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Defence Ministry prepares legislation to increase age limit for reservists

Under the proposal, the upper age limit would be raised from 60 to 65 years for reservists in the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF).

A group of reservists looking at a map in a forest.
The proposal will increase the upper age limit of reservists from 60 to 65. Image: Lukas Nikkari / Puolustusvoimat
Yle News

The Finnish Ministry of Defence has begun drafting a legislative proposal to increase the upper age limit for reservists.

According to the ministry, the proposal aims to ensure the availability of key reservists for national defence roles.

The legislation is expected to be submitted to Parliament during the upcoming spring session.

"Finns' high level of commitment to national defence is reflected in a growing interest in participating in national defence even after the age of 60. It is precisely the reservists themselves who have called for the age limit to be raised. It is with great pleasure that we can take this change forward," said Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP) in a press release.

Under the proposed changes, the age limit for reservists would be raised to 65. Currently, officers and non-commissioned officers remain in the reserve until the age of 60, while enlisted personnel are discharged at 50.