Finnish Border Guard investigates rapid mobilization of reservists for eastern border security

The Finnish Border Guard is investigating which reservists could be quickly mobilized to the eastern border in the event of an emergency. Recently, it was reported that some reservists have received a letter from the Border Guard asking about their willingness to participate in refresher training on shorter notice than usual. Typically, reservists are given a three-month warning before such mobilizations.

In a state of emergency, reservists may be summoned by the president to assist the Border Guard in maintaining border security. Possible triggers for such a situation could include increased immigration pressure. According to Deputy Commander Heikki Ahtiainen from the Southeastern Finland Border Guard, reservists could be tasked with directing traffic and performing other support roles, but would not be assigned to hazardous duties.

Reservist Kaapo Kalenius from Imatra expressed his readiness to head to the border if called for refresher training. He noted that receiving the letter was reassuring, as it indicated that they were still remembered. Kalenius completed his military service with the Border Guard in North Karelia, where he had a brief introduction to the work involved in border security, although the focus was primarily on military defense.

Despite not receiving a letter, Jaska Petsola, the chair of the South Karelia reservist district, mentioned he was not surprised by this development, as it was communicated during training that reservists could be called upon quickly if needed.

The recent correspondence aligns with a new military service law, which allows for refresher training focused on border security to be organized with less than three months’ notice. Ahtiainen highlighted that the Border Guard aimed to keep reservists informed about the legal changes and gauge how quickly they could be available for deployment. However, responses do not obligate the Border Guard, as the final decision for mobilization rests with the president. In urgent situations, a call for reservists could potentially occur with only a few days’ notice.