Insignia of rank (and hierarchy)

During the military service, you need to learn the ranks of the Finnish Defence Forces by heart. To accomplish this, you need to be able to recognise and identify the insignia of rank.

For which purposes are the insignia of rank necessary?

As part of a military uniform, the insignia of rank denote the military rank or service rank of the given person that will then determine his or her position in a military organisation. Mastering the ranks remains the responsibility of each individual conscript. This mastery becomes necessary both while interacting and in training settings when, for instance, you need to address your superior.

How may I access the insignia of ranks for learning purposes?

Military ranks - Puolustusvoimat - The Finnish Defence Forces

I now master the insignia of ranks but am still wondering how I am supposed to address my superior while interacting.

Knowing how to address a superior is part of polite interaction. While speaking with a superior or when being addressed by a superior, the subordinate always assumes the position of attention unless the superior tells the subordinate to be at ease. The subordinate is to look the superior in the eye. Addressing a superior follows this basic principle: Address - Present - State the matter.

As, for instance, in the following: ’Herra kapteeni, alokas Virtanen, mitä kello on?’ (’Sir - Conscript Virtanen - My question is what the time is right now.)