Voluntary military service

In Finland, voluntary military service for women – "going to the army" – began in 1995. In 2024, over 1,500 women applied for voluntary military service. The Defence Forces are still aiming to increase women's participation in military service; the goal is to raise the annual number of applicants to around 2,000.

After completing their service, women transfer to the reserve, and they can participate in refresher exercises and other reservist activities. By 2025, over 14,000 women have completed military service and transferred to the reserve of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard.

Reserve

Women who have completed military service are part of the reserve and may receive orders to attend refresher exercises to maintain and develop their skills within the Finnish military system.

Women can also participate in voluntary exercises organized by the Defence Forces and national defense organizations.

Military training by the National Defence Training Association (MPK)

The MPK organizes training courses where you can practice, for example, marksmanship, leadership, and basic military skills.

Some MPK courses offer the opportunity to maintain and develop military skills even without completing military service. Conversely, MPK courses can also prepare and encourage applying for the voluntary military service.

International assignments through the Finnish Defence Forces

Participation in military roles in international operations and crisis management – such as peacekeeping – is also possible for women through the Finnish Defence Forces after completing voluntary military service.

Important points about applying for voluntary military service

• The application must be submitted no later than January 15th of the year you wish to start your service within the Finnish Defence Forces. The application is made through the Finnish Defence Forces' website.
• The applicant must be a Finnish citizen aged 18–29.
• The applicant is required to be in good physical and mental health according to Finnish military standards. Acceptance into service requires a medical examination and aptitude test conducted by the Finnish Defence Forces.
• The applicant must attend a selection event where their suitability for military service is assessed.
• The service involves physical challenges, so good basic fitness makes the service easier. It is recommended to practice endurance, mobility, and build strength in preparation for Finnish military service.
• The service includes tough and demanding situations. Mental preparation and a solution-oriented attitude help in adapting to the Finnish military environment.
• There is no salary during the service, but daily allowance, meals, accommodation, and equipment are provided by the Finnish Defence Forces. Consider possible financial arrangements and housing solutions before starting the service. It is also good to discuss the decision with loved ones and consider their support within the context of undertaking Finnish military service.
• Military service includes a basic training period, specialized training, and possible leadership training. Women undergo the same training and serve in the same roles as men within the Finnish military.
• The duration of the service is 165, 255, or 347 days, depending on the task and training within the Finnish Defence Forces.
• After the service, you transfer to the reserve, which means the possibility of participating in refresher exercises and acting in national defense tasks during times of crisis within the Finnish national defense system.
• Once a woman has been accepted into service and started it, the same conscription-related obligations apply to her as to men under Finnish law.
• Voluntary military service can be interrupted during the first 30 days without a specific reason. After this, interruption requires a valid reason, such as a health issue recognized by the Finnish military.
• All necessary military equipment for the service is provided. You usually don't need your own equipment. It's a good idea to bring personal hygiene products, necessary medications, civilian clothes, and other essential items, such as good quality socks and underwear for your personal use during Finnish military service.
• Women are treated the same as men in the Finnish military, but their special needs, such as health matters, are taken into account according to Finnish military regulations.
• The service requires adaptation to strict discipline, community spirit, and continuous learning within the Finnish military culture.
• (Source: The Finnish Defence Forces)

ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED VOLUNTARY MILITARY SERVICE

To reiterate: once you have completed voluntary military service, you are bound by the same conscription obligations as men. This means that after completing the service, you transfer to the reserve and can be ordered to refresher exercises and potentially to service in extreme circumstances, such as during war or other national emergencies in Finland. So, you may end up in war – on the front lines defending Finland.

Call-ups for the entire age group?

There is also a reform being prepared to extend call-ups to the entire age group, meaning both men and women. The aim is to organize a joint national defense day for all 17-year-olds, which would be implemented in educational institutions. During this day, young people would receive information about national defense, and their functional capacity and support needs would be assessed within the Finnish context.

Even if call-ups were extended to the entire age group, it would not automatically mean conscription for women. Instead, the aim is to increase awareness of national defense and encourage voluntary participation within Finland.

As of this writing in the spring of 2025, the timetable for the reform has not yet been confirmed, but the goal is to introduce call-ups for the entire age group in the coming years in Finland. This requires legislative changes and political decision-making within the Finnish government. So, let's keep an eye on the situation in Finland!

(Source: The Finnish Government)