Get ready for military service
If you get selected for service, you will receive your Military Service Order at the selection event or later by mail. It will tell you when and at which brigade-level unit you must report for service. The Military Service Order is also your travel ticket, so make sure not to lose it. You can start military service the year you turn 18 at the earliest.
Before you enter service, it might be a good idea to do physical training, take care of your well-being and sort out your finances. You can read about different service tasks here. We have collected experiences from women who have completed military service here.
Read more about preparing for service here.
Female soldier’s physical performance
The link below takes you to a working space where you can read about female soldiers’ physical fitness, training, musculoskeletal injuries, equipment, hormonal action and nutrition.
Information brief for women participating in the selection event | PVMOODLE
Let’s train with MarsMars!
The Defence Forces provides all future conscripts with a training programme which can be accessed free of charge by downloading MarsMars application. The application helps you evaluate your fitness level and suggests a progressive training programme which is tailor-made just for you. For those about to enter military service, there is a tailored 3-month fitness programme before starting service.
There is also a 3-month programme tailor-made specifically for women about to enter voluntary military service in the MarsMars app. The programme includes endurance and strength exercises and well as mobility exercises. The programme also includes some exercises which simulate military duties that conscripts are to carry out during their service.
Getting mentally ready for service
Military service means meeting a lot of new people, acting according to precise orders, instructions and schedules, sharing accommodation and not being available or on social media all the time. At times, you may find it stressful and hard. It is a good idea to prepare for the service also mentally. Talk to your friends and family. Talking about the service and positive thinking can make a difference. Before your service, think about things that make you feel good; you can think about them whenever you feel distressed in service. You can establish a relaxation routine, for example. Regular physical exercise is a good idea; it supports mental well-being as well. Take care of your closest relationships, invest in them. You will see: military service will not take forever.
Courses by the National Defence Training Association of Finland
The National Defence Training Association of Finland provides women with more opportunities to participate in voluntary national defence, organising national defence courses which focus on military readiness as well as various types of introductory events. The Association offers a course particularly for women contemplating voluntary military service - or anyone interested in learning about everyday life in military service and garrisons. There is also a course specifically for women which introduces soldiers’ basic skills, giving its participants (min. 18 years of age) an opportunity to get to know the contents and training topics of conscript service in practise.
More information about the courses by the National Defence Training Association of Finland here
Financial support during military service
The social security institution Kela may pay conscript allowance for those in military service and their immediate family for the duration of the service. You may apply for conscript’s allowance one month before your service starts.
Conscript’s allowance may include:
- basic assistance
- housing allowance
- child maintenance assistance
- special allowance and
- interest on student loans.
Sort out practical matters
Before you start your service, make sure to sort out all matters in the civilian world.
- Inform your employer or school/university of your upcoming service well in advance.
- Sort out all financial issues, for example, possible loan payments. You can apply for conscript’s allowance from Kela.
- Be prepared to serve a term of 8.5 months (255 days), 11.5 months (347 days) or 5.5 months (165 days). The length of the service term depends on your service task and will be determined during the basic and branch training phases.
