The basic training phase for the January conscription batch ends with the military oath and military affirmation ceremonies

The conscripts who started military training in January 2026 will swear the military oath or make the military affirmation in mid-February. During the ceremony, the conscripts will be appointed to the crew service rank, after which they will proceed to their training branch phase.

The six-week basic training phase concludes with the military oath and affirmation ceremonies. During basic training, conscripts have learned fundamental soldiering skills and laid the foundation for further training. Conscripts learn the general grounds for military activities, as well as the soldier’s basic skills in survival, protection and security.

Throughout the phase, conscripts have also been taught about their rights and duties as soldiers, as well as the significance of the oath and affirmation. Each conscript has the choice to either swear the oath or make the affirmation.

The beginning of the military oath is as follows: "I promise and swear before Almighty and All-Knowing God to be a loyal and faithful citizen of the Kingdom of Finland. I shall serve my country honestly and, to the best of my ability, seek and promote its benefit and welfare."

The military affirmation is nearly identical, but the promise to serve the country is given in the name of honor and conscience: "I promise and pledge through my honor and conscience to be a loyal and faithful citizen of the Kingdom of Finland. I shall serve my country honestly and, to the best of my ability, seek and promote its benefit and welfare."

With the oath and affirmation ceremonies, conscripts are appointed to the crew service rank. After the basic training phase, the training branch period begins, during which conscripts deepen their knowledge of the essential skills and knowledge required in their respective training branches and gain the ability to use their personal and section-specific weapons or systems in combat situations.

During service, conscripts learn a wide variety of skills, including teamwork, taking responsibility, and problem-solving. These skills are valuable not only in military service but also in other areas of life.

Family Members Are Warmly Welcome to Attend the Ceremonies

Family members of the conscripts are warmly invited to the ceremonies. The military oath and affirmation ceremonies are solemn and communal events that also symbolize the individual's transition into a broader whole. The presence of family members plays a significant role in this new phase of the young person's life.

Depending on the unit, family members may also have the opportunity to visit the garrison, learn about the concscripts' leisure activities, and view the equipment of the Finnist Defence Forces. At the end of the announcement, you will find links to additional information specific to each unit's event schedule. If you are unable to attend, check the additional information to see if there is an option to watch the ceremony via a live stream.

Military oath and military affirmation ceremonies for conscription batch 1/26:

Army

Jaeger Brigade

• Time: 14.2.2026
• Location: Sodankylä and Rovaniemi

Guards Jaeger Regiment

• Time: 13.2.2026
• Location: Helsinki

Kainuu Brigade

• Time: 13.2.2026 and 14.2.2026
• Location: Oulu and Kajaani

Karelian Brigade

• Time: 12. -13.2.2026
• Location: Pahkajärvi

Army School

• Time: 7.2.2026
• Location: Hamina

Armored Brigade

• Time: 12.2.2026
• Location: Parolanummi

Pori Brigade

• Time: 13.2.2026
• Location: Säkylä and Niinisalo

Utti Jaeger Regiment

• Time: 13.2.2026
• Place: Utti

Navy

Coastal Brigade

• Time: 12.2.2026
• Location: Upinniemi

Uusimaa Brigade

• Time: 14.2.2026
• Location: Dragsvik

Air force

Air Force Academy

• Time: 13.2.2026
• Location: Tikkakoski

Karelian Air Force

• Time: 14.2.2026
• Location: Rissala

Satakunta Air Force

• Time: 12.2.202
• Location: Lempäälä

Border Guard

North Karelia Border Guard, Border Jaeger Company

• Time: 14.2.2026
• Location: Joensuu

Border and Coast Guard School, Special Border Guard Company

Coming in the summer

Lapland Border Guard, Border Jaeger Company

• Time: 13.2.2026
• Location: Ivalo