Since the beginning of this year, the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) have been testing the new M23 combat uniform in northern units of Lapland. The kit includes new underwear designed for both men and women, including bras.
"We have been waiting 30 years for the army to introduce underwear designed for women," said Elina Riutta, head of the Conscript Union of Finland.
"This is a very welcome and much needed reform," Riutta told Yle.
Voluntary military service for women began in 1995. Unlike their male counterparts, female service members are not conscripted, but the Conscript Union of Finland also represents female volunteers. Until now, women have had to wear their own undergarments, such as sports bras.
Riutta reached out to women who are currently serving and have used the new combat uniform. Their consensus was that the women's underwear works, but she found that few were actually wearing the issued bras.
"They are not fit for what they are intended for," Riutta said in response to the feedback she has heard.
"The users say that the problem with the bras is that they lack a supportive structure. Sports bras are supposed to be supportive and allow women to do sports, but the military bra is more like a top," said Riutta.
The Defence Forces said that during the course of this year, they will be collecting user feedback on the new uniform through surveys and interviews. According to the Defence Forces, decisions on the future of the uniform will be made next year.
Riutta pointed out that body shapes are all different and for some, a bra closer to a bra top may also work. However, the feedback she has heard suggests that for most people they do not fit.
"Let's hope that they correct them based on the feedback and that it will happen faster than in 30 years," Riutta said.
Wrong sizes and new uniforms
According to her, equipment issues have hampered women's voluntary military service for far too long. For example, the gear is sometimes too big for females. A loose-fitting T-shirt may not be a problem, but an ill-fitting helmet is a safety issue.
"It feels really discriminatory not to be provided with the right size clothes," Riutta told Yle, describing her experience of being provided with the wrong size combat gear.
The new M23 combat uniform was procured in cooperation with Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Following tests, the Norwegian company Oskar Pedersen AS was selected as the supplier.
An article in women's magazine Me Naiset, which first reported on the military's bra, explained that the design requirement for the new combat uniform was similar functionality for both men and women.
However, the new combat uniform's camouflage is the same for everyone. According to the Defence Forces, the suitability of the outerwear will be achieved through a range of sizes, and no separate models for women, men or otherwise different body types have been deemed necessary.
Women paid more to buy underwear and hygiene products
Because the military does not provide women with products they use, such as underwear or menstrual pads, female troops are paid extra daily allowance funds to cover their needs, amounting to 1.50 euros per day.
According to Riutta, this amount may not be enough to cover all the expenses for which it is intended.
Every year, around 1,000 women carry out voluntary military service. Although the conscript union chief said there is a lot of room for improvement regarding women's military service, she is pleased that women will in future receive FDF-issued undergarments.
"This really would make things more equal and make everyday life easier for those who serve," Riutta told Yle.
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