Finnish and Estonian Special Operations Forces Conscript Units Strengthen Interoperability Through Reciprocal Training Activities
Throughout the year, FINSOF and ESTSOF conscripts have trained in each other’s operational environments, gaining valuable experience and expertise while strengthening interoperability between the units.
Last month, FINSOF conscripts deployed to Estonia, where they trained along their Estonian counterparts. The exercise exposed them to new terrain and threat scenarios, further broadening their experience and adaptability to changing conditions.
The Commader of the FINSOF Parachute Jaeger Company brings up the valuable exercise conditions created by ESTSOF:
„The exercise provided a realistic and up-to-date threat environment for our conscripts. This included extensive use of enemy drones and a strong, well-trained SOF hunter force. The exercise was exactly what was needed at this stage of our parachute jaegers’ training. In addition, the Estonian operating environment was unfamiliar to our conscripts, which in itself presented an additional challenge. “
Back in February, ESTSOF conscripts trained in the demanding winter conditions of Finnish Lapland, developing skills in Arctic operations, survival and mobility in harsh, cold-weather conditions.
The Platoon Commander of the ESTSOF conscripts highlighted the level of FINSOF’s arctic training:
„The training was excellently organized. The instructors' feedback to the soldiers was thoughtful, instructive, and of high quality. The instructors' knowledge and personal experiences were invaluable! The course gave our conscripts the opportunity to learn and practice skiing and get to know their equipment even better. The conscripts, who braved the harsh Northern Finnish winter, are now much more confident, and the next Estonian winters will definitely not be a worry for them.“.
The parachute jaegers, who began their service last July, will muster out this week, along with those who have served for 347 (2/25) and 165 (1/26) days in the special forces support element.
