This week, the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF) will host US troops for training around Helsinki.
The Jaeger Regiment of the Finnish Guard on the island of Santahamina began training on Tuesday with a light infantry company from the 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army in Fort Carson, Colorado.
Exercises will be held both at the military installation on the island of Santahamina in Helsinki and in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
The goal of the training is to test and develop the skills of both forces while deepening international cooperation and compatibility.
The training plans were born in May, when the Secretary of Defense Antti Kaikkonen (Center) announced its plans to increase co-operation with NATO countries when Finland applied for membership in the alliance.
Following Russia’s occupation of Ukraine in late February, exercises with NATO members have included naval training and aviation. This week, two British F-35s will take part in the exercises in Eastern Finland.
Soldiers practice urban combat tactics using English as the command language.
Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Jacob Teplesky praised the training and pointed out the differences between the training in the USA and Finland. In addition to the bright night sky, he commented that even opening the doors was different, as US doors usually have round knobs, while Finnish doors usually use handles.
Colonel Asko KopraThe commander of the Guards Regiment of the Guards noted that since the exercises began last Monday, soldiers from both countries have learned from each other.
"Such exercises are a good springboard: we can compare our skills to US skills and take good practice from them into practice. We have something to offer them," Kopra told Yle.
According to Kopra, Finnish soldiers are very motivated when they get to train with soldiers from other countries.
Source: The Nordic Page