INTERVIEW WITH A MILITARY UNION LEADER ⟩ Elina Riutta Says Finnish Conscripts Are Accustomed to Having Their Needs Represented in Political Discourse

In Finland, the defense forces and the conscript committees within military units are not able to make political statements or lobbying. That’s why we have the Conscript Union as a separate entity; it allows us to propose new ideas and improvements directly to Finnish legislators on behalf of the conscripts. We regularly meet with the parliament’s defense committee and the defense minister, and our communication with them is quite straightforward. We do not naturally have the right to initiate strikes, like labor unions.

Interviewer: What topics does the Conscript Union primarily focus on?

Elina Riutta: One of the projects we have been focusing on in recent years is advocating for the mandatory "call-out" days for everyone in the age group, not just men. These call-out days are like information sessions held in high schools where individuals receive detailed information about their options in the defense sector, including the possibility of conscription.

We have been promoting that this should be mandatory for everyone. Currently, it is being piloted, and we believe it will become a standard practice in the near future. Our long-term goal is to create an equal conscription system where service is not determined by gender but by the individual’s motivation and suitability for conscription.

The idea is that everyone in the age group would participate in these call-out sessions, and then only the most motivated and suitable individuals would go on to serve in the military. Meanwhile, the rest would contribute through some form of civil service. This approach ensures that everyone contributes to society, but only those who are most motivated will serve in the military, leading to a more balanced and efficient conscription system.

Mental health is also one of our main goals to focus on, particularly the lack of mental health professionals available in the garrisons. We've been advocating for more support in this area to help conscripts who might experience mental health challenges during their service.

The daily allowance for conscripts is also in our focus. The allowance depends on service duration. For the first six months, they receive about €5.90 per day. After 165 days, this increases to €9.80 per day, and after 250 days, it rises to €13.65 per day. Although there was a small increase in these rates recently, financial support remains a concern. Many conscripts feel the allowance is not sufficient, especially when considering inflation and living costs.

Some frequent issues have been the adenovirus outbreak in the garrisons and from time to time indoor air quality in some of the older garrison buildings rises up. Also, availability of uniform elements of suitable sizes may be an issue mainly for the female conscripts.

Interviewer: Does the issue of too much idle time during service pop into discussion as it often does in other countries with reserve armies?

Elina Riutta: Not really. In Finland, the training schedule for conscripts is quite structured and well-organized. There are plenty of opportunities for sports and activities, and most conscripts get to go home regularly for the weekends, which balances their time. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, there were some issues with boredom due to restrictions, but that has been resolved as things returned to normal.

Interviewer: Can you name a few positive aspects of Finnish conscription that are particularly strong or unique?

Elina Riutta: One of the most underrated aspects is the leadership training that conscripts receive. The skills they develop in stress management, teamwork, and leadership are incredibly valuable in their future careers, which some of the young people don’t always realize. It’s also an environment where you learn to work under pressure, which is a vital skill in many careers.

Interviewer: In your assessment, is military service experience valued by employers in Finland?

Elina Riutta: Employers in Finland are not allowed to ask whether someone has completed military service to avoid discrimination. However, if a job applicant proactively mentions the skills and experiences they gained during conscription, it can definitely be a significant advantage.

Interviewer: Do you represent only conscripts currently in service, or do you also represent those who have already completed their service and are now part of the reserves?

Elina Riutta: Reservists in Finland have their own organizations, so we primarily focus on representing conscripts who are currently serving or those going through civil service. However, our Union is open to anyone under 30 who has an interest in defense, even if they aren't currently serving.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about the evolution of conscription in Finland over the past years, particularly after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine?

Elina Riutta: Since the war in Ukraine began, there haven’t been significant changes to the conscription model in Finland. Our military training was already well-prepared for this type of conflict, so the need for drastic changes wasn't present though the defense forces continuously develops training.

One notable change recently has been allowing men and women to share living quarters in the garrisons. Previously, women were separated from the men, which affected their integration and access to information in their units. Now, with shared rooms, there is a stronger sense of inclusion and teamwork, and it has had a positive impact on unit cohesion.

Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the civil service system in Finland your union also represents? How does it function, and what roles do people in civil service typically take on?

Elina Riutta: Civil service in Finland lasts for a year and serves as an alternative to military service for those whose beliefs or convictions prevent them from serving in the armed forces. It starts with a four-week training period that covers various subjects, such as first aid, environmental awareness, safety, and fire prevention. After this training, individuals move on to work placements at approved organizations, such as libraries, schools, or other community services. Each year, around 1,000 to 2,000 individuals choose to go through civil service.

Interviewer: Do those who complete civil service have any obligations during a crisis or war, like military conscripts do?

Elina Riutta: No, individuals who complete civil service are not part of the reserve and do not have obligations to the defense forces in the event of a crisis.

Interviewer: How do you envision the future of conscription in Finland?

Elina Riutta: Our biggest focus right now is promoting an equal conscription system, where everyone, regardless of gender, is required to attend call-out days and explore their potential role in national defense. The idea is that conscription should be based on motivation and skills rather than gender. We believe this approach will create a more motivated and capable defense force. After all, it is our constitutional obligation for every citizen to defend our country when needed.