Puolustusvoimat

NATO membership to increase personnel headcount

Finland became a member of NATO in 2023. As a result of Finland’s accession, part of the Finnish Defence Forces’ regular personnel will be posted to NATO’s military command structure as well as its force structure and agencies. In the next few years, this will apply to around 100 officers, warrant officers, officer specialists, and non-commissioned officers.

The specific numbers and tasks will be determined as the military integration process progresses. In addition to military duties, NATO also offers tasks for civilians, which can be applied for by all nationals of its Member States.

Finland’s domestic command structure will remain largely unchanged. However, the number of personnel in the Defence Forces is likely to increase due to Finland’s NATO membership in all personnel groups.

More competence and language skills

The impacts on personnel will be realised over several years. In terms of personnel, Finland’s NATO-related obligations will be implemented while keeping an eye on the carrying capacity of the Defence Force’s personnel system.

Finland’s membership will set some additional requirements for the competence and language skills of the Defence Forces’ personnel, not to mention its personnel planning and administration. The terms and conditions of employment in international positions will also be adjusted as necessary.

The arrangements and contents of the Defence Forces’ training will be harmonised as necessary with the doctrines, procedures, and standards of NATO training activities. The Defence Forces will also see more international exercises and other forms of global cooperation, so the use of English is set to become more widespread in the future.