Two Estonian conscripts take part in Finland's reserve officer training

635 soldiers from the Finnish army, navy and border guard, together with two Estonian conscripts, began the reserve officer course at the Army Academy in Hamina on 8 November 2026.

The Editorial Team · under Editor-in-Chief Jacob WollheimFinland11 Nov 2026Original Source

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Two Estonian conscripts are taking part in the reserve officer course that began in Hamina (Fredrikshamn), Finland, on 8 November. This is the first time since 2004 that Estonian conscripts have been trained as reserve officers in Finland.

According to the Finnish Defence Forces (Puolustusvoimat), course 269 comprises a total of 635 participants from the army, navy and the Finnish Border Guard (Rajavartiolaitos).

The training lasts 14 weeks and prepares participants to lead military units in war. After the course, they return to their respective units for continued training.

The training also incorporates lessons from the war in Ukraine, including combat technique and leadership.

estonia finland finnish defence force reserve officer training hamina border guard finland

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Questions and answers generated automatically from the article content.

01When and where did the new reserve officer course begin in Finland?

The reserve officer course began on 8 November 2026 in Hamina in south-eastern Finland. Colonel Jari Kielenniva, Commander of the Reserve Officer School, appointed the participants as officer cadets at a ceremony, and the course is led by Lieutenant Colonel Tino Savolainen. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-11.

02How many soldiers are taking part in the reserve officer course and how long does it last?

03Which Estonian participants are part of the course, and what is historically significant about this?