Esteemed Cadets,
I congratulate you on the completion of your Bachelor of Military Sciences Degree. I hereby promote all cadets holding the rank of Second Lieutenant and Ensign to the rank of Lieutenant and appoint you to the position of an officer or a fixed-term position of a junior officer.
“The Cadet School was born in Finland’s spring of liberty. It adopted the venerable traditions of the Cadet School in Hamina, nurturing and further developing them. It trained young Finnish men seeking a career as officers into warriors for whom the Fatherland meant everything. The honour of the Fatherland and safeguarding its liberty marked out the course of their lives.”
This quote from the Order of the Day of Commander-in-Chief Mannerheim from 1941 encapsulates the deepest purpose of your training, safeguarding the Fatherland. You are embarking on a career as officers to safeguard Finland in a time characterised by uncertainty and conflicts all over the world. Finland’s security environment has been in a state of flux since Russia invaded Ukraine, and this is a change that affects not only us but Europe at large.
While we take care of our defence capability and readiness, we are actively influencing the security of Europe in NATO and in the EU. We continue to work with our allies to bring about peace in Ukraine. In recent times, modern forms of warfare have increasingly made their presence known in our neighbouring areas as Ukraine defends her freedom. Hybrid warfare, sadly, forms part of our security environment. This calls for our excellently prepared Defence Forces to maintain alertness and cool heads.
Young Officers,
By taking your Cadet Oath, you became part of an honourable chain of generations. You pledged to devote your work and your life to the service of your country. That is far more than working from nine to five. Your military career, however, will in many ways be different from those of previous generations. Being part of an alliance, our Defence Forces are more involved in international relations than ever. This translates into new and interesting career opportunities for you. You will have the opportunity to bear Finland’s flag and demonstrate Finnish expertise to your colleagues in our allied and partnership countries. As Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of the expertise of our soldiers, which I have witnessed at first hand while inspecting our troops. In the decades to come, it will be your turn to uphold the reputation of our Defence Forces abroad.
I urge you to maintain a curious and positive attitude to all things new. Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, will have a huge impact on your work, as the Defence Forces develop new capabilities. An open mind and willingness to learn will take you far in your chosen career. I also urge you to maintain your physical condition and stamina. This is important not just for your own wellbeing but also as an example for conscripts in military service.
Esteemed Rector of the Finnish National Defence University, lecturers and staff,
I would like to thank you for the work you do. A professional, competent and committed staff forms the backbone of our national defence. As Commander-in-Chief, I know and trust that you will continue to keep the bar high. Thanks to your excellent work, Finnish military expertise will remain on a par with the best in the world in the decades to come.
Young Officers,
I congratulate you on your achievement. I wish each of you all the best and success in your chosen career. To quote Commander-in-Chief Mannerheim, let the honour of the Fatherland and safeguarding its liberty mark out the course of your lives.
