2022
Government proposal on amendments to voluntary national defence training to Parliament
On 25 May 2022, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on amending the Act on Voluntary National Defence and the Firearms Act. The working group set up to prepare the matter submitted its report to the Ministry of Defence on Monday 23 May 2022. The working group’s report was unanimous.
The purpose of the amendments is to enable a more extensive use of firearms, firearm components and cartridges of the Defence Forces and the Border Guard, when used in firearms training, organised by the National Defence Training Association that serves military preparedness. The Government proposes that blank cartridges for the Defence Forces assault rifles as well as training munitions for anti-aircraft machine guns and light mortar launchers can be used in the training. The goal is to provide a more diverse firearms training.
The amendments would allow the National Defence Training Association to send participants to take part in military training organised by foreign armed forces and international organisations. In addition, the provisions pertaining to training organised by the National Defence Training Association abroad would be specified.
It is proposed that the legislative proposals enter into force in July.
As there has been a sharp increase in interest in voluntary national defence training, the need for efficient and diverse shooting practice as an important part of this training has grown. A further purpose of the amendments is to expand opportunities for voluntary exercises in national defence skills as soon as possible.
Inquiries: Timo Tuurihalme, Senior Officer for Legal Affairs, chair of the working group and presenting officer for the Government proposal, tel. +358 295 140119.