Finland proposes overhaul of alternative civilian service system

Finland's government has proposed significant changes to the law governing alternative civilian service, aiming to tie it more closely to the country's crisis and emergency preparedness system, broadcaster Yle reports.

The key change would allow people who have already completed alternative civilian service to be called up for refresher training sessions during emergency conditions — a completely new provision. Labour Minister Matias Marttinen said that given the current international situation, it is important for former civilian-service participants to have a chance to refresh their skills and capabilities. The training sessions would focus on comprehensive security, crisis readiness and supply reliability.

Deployment in emergencies

Under the proposal, people in the alternative civilian service reserve could, by decision of the president, be deployed to assist authorities in non-military emergencies for up to two weeks. Marttinen cited examples such as major accidents, floods, oil spills, forest fires and civil protection tasks.

Finnish authorities also want to make it mandatory to factor alternative civilian service personnel into crisis-preparedness planning. Such people could be assigned tasks in areas including social services, healthcare and municipalities.

Longer training period

The training period for alternative civilian service in Finland would be extended from a minimum of four weeks to at least five. In addition, once the law changes take effect, it will become possible to switch from alternative civilian service to compulsory military service within seven days.