Guard Jaeger Regiment stages oath ceremony at Olympic Stadium

The Guard Jaeger Regiment held its military oath and affirmation ceremony at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Thursday, in an unusual setting, Yle reported.

The ceremony marked the 30th anniversary year of the Helsinki-based regiment. The present-day Guard Jaeger Regiment was formed in August 1996 through the merger of the Uusimaa Jaeger Battalion and the Guard Battalion, although its traditions and constituent units date back much further.

The recruits who began their service with the regiment in July took part in the ceremony. Those who did not wish to swear an oath could instead make a solemn military affirmation. About 30 to 40 recruits chose that option.

The familiar command “Hats off” was heard before the oath was taken. After the ceremony, the recruits received the military rank of Jaeger.

Yle followed the event and its preparations from the morning until early afternoon.

Military canteen doughnuts were prepared for sale before the ceremony. The Olympic Stadium square also hosted other activities, and recruits moved a grenade machine gun crate aside before the event began.

The event included a presentation of Finnish Defence Forces equipment, including the Sisu XA-185 armoured personnel carrier.

A long queue formed at the stadium entrance before the ceremony. The recruits waited for the event to begin on the grass in the stadium’s northern curve.

The stands on the western side of the Olympic Stadium were almost full throughout the ceremony, with many members of the public and relatives of the recruits attending.

The Guard Band provided the music. The parade units were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Vesa Volanen, the regiment’s chief of staff.