In peacetime, training is the most visible, statutory task of the Finnish Defence Forces. Military training tasks include an obligation to promote activities that both improve citizens’ will to defend their country and their physical fitness. The training creates wartime troops that are combat-capable, motivated and willing to defend their country. It provides a basis for all tasks and constantly serves wartime readiness.

Effective training strengthens the credibility of national defence and acts to prevent war. The demanding nature of the training is due to the difficulty and danger of military operations and combat conditions. The trainees must learn to act effectively, both as individuals and as a team, while avoiding their own losses.

The training is divided into conscript training and the reservist training provided during refresher courses. Approximately 20,000 conscripts perform military service annually. Approximately 30,000 reservists take part in refresher exercises annually. According to the law, the period of military service begins at the beginning of the year in which the conscript reaches the age of 18 and continues until the end of the year in which he reaches the age of 60. Military service is usually performed during the three years following the call-up between the ages of 19 and 21. About 2/3 of the age group participate in military service.

Those trained for tasks requiring special skills and professional competence serve for 255 days. Other tasks are given 165 days of training. Approximately 7,000 conscripts, i.e. just under one-third of the age group, receive leadership training.