Conscription affects many young people at some point in their lives

Conscription applies to male Finnish citizens. Many start thinking about it before turning 18: what is the call-up like, when is it held and what options are there? Conscription can be divided into military service, non-military service and voluntary military service for women. At Ohjaamo, we can go through the different options and consider which is best for you.

What happens at the call-up and when does the service begin?

Call-ups apply to male Finnish citizens. They usually take place the year you turn 18. At the call-up, you learn about what conscription means, what service options there are and when the service begins. Your suitability for service is also assessed, considering your personal situation, such as studies, work or health. The aim is to ensure that a suitable option can be found for everyone.

The service can start at different times of the year. The timing may sometimes be influenced by studies, for example. If you are planning an interim year, higher education studies or working abroad, you should bring it up well in advance.

If you are a woman and thinking about women's voluntary military service, you can apply for it through a separate application process. At Ohjaamo, we can explain the application process and what the service includes in practice. We can also talk about daily life at the garrison and how the service affects studies or work.

Thinking about non-military service instead?

Not everyone does military service. Non-military service is an alternative to male Finnish citizens who do not want to carry out armed service because of their convictions. Non-military service involves working in various social tasks, for example in organisations or the public sector. At Ohjaamo, we can explain what non-military service means, how to apply for it and what daily life is like during the service.

If you are thinking about your choices or find the situation stressful, come and talk. We will help you understand the options and move forward one step at a time.