Senior Course 142 Field Study 3: Final Stop in Finland

Upon arrival, the NDC delegation was hospitably welcomed during an icebreaker organized by Major General Mika Kalliomaa, Rector of Finnish National Defence University (FNDU).

The following morning at FNDU, upon the official start of the briefings, LTC Tuomas Liukko received the delegation and presented the agenda.

The first presentation was entitled “Finnish Security Policy”, led by Mr Mikael Antell, Deputy Director General at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Even before joining NATO, Finland has always enjoyed strong cooperation with NATO Allied countries, and has taken part in numerous operations and exercises. At the same time, Finland maintained constructive relations with Russia. Finland shares a border of approximately 1300 km with the country. Following Russia’s 2021 change in policy concerning its neighboring countries, Finland began contemplating joining NATO, and of the view that such a process could be completed with Sweden’s accession as well. Course Members asked questions on the potential establishment of new NATO Commands in Finland, counterterrorism, and the possible special role Finland could play in facilitating dialogue with Russia.

The next briefer was Brigadier General Sami Nurmi, Director of the National Defence Unit, Defence Policy Division of the Finnish Ministry of Defence, who presented the most salient points of Finland’s defence policy, one that is predicated on a strong defence, national and international support, and leveraging of Finland’s strategic geographical position. BGEN Nurmi described how the Finnish security model exemplifies a comprehensive security approach, making Finland a “credible ally, ready to participate”, with the capacity to make a strong contribution to the Alliance, and is open to discussing a possible creation of NATO Commands in the future. During the Q&A session, Course Members learned more about how to defend the long border with Russia, negative aspects in joining NATO, economic issues, the state of the country’s deployment capability, and cooperation with private sector defence companies.

CDR Janne Ilvonen from the Defence Command gave a presentation entitled, “Finnish Defence Forces”, providing an overview of the tasks, structure, cooperation, and development of the Command. CDR Janne Ilvonen gave the audience a most detailed run-down on the Finnish conscript system and the role of reservists, in particular, their importance during wartime. He also spoke of defence systems and the acquisition of new ones, which should enhance Finnish defence capabilities. At the end of the presentation, Course Members’ asked questions on force readiness, and how to meet NATO capability targets with limited professional military personnel.

The following presentation was on “The Finnish Defence Forces, Finnish Conscription and Voluntary National Defence”, led by COL Kari Pietiläinen, Assistant Chief of Staff (ACOS), J7, Training Division of Defence Command. COL Pietiläinen explained why conscription is an essential part of Finland’s defence policy, and described how the system operates, which is mandatory for men, and voluntary for women. He also spoke of how efficient the Finnish educational and training system is. During the Q&A session, CMs learned more about the implementation of the conscription system, how to implement NATO requirements, and the decision-making process to mobilize reservists.

After the lunch break, LTC Christian Perheentupa, Assistant Secretary General, Security Committee, began his presentation on “The Finnish Concept for Comprehensive Security”, with an explanation of how the Security Committee works, what it does, and its tasks and activities. He also underscored the important role of citizens, who are considered security actors in the decision-making process. Topics discussed during the Q&A were the Committee’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, and psychological resilience among the population to counter Russian psychological operations.

Mr Nuutti Nikula, Head of Strategic Support, National Emergency Supply Organization, led a briefing on “Security of Supply and Resilience in Finland”. He outlined the Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency’s Strategy of 2021-2023, in terms of mission, cornerstones, and vision. Mr Nikula also highlighted strategic priorities, national emergency supply funds, and monitoring the impact on supply security caused by the Russian war in Ukraine, and private-public cooperation in security of supply, specifying each company’s contribution in the process. He stressed the utmost importance of the issue of transportation and logistics issue for Finland since 80% of its imports and exports is conducted by shipping. The presentation was concluded with a question on Chinese investments in Finland.

The final presentation of the day was on “Finnish National Defence University (FNDU), Officer Education and Research”, led by Major General Mika Kalliomaa, Rector of the FNDU. He presented the FNDU’s 30-year history and mission, composed of the following: research of military sciences; education in military sciences; and social influencing and interaction through partnerships and cooperation networks, nationally and internationally. MGEN Kalliomaa provided insights concerning FNDU’s organizations and programmes, courses and partnerships. Major General Mika Kalliomaa also spoke of the participation of Finnish Officers in international courses and crisis management programmes.

Thus concluded Field Study 3 with a most successful visit to Finland.

NDC Public Affairs Office