Recruits to swear military oath in mid- Aug

Recruits who started their military service in February this year contingent will swear the military oath or give the affirmation in mid-August, said Finnish Defence Forces in a press release on Wednesday.

Oath and affirmation ceremonies mark the end of the six-week basic training phase.

In the traditional oath and affirmation giving ceremonies, recruits vow to defend their country, and are then promoted into a private rank.

Conscripts can choose, according to their convictions, whether they wish to swear the oath or give the affirmation.

The military oath is a highly valued tradition in the Finnish Defence Forces. Recruits taking the oath vow to serve their fatherland honestly and to their best ability and to defend its inviolability.

The military affirmation by one’s honour and one’s conscience is a religiously neutral way of making the solemn promise.

Audience is warmly welcome to attend the ceremonies.

According to Assistant Chief of Staff J7 Training, Brigadier General Manu Tuominen, training of recruits who started their military service on 8 July 2024 has got off to a good start.

Tuominen encouraged recruits to hold on to their vigour and to support one another.

“The new recruits have been in the service for only a few weeks now, but there is a lot of excitement and commitment to training to be seen already. Of course, a new daily routine may feel strange at first, and it takes time to get used to it. Recruits’ obvious determination and cooperation already at this early stage help them adjust to the military routine and push them forward at all times. Support one another and especially those who need some extra boost,” said the Brigadier General.