Finnish defence forces want age limit for reservists raised
Finland’s Defence Forces have suggested raising the age limit for military reservists to 65 as the parties set to form the new Finnish government continue with their negotiations.
Under current legislation, enlisted personnel remain in the reserves until 50 and officers until they turn 60.
Finland’s NATO membership and the need to have more experienced personnel in the ranks domestically and abroad were cited as reasons for the proposal.
Another reason cited was that people are now more physically capable the longer they live – though every person’s ability would be dealt with individually.
The information is based on documents Helsingin Sanomat acquired from the military’s Defence Command.
The Finnish Reservists’ Association, long in favour of raising the age limit, welcomed the Defence Forces’ proposal.
Fear of war has recently increased among Finns, a survey by the Emergency Services Academy Finland published on Monday reads.
Compared to the previous survey published three years ago, around 30% of people now believe aggression against their country to be possible, an increase of 15% from 2020.
(Pekka Vänttinen | EURACTIV.com)
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