Recruits in the July contingent to swear the military oath and give the affirmation

Defence Forces
Publication date 31.7.2024 13.00
Press release

Recruits who started their military service in the 2/24 contingent will swear the military oath or give the affirmation in mid-August. Oath and affirmation ceremonies mark the end of the six-week basic training phase.

In the traditional oath and affirmation giving ceremonies, recruits vow to defend their country, and are then promoted into a private rank. Conscripts can choose, according to their convictions, whether they wish to swear the oath or give the affirmation. The military oath is a highly valued tradition in the Finnish Defence Forces. Recruits taking the oath vow to serve their fatherland honestly and to their best ability and to defend its inviolability. The military affirmation by one’s honour and one’s conscience is a religiously neutral way of making the solemn promise. 

Audience is warmly welcome to attend the ceremonies, the details of which are given below. The ceremonies are held outside the garrisons.

Becoming a soldier – the basic learning phase gives the basics

During the basic training phase, recruits learn the general basics of military activity and a soldier’s basic skills in survival, protection and security. After the basic training phase, conscripts have the basic skills for operating as an individual soldier and as a member of a fireteam. The goal is maintaining the ability to function in all situations. Recruits also receive training in weapons and marksmanship, combat and physical capability. The basic training phase is followed by a six-week branch training phase.

According to Assistant Chief of Staff J7 Training, Brigadier General Manu Tuominen, training of recruits who started their military service on 8 July 2024 has got off to a good start. Tuominen encourages recruits to hold on to their vigour and to support one another:

– The new recruits have been in the service for only a few weeks now, but there is a lot of excitement and commitment to training to be seen already. Of course, a new daily routine may feel strange at first, and it takes time to get used to it. Recruits’ obvious determination and cooperation already at this early stage help them adjust to the military routine and push them forward at all times. Support one another and especially those who need some extra boost.

Brigadier General emphasizes the role of families in supporting recruits in their new phase of life.

– Families are very important for recruits’ well-being during the service. I invite families to participate in the military oath and affirmation ceremonies in August. The ceremonies are, after all, fine and prestigious events.

Contingent 2/24 military oath and affirmation giving ceremonies

Army

Jaeger Brigade

Guard Jaeger Regiment

Kainuu Brigade

Karelia Brigade

Army Academy

Armoured Brigade

  • Time: 15 and 16 August 2024
  • Location: Akaa and Parolannummi (The ceremony in Akaa on 15 August only for recruits in Parola Logistics Battalion. The oath and affirmation ceremony for all other recruits in the Armoured Brigade takes place in Parolannummi on Friday, 16 August.)
  • For more information (in Finnish).

Pori Brigade

Utti Jaeger Regiment

Navy

Coastal Brigade

Uusimaa Brigade / Nyland Brigade

Air Force

Air Force Academy

Karelia Air Wing

Satakunta Air Wing

Border Guard

North Karelia Border Guard District

  • Time: 16 August 2024.
  • Location: The Evangelical-Lutheran church in Ilomantsi

Border and Coast Guard Academy

  • Time: 15 August 2024.
  • Location: Immola

Lapland Border Guard District
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