Karelia Brigade

Karelia Brigade is the largest brigade-level unit in the Army and it contains all of the branches of the Army. The main task of the Brigade is training wartime troops for the Finnish Defence Forces. The Commanding Officer of the Brigade is Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo.

Karelia Brigade trains approx. 4 000 conscripts every year. This readiness formation employs approximately 600 salaried personnel, out of which one third are civilians.

Karelia Brigade's Organisation and History

Karelia Brigade consists of 6 battalions or regiments: Kymi Jaeger Battalion, Karelia Artillery Regiment, Salpausselkä Air Defence Battalion, Kymi Engineer Battalion, East Finland Signal Battalion and Karelia Logistics Battalion. The organisation also includes the Brigade Headquarters, and the South Savo and Southeast Regional Offices under the direct command of the Brigade Deputy Commander.

Regional Offices of Karelia Brigade

The South Savo Regional Office in Mikkeli is responsible for matters relating to military service and conscription of those living in its area both before and after military service, including call-ups and administrative decisions such as change of service location, deferment, as well as reservist matters.

The Southeast Regional Office in Kouvola is responsible for matters relating to military service and conscription of those living in its area both before and after military service, including call-ups and administrative decisions such as change of service location, deferment, as well as reservist matters.