it known that you want to study
towards promotions. By participating, you can be as- there later.
signed more easily to the Finnish Defence Forces Local In the NCO and Reserve Officer Schools, professions
Battalion’s Local Defence Company and Combat Training within the Defence Forces are presented and you are
Unit. For more information see www.mpk.fi or contact given the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the
the local training site of the National Defence Training National Defence University, Army, Naval and Air Force
Association in your area. Academies.
The National Defence Training Association of Finland, After military service you also apply to become a con-
established in 1993, is a national training organisation tractual soldier for a fixed amount of time. In this task
that has a public duty to organize military training. The you can add to your know-how and try working as an
NDTA organises approximately 2,000 course every year instructor. The aim is that after you have served as a
and its courses have 50,000 participants annually. In ad- contractual soldier for a certain amount of time, you
dition to training contributing to military capabilities, then apply to study at a military educational establish-
preparedness and security education and training is or- ment or serve in other military specialist tasks in the
ganised open to all Finnish citizens which helps people Defence Forces.
to better survive dangerous situations encountered in In addition to a career as an officer, the Defence
their daily lives and in emergency conditions. Forces also offers tasks for special officers, technicians,
engineers and physicians who have passed at least the
Join us: Turvallisuutta yhdessä –
NCO Course. Non-commissioned officers work as in-
Maanpuolustuskoulutusyhdistys MPK
structors and specialists. They are employed either in
sentry and supervisory duties, music-related duties or
certain technical duties.
Additional information about becoming an officer
Military professions and other military professions offered within the De-
After conscript service you can apply to join the Defence fence Forces are available from the instructors at your
Forces as a contractual soldier, become a non-commis- company-level unit, the social welfare counsellor and
sioned officer, a special officer or apply for professional cadets carrying out their practical training. More infor-
officer training. To become an officer, you study at the mation can also be found on social media and in news
National Defence University. Instructions and require- papers, such as the Ruotuväki bulletin. More informa-
ments for applying to the National Defence University tion on university degrees in Military Sciences can be
are published annually each November-December in the found in the National Defence University’s Selections
National Defence University’s Selections Guide, on its Guide. More information is also available at: puolus-
home page online and in the electronic application sys- tusvoimat.fi, upseeriksi.fi and valtiolle.fi.
tem of Finnish universities The applicant must have com-
pleted the Reserve Officer Course. If they fulfil all other
requirements, applicants who have completed reserve Defence Forces special
NCO training can also be accepted if they successfully
complete the Platoon Leader Course at the Reserve Of- operations forces course
ficer School before the cadet course begins. A special On the Defence Forces special forces course, the Utti
requirement is that those applying to the pilot's pro- Jaeger Regiment trains contractual military personnel for
gramme must have successfully completed the Pilot Re- demanding special forces tasks. Students on the course
serve Officer Course. are paid a salary for the time in training.
The Reserve Officer Course can also be comleted to- This interesting and challenging course includes re-
gether with the next contingent of conscripts. NCOs connaissance and combat training in open terrain and
who have already or will muster out during the Course, urban areas. Their versatile movement training includes
take the Course according to the terms of service of a parachutist training, waterway training and vehicle
conscript. training. Most of the training happens in small groups
During conscript service you will form a picture of in demanding conditions.
the Defence Forces as a workplace and of the profes- Preselection takes place based on applications. Those
sions available within the Defence Forces. In addition, who pass preselection are invited to an entrance exam
you can test your own suitability for work within the where the most suitable candidates are admitted into
Defence Forces. Success on the NCO and Reserve Of- training. The entrance exam is divided into two sepa-

70
rate phases. The first phase lasts two days and it is or- operations overseas. Non-commissioned officers serve
ganised at the end of January in conjunction with the in fixed term five-year public-service posts. It is possi-
paratrooper course entrance exam. Only those that pass ble for the employer to renew this contract twice (the
this first phase are asked to participate in the second total length of service then being at most 5+5+5 years).
phase that takes place in the spring.
Anyone under 25 who is liable for military service Further information puolustusvoimat.fi/tyo-ja-koulutus
and has gone either through NCO or officer training
can apply for special forces training. In certain special
cases, those that are between 25 and 30 can also be
accepted onto the course. If you are liable for military
service and are currently doing your military service, you Civilian duties
can apply to the course. You must, however, finish your
military service before the special forces course begins.
within the Defence Forces
The course is arranged every year. It begins in July and The Defence Forces employ civilian personnel in versatile
lasts twelve months. and challenging tasks with good possibilities for devel-
Once trainees have finished the special forces course, oping one’s own know-how. Around Finland, approxi-
they can apply for a fixed term non-commissioned offic- mately 4,000 civilians work within the Defence Forces
er's position in the Utti Jaeger Regiment's Special Jaeger in both vocational and academic expert tasks according
Battalion or the Navy's Special Operations Detachment. to their civilian education. The range of jobs available
Non-commissioned officers represent the most capable in the Defence Forces is wide. There are hundreds of
component of the special forces. Training lasts through- job titles. They include such titles as engineer, chief of
out your service. Trainees can also serve in exercises and systems development, researcher, social welfare officer,

