Approximately 600 personnel who left Finland’s defense forces were unable to enroll in additional retraining programs, according to Mikko Reijonen, head of the specialized department within the Finnish civil service. Helsingin Sanomat reported these details.
Data cited by the publication indicate that 1,435 individuals have exited the Finnish Armed Forces since the start of the year. In February alone, 1,200 reservists departed from the defense reserves. By comparison, the total number of people leaving the country’s defense forces in all of 2023 was 1,650.
It was noted that reservists stepping away from the military should transition to civilian service through the continuing education system. They undertake a five-day training course designed to mirror the preparation typically provided to officers. The current rate of attrition has strained capacity, with 2024 retraining courses nearly full and vacancies scarce.
The situation has spurred discussions at the highest levels about national risk and readiness. Alexander Stubb, who previously served as Finland’s president, stated that the country does not fear external threats. There has also been recognition of the challenges posed by the Russian border and the implications for national security planning.
Experts emphasize that the shift of personnel from military to civilian roles may reflect a broader reallocation of public sector needs, including increased emphasis on civilian defense and emergency response capabilities. The government may need to adapt training pipelines to accommodate the rising number of reservists entering civilian service, ensuring they receive appropriate education and certification compatible with civilian employment while maintaining a pool of qualified personnel for national defense and crisis management. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of clear pathways for career transitions, supportive retraining policies, and ongoing monitoring of workforce trends within the security sector. In this context, the interplay between defense commitments and civilian service options continues to shape strategic decisions and resource allocation across the country. This evolving balance is likely to influence policy discussions and future actuarial planning for military readiness and civilian resilience, both in Finland and among allied partners observing these developments. (Helsingin Sanomat)”