Oskari got a birds-eye view of the activities of the Defence Forces

Oskari Jalonen is working on a fixed-term contract as an instructor in the Coastal Brigade’s naval reconnaissance company. The employment has served to clarify his future professional ambitions.

The video is available only in Finnish.

Jalonen got interested in the possibility of a fixed-term employment after his military service in the Navy Reserve Office School in Suomenlinna. After finishing his leadership period, Jalonen started in his current job in the Coastal Brigade, in the branch he was trained for.

– This made me more passionate about military activities and, in a way, prouder of my branch.

Jalonen’s tasks include instruction of basic military skills and training related to equipment and weapons systems.

– I don’t only train the conscripts but also try and provide them with challenges in whatever they are doing. It is great to see how they learn new things.

Meaningful work, nice colleagues

Jalonen likes his job very much. Colleagues are nice, and it is always good to go to work, catch up and start a new day. The best part is getting to witness the conscripts’ learning process. Prioritising, in turn, is a bit of a challenge.

– At times, we have loads to do.  Then you just have to prioritise and pick the most important task, and focus on that one-hundred percent until it is done.

Jalonen has a one-year contract, of which he has six months to go. Although he will next move on to the civilian world, Jalonen finds the one-year work experience from the military rewarding and useful for any future career.

– I always try to keep in mind that my work, my small contribution, may make a big difference, in terms of keeping the system going. And it means a lot to me, as does Finland’s independence. Even if I end up working in a civilian profession, I don’t see a reason why I couldn’t seek employment in the Defence Forces in the future as well.

Job in which you can have a say

Those who move on to Contractual Military Personnel’s duties after their conscript service have an opportunity to see the Defence Forces in an entirely new light. Jalonen has also noticed that he can have a say in his own work.

– I have learnt to see the bigger picture. Now I can also see the small things that didn’t go that well during the conscript service as well as the reasons in the background. This helps me in my current role as a member of the Defence Forces’ personnel to make conscript service even better.

Jalonen’s regular work time is from Monday-Friday during office hours. Shifts may be longer from time to time, during company supervision duties and military exercises. The everyday working environment also provides facilities for enjoying the Defence Forces’ employee benefit, the 2-3-hour weekly physical exercise. To Jalonen, this means gym or jogging.

– A nice little run with a mate makes your blood flow better and gives energy for work.