The Finnish government is proposing to raise the age limit for military reservists to 65, a change that would significantly affect rank-and-file soldiers, who currently leave the reserves at 50.
The reform would also apply to non-commissioned officers and officers, whose current cutoff is 60. However, the new age limit would only apply to those born in 1966 or later—meaning it would not affect anyone already in their sixties.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen of the National Coalition Party said the change was essential to strengthen Finland’s defence. “It’s not enough to invest in equipment—major fighter jet procurements and army reforms—we also need Finnish citizens to participate,” he told Yle.
The government estimates the reform would expand the reserve by around 125,000 people. By 2031, Finland’s total reserve force is expected to reach about one million.
The proposal would also make it possible to assign refresher training to conscripts aged 50 to 65 with wartime duties, although officials do not expect a major increase in the number of training exercises.
The Defence Ministry has said it does not expect the age hike to trigger resignations from the reserve.
The proposal is now in a consultation phase until June, with the government planning to submit it to Parliament before the summer recess.
