1588 female conscripts apply to voluntary military service

A total of 1588 women applied to conscript service this year, said Finnish Defence Forces in a press release on Wednesday.

The application period closed on 1 March and this was the first time applications were submitted online through the E-service.

The number of applicants was the second highest in the FDF’s history. The record was made in last spring’s application round with 1675 women applying to service.

Over the years, the Defence Forces has trained over 11 000 women to the reserve. The Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General Kim Mattsson said that each woman who completes service is important to the Defence Forces.

“Women are highly motivated to complete military service, and they perform extremely well. With age groups getting smaller, women’s role in national defence will increase even more,” he said.

After service, women will be needed for versatile tasks in the reserve.

“We will need your know-how after service as well. The skills learned in service may be kept up and improved, for example, in reserve troops exercises, employed by the Defence Forces or in crisis management duties,” Major General Mattsson said.

Based on their applications, women who have applied to service will be invited to a selection event organised by their Regional Office.

Apart from providing information about conscript service and liability for military service, the selection event involves interviewing the applicants and having their health examined. At the event, applicants have an opportunity to express their wishes involving training and service.

Considering the local Covid-19 situation, the selection events will be organised either on-site or online in April.