Finnish military defence is based on general conscription[1] and strong willingness across the population to defend Finland. Military service of 6-12 months is obligatory for men, and possible for women on a voluntary basis. Non-military (civil) service is an option on grounds of conscience. Two thirds of Finnish men do armed service and stay in the reserve till the age of 50 (rank and file) or 60 (officers and non-commissioned officers). The system produces large enough and capable reserve for the military needs.
In Finland, willingness to defend the country is strong according to any international comparisons[2]. It is also measured on national level every year[3]. Finns want to take part in defence the way they can, and they support the ways in which defence is organised in Finland. Backing for this willingness comes from the Winter War (1939-40) and the Continuation War (1941-44)[4] that Finland fought against the Soviet Union. Tradition of the veterans stretches to these days as sense of duty. Finns also feel that our way of life, Finnish nature, and the Finnish welfare state with its’ values are worth defending. Additionally, the continual development of military training and rewarding service experiences have guaranteed the support and legitimacy of Finnish conscription.
Writer
Teemu Tallberg
Professor of Military Sociology
Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy
Finnish National Defence University
[1] Finnish conscription system – Puolustusvoimat – The Finnish Defence Forces
[2] Percentage of Europeans Who Are Willing To Fight A War For Their… – Brilliant Maps