Varusteleka "Ohi On" Morale Patch

In Finland we have this thing called mandatory military service. This patch is worn by those who celebrate finishing it. "Ohi on" is Finnish for "it's over" and the number represents days served.

Wearing this patch without having completed your service in the FDF could be considered a "Stolen Valor". It's completely unofficial, and earning the patch doesn't involve hazing or a gruesome snake-eating service, but if these things matter to you, consider skipping this one. Do read the description to learn something new!

Military service touches virtually every Finnish person. From a population of 5.5 million, 22,000 conscripts are trained annually. The FDF has a war-time strength of 280,000 and a reserve of 900,000 fighters. A man or woman in uniform doesn't draw attention on the street: everybody knows people who served, quite often by a close relation.

As you may guess, it's a mundane thing for us, and it's common to count the days until the end of your service. People are eager to continue their studies or go to work, which involves getting a salary - both of which are also forms of serving your country.

While some eager jaegers wanted it to suck more and hoped it would never end, most guys and gals blow zeroes and go back to being ordinary people after a rather serious party.

Velcro backed.

Made in Finland

These are manufactured by patchmakers who've also made similar insignia for the Finnish army, quality stuff!