Finnish army recruits adapt to military life during first combat drills

Five weeks into their military service, recruits at the Santahamina training base are experiencing their first combat drills. Among them is Petteri Rimpinen, a 20-year-old ice hockey goalie for Kiekko-Espoo, who is now leading a three-person team in simulated combat scenarios.

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There's been a good vibe. We have a good team together, and today especially is a really fun day.

Rimpinen, accustomed to the hockey rink, finds himself in a new world, learning numerous new skills and adapting to the demands of military life. He describes the experience as "completely different from home," noting the structured environment where even making the bed requires discipline. Despite initial challenges with sleep in the barracks and during field exercises, he reports that he and his fellow recruits have adapted well, often catching up on rest during breaks.

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Even though you knew what you were getting into, this is a bit different from home. The whole thing is different, like when you make the beds, and there's little time.

Recruits like Aatos Koivu also find the rapid learning curve surprising. "What's been most surprising here is how quickly I've learned a lot of things I might not have thought I'd ever learn," Koivu stated. He mentioned that the long marches have been particularly taxing. Despite the visible fatigue, often described as "soldierly" weariness, the recruits express a positive sentiment about their experience, highlighting the good camaraderie and the fun they are having during training. The exercises, which involve simulated enemy engagement and require maintaining composure under pressure, are pushing the young athletes to their physical and mental limits.

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What's been most surprising here is how quickly I've learned a lot of things I might not have thought I'd ever learn.