Sami keeps the Defence Forces’ equipment and information systems in tip-top shape

Officer Specialist Sami Takanen, a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology, is a systems engineer at the East Finland Signal Battalion, which is part of the Karelia Brigade.

Takanen’s duties vary by season: When a new contingent of conscripts arrives, his focus is on preparing the equipment that they will use. It is vitally important to ensure that the Battallion’s equipment is in good shape, as it will be used for various purposes, such as training conscripts and volunteer women as well as in the military exercises during the training period.

– My duties include maintaining and testing the information systems used in our equipment, and particularly our readiness equipment and its systems.

Working across units

According to Takanen, being able to work with and learn several command and control systems has been the most rewarding part of his work. He has also enjoyed working with different battalion-level units.

– I’ve gotten to know the staff of different units and their equipment, which has helped me broaden my skills. Sometimes during a workday, I can take a break from my usual tasks and jump behind the wheel of an armoured personnel carrier.

An important part of the job is the ability to work efficiently alone and with others. Takanen considers himself a social personality who enjoys working in groups. For example, it is easier and more efficient to test different systems collaboratively.

The best part of the work is that no day or challenge is always the same. Takanen enjoys the feeling of finding just the right solution to a problem. He also wishes to highlight his excellent work community.

– It’s really easy to get along here, and I always know that I can rely on anyone’s support when I need it.