71
financial coordinator, training coordinator, public infor- quirements, to become a military observer must have
mation officer, legal adviser and physician, fitter and PT carried out your previous peacekeeping duties success-
instructor. Irrespective of job title, civilian personnel are fully and hold at least the rank of Lieutenant.
always qualified professionals. Those selected for civil- Send your application to the Pori Brigade in Säkylä.
ian tasks are not required to have undergone military Application forms and further information are availa-
service or voluntary military service for women. ble from the Regional Offices and website of the Pori
Brigade at puolustusvoimat.fi/porinprikaati. Finnish cri-
Further information puolustusvoimat.fi/rekry sis management forces are supplemented continually.
and valtiolle.fi. Based on applications, the Pori Brigade calls the most
suitable candidates for a 3-4-week selection and train-
ing course in Säkylä, where the final selection will take
Working in place.
Being called to the selection and training course does
the Border Guard not yet mean that you have been accepted into the cri-
sis management forces.
Every year, in January, new border and coast guards are
admitted into service in the Border Guard. Selections Terms of service
are made based on applications, and on entrance ex-
The actual service commitment is made after the train-
aminations held in May or June. The basic Border Guard
ing that precedes departure. In practice, the service
Course last approximately one year.
commitment is an employment contract, where terms
An applicant must be a Finnish citizen who has un-
of service are agreed upon.
dergone military service for conscripts or women's vol-
Both those employed in the public administration and
untary military service and fulfils the general qualifica-
private sectors will be given leave of absence or leave
tion requirements for a government post.
from work for the duration of crisis management train-
Applicants must be in good health and physical condi-
ing. Thus, a person leaving for a crisis management mis-
tion, irreproachable and trustworthy. Applying for offic-
sion is not obliged to resign from his/ her work. Every
ers’ duties in the Boarder Guard takes place by applying
person being sent on a crisis management operation
to the National Defence University. Officers entering the
makes a commitment to serve for six (6) months, unless
service of the Border Guard are chosen in connection
a different length of service has been determined for
with choice of branch during the first academic year
a specific operation. On certain conditions, the service
before specialisation studies begin.
period can be extended by another six (6) month period.
For additional information on how to apply for service in
Serving on a crisis management mission is regarded as
the Border Guard, see raja.fi. being in the service of the Finnish government.
Contact information of the Border Guard, page 66 The salary of a person serving on a crisis manage-
ment mission is graded according to how demanding
the mission and work is. In addition to their regular sal-
ary, crisis management personnel and military observers
Applying for are paid a crisis management per diem for each service
crisis management duties day. The salary paid for crisis management is taxable
income, but daily allowances and benefits in kind are
Finland has a long tradition of peacekeeping. Finland not. In the crisis management forces, benefits in kind
took part in its first peace support operation in Suez in means full board and lodging, i.e. free accommodation,
1956 and has already had over 56,000 peacekeepers in food, clothing and equipment.
peacekeeping duties. At present the annual number in
ongoing operations is around 500 persons. Serving in a Additional information:
crisis management mission provides an interesting ser- puolustusvoimat.fi/rauhanturvaaja and
vice period, an opportunity to see other countries and puolustusvoimat.fi/porinprikaati
peoples, an opportunity to save up some money and
improve your language skills. You gain unique experi-
ences of working with people from different conditions
and backgrounds.
You can apply to serve in crisis management duties
by sending an application after you have finished your
military service. To apply, you must be in good physical
condition and health, have a balanced personality, be
able to tolerate stress and to cooperate, have adequate
English language skills and an irreproachable way of life
(no criminal record).
If you have done your military service well you can ap-
ply to the Finnish peacekeeping forces without having
received international training as a conscript. Reserve
Officers have also the possibility of becoming military
observers. In addition to the general qualification re-

