The Finnish Defence Forces will shortly hold refresher exercises for consenting reservists. The objective is to prepare to assist in the Finnish Defence Forces’ tasks relating to surveillance and securing of territorial integrity.
There is no military threat to Finland. The current situation results from Ukraine’s justified defence to counter Russia’s unlawful aggression.
– Changes in the security environment may be swift, and their duration remains unforeseen. It is understandable that recent developments in Finland’s security environment, such as the drone incidents, may give rise to concern. By means of consent-based refresher exercises we utilise reservists’ competence in the way the situation requires, as well as ensure adequate numbers of personnel in case of a prolonged situation. Currently, there is no direct military threat to Finland. The refresher exercises to be now held are part of the Finnish Defence Forces’ preparedness for the future too, says the Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations, Defence Command, Brigadier General Aki Heikkinen.
The assigned reservists have given their consent to arrive promptly at a refresher exercise, when necessary, which shows their high level of commitment and will to defend. The Finnish Defence Forces will communicate with the assigned reservists, and therefore the reservists do not need to contact the Finnish Defence Forces.
The Finnish Defence Forces will order to refresher exercises the number of reservists deemed necessary. Refresher exercises will be held across Finland, and the total duration of the exercises will be determined based on the need assessed by the Finnish Defence Forces. For an assigned reservist, the duration of the refresher exercise will be indicated on their order.
For sustained operational security, no further details will be provided concerning the activity or number of personnel (including reservists), or tasks, exercises’ duration, or force locations. This effort is to ensure protection of critical information as well as to deny access to it. A fundamental principle of operational security is that also civilian population is asked not to publish anything relating to equipment, vehicles, personnel, force movement, or locations on any communication channels, including social media. The equipment and personnel are on the move to safeguard the security of Finnish people.
The order for the refresher training is based on the Conscription Act (1438/2007), act on the liability for military service. Section 32, Subsection 1 of the Conscription Act stipulates that persons liable for military service who are reservists may be assigned to refresher training. And, as per Section 32, Subsection 2, the order for refresher training is sent to reservists at least three months before the beginning of the exercise. This time limit may be deviated from with the reservist’s permission.
