The call-ups info day was part of a national pilot preparing for the introduction of a two-phase call-ups system. In the proposed model, the first phase is a call-ups info day for the entire age group, providing young people with information on national defence and liability for military service. The second phase takes place later, when men liable for military service attend call-ups and women applying to voluntary military service attend selection events.

During the day, the young people gained an overview of what military service involves and the different options available. Captain Kai Lehtonen, who spoke on behalf of the Finnish Defence Forces, also shared his own path into the military. At call-up age, military service was still unfamiliar to him, but encouraged by his friends, he applied to Santahamina, where he was able to combine sports training with military service.

Lehtonen encouraged young people to explore the opportunities offered by military service well before their call-ups. At the call-ups, participants can express a preference for their place of service. Those interested in a particular role should therefore find out in advance which garrisons provide training for it.

Good functional capacity helps during military service

The young people also received information about the importance of wellbeing and physical activity, as well as ways to improve their fitness before starting military service.

Juho Tiainen, Head of Preparedness at the National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK), presented MPK’s activities and its Kunnossa inttiin courses. The courses are intended for upper secondary students aged 16 and over and encourage an active lifestyle and the development of physical fitness before military service.

Reino Kärkkäinen, Coaching Coordinator at Omnia Sports Academy, reminded the participants that there is no single right way to become more physically active. What matters is identifying barriers to physical activity, finding a form of exercise that suits you and giving yourself time to develop an interest in it.

Support before and during military service

The young people also received information about the health examinations carried out before call-ups. For second-year students attending the autumn 2027 call-ups, their health examination will also serve as the preliminary medical examination for the call-ups. Students are responsible for ensuring that the examination is completed in time. More information about the examinations and booking an appointment will be provided via Wilma in December 2026.

At the end of the event, the young people were also informed about benefits available during military service and the Aikalisä support service. Aikalisä provides free and voluntary outreach youth work support for young people of call-up, military service and civilian service age. Support is available both when preparing for service and if service is interrupted and future plans need to be reconsidered.