Brigadier General Matti Honko has commenced a special assignment as an advisor to the commander of the United States Army's 10th Mountain Division. The assignment began on 1 December and is part of the bilateral exchange programme Military Personnel Exchange between Finland and the USA.
According to Finland's Ministry of Defence, Honko's new role is a reflection of the deepened defence cooperation between the countries. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen describes the appointment as a sign of mutual trust and appreciation:
– The appointment of Brigadier General Honko to a significant role in the leadership of the mountain division is an example of the long-standing and multifaceted cooperation between Finland and the USA, says Häkkänen in the press release.
Matti Honko has previously served as the commander of the Guards Jaeger Regiment, chief of staff of the Pori Brigade, and worked at the Ministry of Defence's office.
The 10th Mountain Division is a light infantry division based in Fort Drum, New York. The unit has been one of the most frequently deployed within the United States Army since 2002, with over 20 overseas deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the ministry.
Honko's rank as Brigadier General has been conferred for the duration of the assignment, according to a decision by Finland's President Alexander Stubb.