Reservists fund night-vision equipment and build training hub

Reservists in Central Finland have raised a sum comparable to the price of a detached house to buy night-vision equipment for the region’s local battalion, Yle reports. The region has become a centre for night-operation training, with courses now offered to reservists from elsewhere in Finland.

The project was launched by Tulitukiosasto, an association supporting the Central Finland regional troops. The local battalion needed more night-vision equipment and additional opportunities to practise operating in darkness, according to Sami Pasanen, an active member of the association.

Night-vision devices are expensive, costing between 5,000 and 10,000 euros each. Tulitukiosasto initially set a fundraising target of 100,000 euros to purchase equipment for the battalion.

Technology Industries of Finland awarded the project 50,000 euros, while the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation contributed 15,000 euros. Reservist organisations have also supported the fundraising campaign.

Several dozen devices have now been acquired, allowing a platoon of soldiers to train for real-life situations. Tulitukiosasto still aims to raise a total of 500,000 euros, which would be enough to equip two platoons.

Training expands across Finland

Night-operation training is now held regularly in Central Finland, and courses have also been offered to reservists from other regions. The goal is to train instructors who can take the expertise back to their home areas and potentially organise fundraising for night-vision equipment there.

So far, no other part of Finland has a similar volunteer-funded night-vision equipment project underway. The training is organised by the Finnish Defence Training Association, known as MPK, a public-law association responsible for voluntary national defence training in Finland.

Night-operation courses are included in MPK’s training calendar, and a training programme defines their objectives and structure. The courses have been approved by the Finnish Defence Forces and are aligned with its training needs, Pasanen said.

Tulitukiosasto is also cooperating with night-vision equipment manufacturers. One of the leading manufacturers, Senop, operates in the Jyväskylä region, and reservists involved in the project now test Senop’s equipment while training for the local battalion’s tasks.

Night-vision equipment helps users operate in darkness and identify both their own and opposing forces. The equipment can include image intensifiers and thermal cameras.