72
 Insignia of Rank of the Army
OFFICERS AND WARRANT OFFICERS (Lieutenant - Captain)

General Lieutenant General Major General Brigadier General Colonel Lieutenant Colonel

Major Captain 1st Lieutenant Lieutenant 2nd Lieutenant

CADETS

Cadet Sergeant 1st Class Cadet Staff Sergeant Cadet Sergeant Cadet Corporal Cadet
3rd YEAR 3rd YEAR 3rd YEAR 2nd YEAR 1st YEAR

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Sergeant Major Master Sergeant Sergeant 1st Class Staff Sergeant Sergeant
(regular personnel
with sword)

Corporal Enlisted personnel (rank

(rank in the reserve) of regular personnel)

CONSCRIPT LEADERS RANK AND FILE

Officer Sergeant Officer Student Corporal Private NCO Private

Candidate Reserve Officer School 1st Class Student Jaeger

73
 Insignia of Rank of the Navy
OFFICERS AND WARRANT OFFICERS (Lieutenant - Captain)

Admiral Vice Admiral Rear-Admiral Commodore Captain (Navy) Commander

Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant, Sr. Grade Lieutenant Lieutenant Jr. Grade Ensign

CADETS

Cadet Chief Petty Cadet Petty Officer, Cadet Petty Officer, Cadet Petty Officer, Cadet
Officer 3rd YEAR 1st Class 3rd YEAR 2nd Class 3rd YEAR 3rd Class 2nd YEAR 1st YEAR

PETTY OFFICERS

Master Chief Petty Senior Chief Petty Chief Petty Petty Officer, Petty Officer, 2nd Class, Petty Officer, Enlisted personnel/
Officer, Engine Officer, Engine Officer, Deck 1st Class, Deck Engine (regular 3rd Class (rank Deck (rank of
personnel with sword) in the reserve) regular personnel)

CONSCRIPT LEADERS RANK AND FILE

Officer Petty Officer, Officer Petty Officer, Seaman NCO Seaman Apprentice
Candidate 2nd Class Student 3rd Class Ordnance Student Ordnance
Navigation Navigation

74
Insignia of Rank of the Air Force
OFFICERS AND WARRANT OFFICERS (Lieutenant - Captain)

General Lieutenant General Major General Brigadier General Colonel Lieutenant Colonel

Major Captain 1st Lieutenant Lieutenant 2nd Lieutenant

CADETS

Cadet Master Cadet Technical Cadet Staff Cadet Senior Airman Cadet
Sergeant 3rd YEAR Sergeant 3rd YEAR Sergeant 3rd YEAR 2nd YEAR 1st YEAR

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Chief Master Senior Master Master Sergeant Technical Sergeant Staff Sergeant
Sergeant Sergeant (Regular personnel
with sword)

Senior Airman Enlisted personnel (rank

(rank in the reserve) of regular personnel)

CONSCRIPT LEADERS RANK AND FILE

Officer Staff Officer Senior Airman NCO Airman

Candidate Sergeant Student Airman 1st Class Student

75
 Special Insignia of Rank
OFFICER SPECIALISTS: ARMY AND AIR FORCE

Major General Lieutenant Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant

Engineering Music Engineering Medical corps Technician

MILITARY CHAPLAINS: ARMY AND AIR FORCE

Field Bishop Sr. Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain

Orthodox
Conscript Priest/ Conscript Priest/
Conscript Deacon/ Conscript Deacon/
Military Deacon Military Deacon
(Corporal/ Senior Airman) (Private/Airman)

MILITARY SPECIALISTS: ARMY, AIR FORCE, NAVY / engineering

1st Lieutenant/ Lieutenant/

Lieutenant Lieutenant Jr. Grade
Staff Sergeant/PO 1st class/
Technical Sergeant

OFFICER SPECIALISTS: NAVY

Rear-Admiral Commander Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant, Lieutenant,

Engineering Engineering Medical corps Sr. Grade, Music Jr. Grade, Technician

MILITARY CHAPLAINS: NAVY

Sr. Chaplain Chaplain Conscript Chaplain/ Conscript Deacon/ Conscript Chaplain/ Conscript Deacon/
Military Deacon Military Deacon
(Petty Officer, 3rd Class) (Seaman Apprentice)

76
Army Command Finland
P.O. Box 145, 50101 Mikkeli

ISBN 978-951-25-3099-1
ISBN 978-951-25-3100-4 (PDF)
ISBN 978-951-25-3103-5 (e-book)

Press
PunaMusta 2019