Conscripts of contingent 2/26 to start military service in the Army
On Monday 6 July 2026, the conscripts of the summer contingent will report for military service in the Army. 9700 recruits will begin their military service in Army brigade-level units. Karelia Brigade, Pori Brigade and Kainuu Brigade will receive the largest numbers of recruits.
The aim of conscript training is to produce capable forces for placement in the wartime units which will help maintain the Defence Forces’ basic readiness and capability to raise readiness, if necessary. The service starts with a six-week basic training phase during which the conscripts learn the foundations of military activity and acquire basic skills in shooting, combat training and maintaining human performance. The comprehensive basic training provides the conscripts with skills to act safely as an individual soldier and a part of one’s unit.
The length of military service is 165, 255 or 347 days. The service period for conscripts trained for rank-and-file duties is 165 or 255 days. The service period for officers, non-commissioned officers and conscripts trained for especially demanding rank-and-file duties is 347 days.
Service tasks offer many opportunities
Selections for different training branches, service tasks and leadership training are made by the eighth week of service. In the branch-training phase, conscripts complete an individual training basic course, depending on the branch they have selected. Service task and leader selections determine the conscripts’ service task and service period and the conscripts accepted for leadership training.
The Army offers hundreds of different service tasks in which you can learn new skills and build your strengths. You will be able to benefit from the skills acquired by you in military service, such as teamwork, presentation and communication and leadership skills later in your civilian life, for example in your studies or working life.
Conscripts can also apply for special tasks corresponding to their previous skills or education in which they can improve their skills learned in civilian life and gain work experience for the future. Special tasks are available, for instance, in intelligence, information technology, research, public affairs and media, and the ecclesiastical field. Applying for special tasks takes place during the first three weeks of service: the application dates are between 6-27 July 2026. Read more.
Prevention of respiratory infections in Army brigade-level units
In previous years, various kinds of respiratory infections have been diagnosed in the garrisons, and they spread easily in barracks conditions. The Army keeps actively monitoring the garrisons’ health situation adjusting, if necessary, its activities to ensure the service safety and health of the conscripts and personnel. In all company-level units, the measures taken to prevent the spread of respiratory infections include, among other things, focusing on good hand hygiene and keeping the premises clean. Every brigade-level unit decides independently on how the Family Day will be organised. Information regarding this will be provided on brigade-level unit channels closer to the date concerned.
General Service Regulations updated
The Defence Forces has updated the General Service Regulations (YLIPALVO). The updated Service Regulations take effect on 1 July 2026. The key updates involve Finland’s NATO membership and international cooperation, changes in the security environment, equality and the promotion of non-discrimination, and addressing and putting a stop to any inappropriate behaviour.
Read the Defence Forces press release on the start of contingent 2/2026 military service.
