The Finnish Defence Forces trains those liable for military service for homeland defence tasks. This training is called the conscript service. All 18–65-year-old Finnish men are liable for military service. Women may sign up for voluntary military service. The reserves of the Finnish Defence Forces includes all the men and women who have completed their military service. The Ministry of Defence directs the implementation of military service and develops the conscription system together with the Finnish Defence Forces.
A conscription system, a trained large reserve and a strong will to defend the country are the cornerstones of Finland’s defence. The conscription system is vital for Finland to train a sufficient number of versatile forces. A large and capable reserve enables the long-term defence of Finland throughout the country.
Finland develops its conscription system as a member of NATO
Finland is modernising its conscription system on operational premises, taking into account conclusions drawn from modern wars and conflicts and the requirements defined by NATO. All development efforts will consider changes in society and technology.
The Ministry of Defence has initiated a legislative project to develop the conscription system. Among its objectives is to improve the call-up system and to enable the flexible use and participation of people liable for military service in NATO’s collective defence tasks outside the territory of Finland. Voluntary military service will be ensured for men who have the right of domicile in Åland and are, therefore, exempt from military service, and provisions on the legal effects of that service will be enacted. The process to develop the legislation on voluntary national defence will continue.
Shrinking age cohorts impact military service
The number of men called up for military service decreases as the age cohorts shrink, and the gap in the population’s mental and physical abilities widens. To counteract this, it will be necessary to raise the proportion of call-up candidates who enter military service, encourage more women to sign up for voluntary military service and reduce the drop-out rate in military service.
In 2021, a parliamentary committee outlined that the conscription system should be developed in ways that better distribute the responsibility for homeland defence across the age group. This work will improve the information available to young people on call-ups and total defence. The aim is to encourage more women to sign up for voluntary military service. Another objective is to urge young people to take better care of their physical and mental health, bearing in mind its significance. This helps reduce the drop-out rate in military service.
