1. The Finnish Reservists’ Union (RES) RESERVILÄISLIITTO - Reservin Aliupseerien Liitto ry Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

2. The Finnish Reservists’ Union Finland is the promised land for associations – There exists a vast number of associations, societies & clubs for every conceivable purpose. Voluntary defence work is the subject of a large number of associations. RES is the largest of the voluntary defence organizations. Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

3. The Finnish Reservists’ Union What is it? RES is a union consisting of 358 local associations. Its purpose is to perform voluntary defence work, support the Finnish Defence Forces and the national defence readiness. Main activities: shooting, athletics & field activities, fostering the defence will. Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

4. The Finnish Reservists’ Union Membership In principle any Finnish citizen, at least 18 years of age, can join the local associations. The actual requirements vary from one local association to another and usually male candidates are required to have performed their national service. All members have to pay an annual membership fee. Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

5. The Finnish Reservists’ Union Established April 17,1955 1955-1995 the Reserve NCO’s Union. Due to new statutes adopted in 1995, allowing for a wider membership, the number of members has steadily increased. Several new associations, some especially for female members. Women make up some 5 % of the total membership. Most of them have not performed any military service. Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

6. The Finnish Reservists’ Union In figures 38 000 individual members » 32.000 Reserviläisliitto » 6.000associated members: The ”Finnish Blue Berets’ Union” 18 regional districts 358 local associations » Approx. 190 reservist assns » Approx. 110 open-membership assns » More than 50 reserve NCO assns » 4 female assns Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

7. The Finnish Reservists’ Union Economy Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003 Annual Net Budget 350.000 € Members, fees & donations c. 190.000 € or 52 % Support from diverse foundations 92.000 € or 25,2 % Own fund raising c. 53.000 € or 14,5 % MoD c. 20.000 € or 5,5 % Annuities etc. c. 10.000 € or 2,7 %

8. What does The Finnish Reservists’ Union offer its members? The membership fee is between 15 – 40€ per year The membership fee entitles to the following benefits:  The activities and services of the member’s own local assn  The national Reserviläinen-magazine 8 issues per year  The regional district bulletin  The www.reservilaisliitto.fi servicewww.reservilaisliitto.fi  Shopping possibilities (incl. mail order) in the MPY Shop  Insurance benefits  Bank loan benefit  Fuel benefits Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

9. The Finnish Reservists’ Union Activities Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003 The member associations typically provide:  Shooting training  Sports events  Field activities  Meetings, Presentations, Excursions  Ideological and traditional activities: Honour Guards, Parades National Defence Day Festivities War Veteran Services

10. The Finnish Reservists’ Union Sports The member associations arrange a wide variety of sporting events. They include  Shooting  Skiing  Cross-Country Orienteering  All-Terrain Marches  Field Exercises National Competitions are arranged by the Reservists’ Sports Association Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

11. The Finnish Reservists’ Union Training activities Voluntary defence training was by law not allowed until 1990. RES has since then been one of the main partners actively involved in developing training activities. The organizations involved have formed the National Defence Training Association (MPK). Members of RES and other organizations provide a large part of the instructors for MPK. Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

12. Local Voluntary Units Voluntary Defence Organizations in Finland FROFRES Defence Guilds Women’s Readiness Union Others Finnish Defence Forces Voluntary Refresher Training Compulsory Refresher Training Own Association District Courses Reservists’ Sports Association National Defence Training Association (MPK) Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

13. The Finnish Reservists’ Union The Coming Years… Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003 Preparations for 50th anniversary in 2005 Projects & events; finances Staff planning Continuity, field work Training of the reserve Sufficient refresher training (FDF) New training systems Local defence system Supporting the local assns Sufficient material support Training of assn leadership & caring for basics Renewal of our concept Open membership, ”a union for the whole people” Modern forms of activities Supporting the veterans

14. The Finnish Reservists’ Union International Contacts RES has contacts with:  Estonia  Sweden  Denmark  Russia  AESOR Visits, information exchange, ceremonial events, training, sports Some local associations and regional districts also have international contacts Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003

15. Thank you for your interest! More information available on www.reservilaisliitto.fi Schleswig, 28.-30.3.2003 The Finnish Reservists’ Union