Military Personnel

[Lost-Lamb]

We haven't been in war for ages, and I doubt we will be anytime soon. Its simply the cheapest way to keep the country defended. And I'd say its quite damn effective too.

 

[Ilex]

We haven't been in war for ages, and I doubt we will be anytime soon. Its simply the cheapest way to keep the country defended. And I'd say its quite damn effective too.

It isn't cheap (paying nearly every male person in an age group for six to 12 months isn't cheap, not to mention other things), but effective it is, atleast it used to be.

 

[Kelpo]

whats the need for fin's to be drafted? its not like your at war on all fronts ?

I really dont seem the need for it, unless no one volunteers.

The main reason is the privilege sharing a long border with Russia, or at least it used to be. As of now, I can't really think of anything anyone could achieve by invading Finland, unless a sudden shortage mosquitoes or melancholy people hit the world.

But all things considered, I believe it's healthy to have something in common for just about every male citizen of the country regardless of wealth, education or place of birth.

 

[n00854180t]

I did a search and didn't see any posts about the military people that are on these forums. Anybody here in the service or has been at one time?

I was in for a while, not long though. I was a 14J(Air Defense Artillery Tactical Operations Center and radar control). Did BCT at Ft. Sill. I *hate* Oklahoma.

 

[DannyT]

army foundation college - para, didnt last

In the Territorial army now, royal lagistics. only go to Iraq if i volunteer lucky for me im still in full time education so cannot be mobalised unless it gets serious.

 

[RJii]

It isn't cheap (paying nearly every male person in an age group for six to 12 months isn't cheap, not to mention other things), but effective it is, atleast it used to be.

We'll, I don't have any figures to support this, but I'd wager it is cheaper than paying for a 'mercenary' army. Also, lots of men in the age group don't go to the army for varius reaons.

I did my time, and some extra in the Finnish army a few years back. First a year and then 6 months. Was in armor maintenance, quite interesting I have to say. Even thought about making a career out of it, but decided against it.

 

[slavetrader]

well i start in January. i'm gonna be combat engineer. not very excited about army. i see now point in having a compulsery military service in Finland. And it's kinda against my ideals too. but there aren't many options in Finland.. it's either military service or civil service (which lasts longer)... or ... you can go to jail.

 

[bloodmerc]

I'm joining the army soon (hopefully). I went to get sworn in but after the eye-exam part of my physical I got put on medical hold for a rather large stigmitism in my right eye. The government is paying for me to get an eye exam from an optomitrist to determine whether or not I will be disqualified. If I'm not, I will leave august 4th for 9 weeks of boot camp then to AIT (advanced individual training) for 39 weeks to be a 25S "Satellite Communication Systems Operator/Maintainer".

$20,000 enlistment bonus + $70,000 for college for that package.

 

[Destichado]

NROTC, Marine Option. I'll be joining the Corps when I graduate -Ground.

 

[Worbah]

As Kelpo said: All finnish men get drafted, I'm up in a year if my back can take it

Where are you going to be stationed? I'm going next summer, I requested to be placed in Kainuu's Brigade as a scout (To foreigners: Not boyscouts. The closest comparison would be rangers)

 

[n00854180t]

$20,000 enlistment bonus + $70,000 for college for that package.

The GI Bill of course is there, but don't bet on that bonus unless you have it in writing. Also, if you're going for college money, don't bother. There are way better and easier ways to get it. Other prior service here will agree.

 

[bloodmerc]

I'm really not interested in college atm, but maybe when I get a little older and more wise I might wanna use the 70 grand for it..

And the bonus is in your enlistment contract, so it's already in writing.

 

[weltonia]

army foundation college - para, didnt last

In the Territorial army now, royal lagistics. only go to Iraq if i volunteer lucky for me im still in full time education so cannot be mobalised unless it gets serious.

ah man i was thinking of doing that aswel, you say they cant take you out of college? Hmm Idea just got a whole lot better.

 

[DannyT]

if you are in full time education, 6th form - collage - uni, or in sum cases apprenterships, if its not serious like a world war 3 you can apply not to go and you probs wont, but you will be first on the list nxt time your troop gets mombalized (when u have finished your education). its a great mate i totally recommend it

 

[Chaos Llama]

I'm too young for this stuff, but I must say I have the utmost respect for those in the armed forces and veterans. There are no greater heroes IMO.

 

[Lost-Lamb]

As Kelpo said: All finnish men get drafted, I'm up in a year if my back can take it

Where are you going to be stationed? I'm going next summer, I requested to be placed in Kainuu's Brigade as a scout (To foreigners: Not boyscouts. The closest comparison would be rangers)

Probably Kotka or Kajaani, my girlfriend lives in Koura (Seinäjoki-Nurmo) so I'm going as close as possible

 

[zdazzle]

Im planing on joining when i get older. I want Special Forces.

 

[powerg8]

You guys in Europe have to serve a year or What?

Tell me more about this.

 

[DannyT]

No britain and ireland took away national service years ago but it looks like the fins still have it and the austrians do aswell i think not sure about the rest

 

[Kelpo]

Probably Kotka or Kajaani, my girlfriend lives in Koura (Seinäjoki-Nurmo) so I'm going as close as possible

If that's the criteria, may I recommend the school of aerial warfare (God that sounds fancy) in Tikkakoski near Jyväskylä? That's where I served and as for what I've heard, the officers in infantry tend, as a rule, to be quite a bit more nihilistic than the ones we had. You have to apply to get there but I believe it's well worth the trouble. Anyhow it's closer to Koura than Kotka or Kajaani (slightly under 200 km).