Local defence training exercises 2/2018

Army brigade-level units are organising six local defence exercises between 10–14 September in South Karelia, South Savo, Kymenlaakso, Lapland, North Savo, Satakunta, Uusimaa and Southwest Finland.

The Finnish Defence Forces is training in local defence operations in eight regions around Finland in September. The goal of the exercises is to develop and train the readiness and command capabilities of the local defence units and to improve the competence of conscripts, reservists and salaried personnel in the tasks planned for local units.

– Local defence is a significant part of our pre-emptive capability. By training together with other authorities we maintain our capability to respond to quickly developing situations and complex threats, says Brigadier General Rami Saari, Deputy Chief of Staff Army Operations, when describing the importance of the exercises.

A total of 4,100 persons will participate in the exercises. The participants represent the Finnish Defence Forces, the Regional State Administrative Agency, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, Finavia, local authorities, rescue departments, police, Border Guard, hospital districts and Customs.

Blank ammunition will be used during the exercises. They do not pose a threat to bystanders but cause some noise. The exercises also include many military vehicles, such as armoured personnel carriers.

The exercises are listed in the Finnish Defence Forces’ Action Plan. Some of the conscripts participating in the exercises will muster out on 19 September.

More information about local defence available here (in Finnish).

Local units Wartime units used for local combat and support missions Units are trained and equipped as required by their tasks Reservists with a good knowledge of the area of operation are assigned to the local units In the training of local units, the resources and voluntary aspect of Finnish voluntary national defence training is extensively used in training local units Tasks are mobilising troops, surveillance of area, protection of targets, counter-special forces operations, cooperation with civilian authorities, supporting other units and local supply and maintenance. Local forces can also be used during normal conditions for limited support to other authorities.