Esteemed Cadets,
I congratulate you on the completion of the Bachelor of Military Sciences degree. I hereby promote all you 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.
We are living through a historical transition in world politics. As power relations change, the world order, familiar to the Global West since the Second World War, is being challenged. At the same time, over the past two years, we have witnessed Russia’s disregard for the rules of the international community in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
When Russia attacked Ukraine, the Finnish nation woke up to the fact that we must ensure our country’s security in the best possible way, also in the new operating environment. Last year, Finland asserted its place in the Western community of values by joining the NATO defence alliance, in addition to our EU membership. Our NATO membership is now a key part of our defence, and our integration with NATO structures is progressing.
In NATO, you could say we are a medium-sized member state. The competence of our armed forces is valued by the Alliance. We will continue to be an active member, and I encourage all professionals of the Defence Forces to continue their determined collaboration for the benefit of the development of our national defence capability as part of the Alliance.
Young officers,
You have graduated to serve our country’s Defence Forces and Border Guard at a time when officers pursue international careers. I encourage you to keep learning and to keep an eye on world politics. A curious attitude to life and a willingness to improve will help you progress in your careers, which, thanks to our NATO membership, will certainly be different from those enjoyed by officers of the previous generations.
Esteemed Rector of the Finnish National Defence University, lecturers and staff,
I would like to thank you for your valuable educational work, which is reflected in the high level of professionalism of the officers of our Defence Forces. As Commander-in-Chief, I have in recent months had the privilege of observing our Defence Forces in action in international exercises. I am proud to say that the level of our military training is second to none. And this is the work that the young officers will carry forward in their first assignments as responsible trainers and role models for conscripts.
Young officers,
I would like to congratulate you on this memorable day as you graduate. I wish you all the best and every success in your future assignments in the service of our country.
