The meaning of Sisu | 🇫🇮 Finnish conscripts of the Jaeger Brigade

Sisu is a special word in Finnish culture. While its exact definition can vary, for most it means determination and composure in the face of adversity.

For the conscripts of the Finnish Army’s Jaeger Brigade, stationed in the vast forests of Finnish Lapland, sisu is crucial. Without it, they’d find it hard to endure the freezing temperatures and austere landscapes of the Nordic Arctic. We take a look at this uniquely demanding job and the spirit of sisu of our Finnish Ally.

Finland relies on a conscription-based military system, requiring all men aged 18 to 60 to complete military service, while women have the option to volunteer. Each year, around 21,000 conscripts complete their military training in Finland. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this number has increased – the rise largely driven by female volunteers – and Finland made the historic decision to abandon military neutrality and subsequently joined NATO in April 2023.

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[comcamheinonen]

What an incredible video. As someone who trains conscripts in the Finnish Defence Forces, I can say from firsthand experience that I am proud to work with some of the most resilient, determined, and persevering young individuals. Seeing their attitude towards training to fight for our independence if needs be, fills me with hope for the future generation. 🇫🇮

[jonekone]

What many nations don't seem to understand is that having a good conscription system also works as a glue for society. Its not only about military capability, its about having something in common with your fellow citizens. Knowing that even with political differences, at the end of the day we all would fight on the same side. Any struggling democracy should implement some form of conscripcy.

[dondzik]

"We have good life. We need to protect it." It's so reassuring to hear it from someone this young. Respect from Poland!

[tomw]

"I have a good live. I'm here to protect it". Very good. We should think about this more often.

[hamcheeselettucemayosandwich]

Thanks to Finland, just for being there. Brave nation

[tikiman]

Greetings from Lithuania. Finland is such an inspiration. It's good to be allies with such exceptional nation. Especially in times like now.

[ZappyZap-dubo]

Im Swedish, served in the Swedish army 96-97, i was also up north in the arctic. We did some joint excercises with the Finns and what i loves about them was the sense of humor in tough times. We also had the no food and no sleep things in our times and i remember finns and swedes ofc too, joking about how bad it was but in a sense that lifted the morale and made us all smile instead fo nagging and complaining. Great friends and great warriors.

[grumpyfinn]

finnish american dual citizen in finland did my service in Pori 01/01, live on an island in south finland, the winter is a struggle everyday, no ferry or bridge here, been through the ice 6 times in 6 years
ei ikinä enää yksin... never again alone

[glennbrymer]

73 year old U.S Army retired disabled veteran here. I Salute you young soldiers. You are warriors protecting your country. You make my warriors heart sing, listening to your Honor.
Your country is in good hands.

[puolustusvoimat]

Amazing video! Thank you for highlighting the determination and resilience of our conscripts. Sisu is at the core of Finnish culture in general, and it’s great to have it recognised on an international level. And the Lapland scenery — truly impossible to grow tired of! 🤩

[mrcanoe]

Thank you Finland, for all you are, all you have done, and all you continue to do. Much respect - from Canada.

[Tomasz_Sator]

I'm grateful that we're on the same side. Thank you 🇵🇱🤝🇫🇮

[dima.slavyanin.Iab]

I have always admired the Finns, a strong and intelligent people who love their country. Greetings from Serbia.

[riderr]

Very proud of Finland. Big respect from PL

[eriksoderstrom]

Thank you Finnish brothers and sisters! Proud to be your neighbor 🇸🇪❤🇫🇮❤🇺🇦

[walterkilgour]

From a small island at the bottom of the pacific ocean, we are all very aware of the Finnish People. We are all very aware of your history, and we are very proud to have people of your blood lines, in New Zealand.

[KalleKson]

Thank you Finland. As a swede, you make me sleep well at night.

[ThumperH]

So happy to finally have Finland in NATO. They are brave, skilled and resolute. We are lucky to have them on our side. From a retired Soldier in the US. Thank you Finland 🇫🇮

[DekesDiveClub]

I grew up in the northwoods of MN and had some friends who's parents spoke Finnish at home. They taught us about Sisu and saunas!

[paaministeri]

”Meiltä voi kyllä vaatia, mutta meiltä voi olla paha tulla mitään ottamahan”