Finnish reservist receives two call-ups in under a year as training numbers rise

Aapo Salonen completed his conscript service in summer 2025, only to receive two call-ups for refresher training within a year, reports Yle.

Salonen said the second letter came as a surprise but adopted a positive mindset. He rearranged study and work commitments, coordinating exam schedules with teachers. While this led to a heavier exam load, his employers accommodated the absences without issue.

Finland’s Defence Forces announced after the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine that annual refresher training participation would increase from about 20,000 to 30,000 reservists. In 2022–2023, numbers peaked at 28,000–29,000, before settling at around 21,500 annually, with roughly 25,000 call-ups issued per year in recent years.

Ossi Hietala, a planner at the Defence Command’s training section, attributed fluctuations to rising costs and resource constraints. Training units are determined by long-term production requirements, balancing operational needs with available resources.

Hietala noted that refresher exercises have become more efficient, with average duration extending from five to six days, allowing more effective use of training time. He acknowledged past criticism of excessive waiting periods but said current drills are now more focused.

Atte Rytkönen-Sandberg, director of the Finnish Enterprise Federation, said employers generally understand the necessity of refresher training. While questions arise about pay obligations during absences or critical staffing periods, most workplaces adapt without major disruption.

For those not receiving call-ups but wishing to participate, Hietala advised updating personal details in the OmaIntti online service to ensure regional offices have current information on education, profession, and health. He also suggested joining voluntary defence training to improve eligibility for wartime roles.