A record number of reservists participated in training exercises in Finland last year, the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) announced in a press release on Monday.
In its release, the FDF noted that training events for the reserve increased significantly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. A total of 50,000 people participated in some form of defence training, either as part of refresher exercises or voluntary training, throughout 2022.
Some 30,000 reservists took part in refresher exercises last year, and around 8,400 in voluntary exercises organised by the FDF.
The popularity of the volunteer courses organised by the National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK) almost doubled. Around 17,000 people took part in these courses.
"An efficient reserve is the foundation of Finland's defence, and refresher training is a key part of military service. It can therefore be said that the reserve has responded excellently to the call to participate in national defence. The increased number of refresher training exercises has also demanded a lot from the personnel," said Colonel Kari Pietiläinen, Training Division Commander at FDF Command.
More defence exercises were organised last year than in 2021, and the FDF aims to increase the number of exercises in the future.
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