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Draft proposal on raising maximum age of reservists sent out for comments

Finnish Ministry of Defence

14.05.2025 09:35

Number of reservists to reach one million.

The Finnish Ministry of Defence will circulate for comments a draft government proposal on raising the maximum age of reservists to 65 years. The new upper age limit would apply to all persons liable for military service born in 1966 or later: officers, non-commissioned officers and the rank and file. It would not apply to senior officers who would, as before, remain in the reserve as long as they are fit for service.

There is a five-year transition period during which the number of reservists would grow by 125,000 as people who turn 60 would be liable for military service for additional five years. The number of reservists is expected to reach one million in 2031.

"Finland's defence capability is based on general conscription, a trained reserve and a strong will to defend the country. By raising the maximum age of reservists we are giving more people the possibility to participate in national defence. This will strengthen Finland's defence. A stronger reserve will also bolster Finland's security," said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The Finnish Defence Forces and the Finnish Border Guard have more and more tasks that require some special expertise. Reservists are needed for a variety of tasks, ranging from headquarters, support and training to command and control and healthcare and other tasks requiring special expertise.

After the reform, refresher training for 50-65 year-olds would be organised for those who have been assigned wartime tasks. In practice, this applies to a relatively small group of specialists and other experts in a variety of fields.

No upper age limit would be prescribed for participating in voluntary national defence. The Non-Military Service Act would be amended in the same way as the Conscription Act.

Comments on the draft proposal will be accepted until 26 June 2025. The proposal is available in Finnish in the Government's public consultation service at lausuntopalvelu.fi.