Mandatory Military Service in Finland
Why does the happiest country in the world require conscription?
Finland was voted the happiest country in the world in 2020. It tops the world rankings frequently for its civil liberties, education, and quality of life. Yet it also has mandatory military service. Conscription was once common across most of Europe but is nowadays more associated with authoritarian countries in the popular mind.
Finland is not alone in this of course. Nearby countries such as Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, all practice limited forms of conscription. But Finland stands out, as similar to Estonia and Russia, it requires all men to serve a term in the military.
What Does Conscription Involve?
All Finnish men are liable for call-up once they turn 18. If deemed medically fit for service, they will then complete a term of 165–347 days (depending on rank and specialisation). A typical conscript soldier will serve the minimum 165 days, while officer training or more specialised roles requires a longer period of training. All conscripts transfer to the reserves upon completion of their military service.
Finns remain on the reserve’s rolls until the age of 50. They are then on the auxiliary reserve list until the age of 60. Women may volunteer…
