Platoon Leader, 2nd Lieutenant

The Finnish Defence Forces (Puolustusvoimat) is Finland's military organization responsible for national defense, with Nylands Brigad being a specialized coastal defense unit that trains marine commandos for amphibious and coastal operations.

During my service with Nylands Brigad, I underwent an intensive transformation from recruit to commissioned officer, culminating in a leadership role within one of Finland's most demanding military units.

Training and Selection: The journey began with rigorous screening processes designed to identify candidates capable of handling the responsibilities and demands of marine commando leadership. These evaluations tested not only physical capabilities but also mental resilience, decision-making under pressure, and leadership potential in high-stress environments.

Leadership Development: Upon successful completion of the selection process and associated training, I was commissioned as a platoon leader and entrusted with command responsibilities. This role demanded organizational skills and stress resilience, developed through intensive military training that simulated real-world operational pressures. The experience taught me to maintain clear thinking and effective decision-making even under challenging circumstances.

Command Responsibilities: My duties encompassed both garrison and field operations, requiring adaptability between different operational contexts. In day-to-day garrison duties, I was responsible for the command and welfare of 150 soldiers, managing everything from training schedules to personnel development. During field operations, I led a specialized unit of 30 soldiers in tactical scenarios, where coordination and split-second decision-making were essential for mission success and personnel safety.

This experience fundamentally shaped my approach to leadership, teaching me the importance of clear communication, decisive action, and maintaining team cohesion under pressure.