The Officer’s Path Podcast 

What does an officer’s career look like in the increasingly international operating environment, and how do officers prepare for future challenges? In the Officer’s Path Podcast, produced by the Finnish National Defence University, Finnish officers and their colleagues from other NATO member states compare their education and career paths, while reflecting on the international aspects of their careers.

As the security environment in Europe undergoes significant changes, Finland's conscription system and the high-quality education of Finnish professional soldiers – both in military and academic terms – are drawing growing international attention. The four episodes in the Officer's Path Podcast series open a window into the specific characteristics of the Finnish officer education. It also offers listeners a look into how officers’ careers are progressing and becoming more international due to increasing international cooperation.

In addition to Military Sciences Research, the Finnish National Defence University offers high-quality teaching across three degree levels. At present, it is the only European military university where a student can complete a degree all the way from bachelors to PhD. 

This podcast is available through the National Defence University's Sotataidon ytimessä podcast feed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other popular podcast platforms.  

Below, the four episodes in order of release.

Life of a Cadet in Finland, Sweden and Norway 

In the first episode, Finnish Officer Cadet Juhani Juujärvi is joined by Officer Cadet Annie Kjellberg from Sweden and Officer Cadet Tarjei Torgensen from Norway. They delve into their personal motivations for pursuing a career in the military, the similarities and differences of the military academies in Finland, Sweden and Norway and share their thoughts on national defence and security.

Spotify: Listen here

What Does It Take to Become a Master of Military Sciences?

In the second episode, Finnish First Lieutenants Jaakko Vilander and Jori Tyni discuss what it takes to become a Master of Military Sciences in Finland, and what kind of opportunities will the academic degree open for their future careers. In addition, the officers share their experiences from working with Allied colleagues and ponder how do the foreign officers’ career paths differ from theirs.

Spotify: Listen here

Crafting a Future as a General Staff Officer 

In the third episode, Finnish Lieutenant Senior Grade Ilkka Soininen is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Ruud Statucki from the Netherlands. In this episode, they discuss how they both ended up studying on the Norwegian Command and Staff Course in Oslo. The officers talk about adapting to working with other nationalities and cultures and reflect on how the changing security environment in Europe has affected the way they see international cooperation.

To be released on 9 October 2024

Internationalization of Officers’ Careers 

In the final episode Finnish Lieutenant Colonel Marko Palokangas is joined by Colonel Petteri 
Kajanmaa from Finland and Navy Captain Kalevi Wikström from Sweden to share their personal experiences and observations on the internationalization of officers’ careers. In addition, the officers examine the importance of bilateral cooperation between Finland and Sweden, as well as the new demands placed on officers’ skills and knowledge amidst the fundamental shifts in the European security landscape.

To be released on 16 October 2024