Record number of applicants for special forces training in Utti Jaeger Regiment - selection tests in January
This Autumn, special forces training in Utti Jaeger Regiment attracted more applicants than ever. The selection tests for those applying for paratrooper training and those applying to train as a contractual military personnel on the Defence Forces special forces course will be held on 19-23 January 2026.
The application period for Utti Jaeger Regiment's special forces training courses starting in July 2026 ended on 30 November 2025. Based on the applications, the most suitable candidates were invited to the selection tests which will be held in January. The selection tests focus on assessing the applicants’ physical and mental aptitude for demanding special forces training.
Military service in special forces training attracts applicants
This year, a total of 704 persons, three of whom female, applied for conscript service in paratrooper training. The number of applicants is 73 higher than last year, marking the all-time record for the course.
The Paratrooper Company receives conscripts from all across Finland. The highest number of applicants for the course of 2026 came from Uusimaa, Häme and Pirkanmaa.
The number of applicants from each region (the number of the previous year in brackets)
- South Savo Regional office 10 (14)
- Häme Regional office 54 (65)
- Southeast Finland Regional office 42 (25)
- Central Finland Regional office 39 (41)
- Lapland Regional office 18 (10)
- Southwest Finland Regional office 53 (57)
- Pirkanmaa Regional office 85 (60)
- Pohjanmaa Regional office 36 (31)
- North Karelia Regional office 12 (7)
- North Pohjanmaa and Kainuu Regional office 46 (39)
- North Savo Regional office 25 (22)
- Uusimaa Regional office 284 (260)
- Total number of applicants 704 (631)
Based on the applications, 610 candidates who meet the requirements have been invited to the selection tests for paratrooper training.
Each year, 60-80 most suitable candidates get selected for paratrooper training based on their performance in the selection tests. The aptitude of the candidates for demanding training is tested through physical tests, medical examination, interviews and psychological tests.
The applicants can read about the physical tests at intti.fi.
Special forces course qualifies for special national defence duties
The Defence Forces’ special forces course starting in July 2026 attracted 230 applicants. This number is also an all-time record.
- Such high numbers speak volumes about these training courses; they are clearly found interesting and suitably challenging. The large volume of applicants also opens a possibility to select the applicants with the best possible qualities for the special forces training. Such qualities include good physical fitness and health, a well-balanced disposition, good stress tolerance and ability to act as a part of a group, says Captain Ville Kostiainen, who is in charge of the selection tests.
Special forces course is a 12-month basic professional course into special forces operations. The course is open to applications from reservists who have completed their military service in any Defence Forces or Border Guard unit, are under 30 years of age and meet the other requirements for the course. For special reasons, persons who are over 30 years of age may also be accepted to the course. Such reasons include civilian training or education which qualifies, for example, as a medical doctor or nurse.
The selection test for the Special forces course is organized in two phases. The first phase will take place in January, and based on the candidates’ performance there, the most suitable of them will be invited to the second phase organized later in spring.
Conscripts who are currently doing their military service in paratrooper training can still apply for the course later in spring. Suitable applicants from the paratrooper training then go directly to the second phase of the selection test.
Participants of the special forces course are hired as contractual military personnel for the duration of the course, and they receive salary throughout the course.
A candidate can take the second phase of the selection test for the special forces course no more than two times.
