Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a promotion and commissioning ceremony for cadets on 26 August 2010

(check against delivery)

I congratulate you on successfully completing the degree of Bachelor of Military Science. I promote cadets with the rank of Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant and appoint cadets accepting commissions to positions as officers and temporary junior officers.

Ensuring Finland's independence and citizens' living conditions has for decades been based on the principle of total defence. Mutual trust and the will to cooperate are factors that create security. Democracy, human rights and the rule of law, financial stability and social justice provide a firm foundation to prepare for exceptional circumstances.

Security is increasingly understood as a broad whole. With internationalization, things that happen elsewhere affect the functioning of our own society. Security can be threatened not only by armed conflicts, but also by extreme poverty, terrorism, contagious diseases, the disruption of functions that are vital to society, such as the distribution of electricity and communications networks, and natural disasters. Responding to these threats takes place through broad social cooperation internationally and nationally. A growing challenge is that, while modern society can be quite sensitive to disturbances, citizens are less willing to endure inconvenience or the restriction of their own freedoms.

The model of total defence built on the Nordic society has proved an effective and natural way for us to operate. In emergencies and unexpected events, society must be able to use all its resources flexibly and rapidly. A timely example is this summer's storms. The Defence Forces have provided help in dealing with the destruction and cleaning up.

This autumn studies concerning society's total preparedness and the development of military and alternate service will be completed. These will probably cause broad civic discussion. This is good, since security concerns everyone and therefore receiving the broadest possible support is also important. Responding to today's threats requires many kinds of expertise and further developing cooperation among different sectors of society is necessary for this reason.

* * *

The possibility of armed conflict or the threat of war have not been eliminated in the modern world. Training conscripts and reservists for Finland's military defence is one of the main tasks of the Defence Forces in peacetime.

You will be responsible for training many young men and women. This is an important and responsible task. Experience during military service - both positive and negative - will influence how they will act as members of society. The training you have received gives you a good starting point to redeem the expectations and requirements placed on you.

According to the information I have received, your course's motivation and success have been on a very high level. In addition some of you have participated in international training in Italy, Austria, Norway, Portugal and Denmark, for example.

In today's global world international contacts and experience are important. They will also support you if you participate in international crisis management tasks.

Finland's objective is to promote peace and security, development and respect for human rights. Participating in crisis management is part of bearing international responsibility, which in addition builds our own security.

Commandant, directors and teachers of the National Defence College,

I thank you for a job well done. The success of these graduates shows that you have also succeeded in your teaching and leadership task and given these young officers the preconditions to perform their demanding job. You have an important task that requires dedication. Through your work you help keep the expertise of personnel in the Defence Forces and Frontier Guard on a high level.

Young officers,

Today you deserve warm congratulations. You have studied successfully and worked hard to reach an important aim in your military career. The day is sure to be unforgettable for you and your loved ones. The support of loved ones is valuable - remember to thank them for it.

I wish all of you success in your demanding tasks.