What NATO Can Learn from Finland’s Defense Strategy

https://www.military.com/ ^ | October 6, 2025 | Allen Frazier

[NKP_Vet]

When Finland joined NATO in 2023, the small Nordic nation brought with it one of Europe’s most comprehensive defense systems, built over decades of preparing for the worst along its border with Russia. Instead of a large standing army, Finland relies on universal conscription, a vast trained reserve pool, and a society where everyone has a role in national defense.

As Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo put it in 2025: “By joining NATO, Finland strengthened its own security, but also the stability and security of the whole Alliance. We have over 1,300 kilometers of border with Russia, but we also have a robust national defense capability based on a conscription system, a large and well-trained reserve, and a strong will to defend our country.”

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TOPICS: Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: finland; foreignaffairs; nato; war

[Does so]

“Finland has never been attacked?”
.
Attacked “badly-enough” to welcome the Nazi’s Wehrmacht in defense of Homeland.

[ansel12]

Taiwan needs to learn some of these lessons if they want American help.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Watched it, about as real as The A_Team, but a great guilty pleasure. :)

[nathanbedford]

My point being, all those little countries trying to butch up and wear big boy pants should just stfu and mind their own business...

It is unfortunate, indeed dangerous when historical illiteracy combines with misplaced jingoism to result in neo-isolationism.

The era of American dominance is over; we squandered it. We are now in one of the most dangerous eras to confront our constitutional republic. We are now threatened by an axis that includes the world's largest landmass with a billion brilliant and industrious people whose nation is now our peer in most respects and superior to us in others.

If we are to survive with our culture, Constitution and capitalism intact, we must rid ourselves of this neo-isolationism, avail ourselves of every worthy ally and, above all, drop this fatal arrogance that no one is worthy, that no one could prove a valuable ally to our survival.

[fremont_steve]

Looks like others have educated you. I have a friend who was anLt General in the Finnish defense forces till a couple years ago. We have had long conversations about their history and their military organization. The Finns are tough and tenacious! They were under Russia’s thumn until the early 90s. The term Finlandization was coined to describe that particular hell. The President has to really be approved by the Soviets. They were a western country and had to placate the USSR. That changes when the USSR fell. They are one of the best equipped and capable forces in NATO.

[sit-rep]

well then lets stop paying for the wars and let all chips fall where they may. Cheer leading for NATO to adapt 1939 Finland strategy is just fine!! they can pay for it... they can have their own die in it.

I’m almost dead, so I really dont care what the hell happens. I just tire of these small countries rattling their sabers like a Pomeranian little yapping dog behind the fence...

[sit-rep]

thats fine. and I was indeed educated. but... I stand firm on letting them all pay for their wars themselves instead of the USA paying for it. and, as history proves, when we mention NATO, the is code speak for the USA paying the bills. Granted, Trump is attempting to stop that. but what happens when Trump leaves office??

[nathanbedford]

well then lets stop paying for the wars and let all chips fall where they may. Cheer leading for NATO to adapt 1939 Finland strategy is just fine!! they can pay for it... they can have their own die in it.

I’m almost dead, so I really dont care what the hell happens. I just tire of these small countries rattling their sabers like a Pomeranian little yapping dog behind the fence...

The parade of ignorance continues unabashed.

We don't pay for all the wars, Trump's allegations to that effect concerning Ukraine have been exaggerated and wrong.

Letting "all the chips fall where they may" is a mindless statement and, worse, nihilistic: "I really dont care what the hell happens."

The Finns died for it in the 1939 war and the Ukrainians are dying for it wholesale today. The courage of both these countries is truly remarkable. It is not confined to them nor should it be denigrated.

No small countries have been "rattling their sabers, " indeed, the problem has historically been small countries failing to speak and act aggressively enough. Fortunately, Mr. Putin has done a lot to correct that deficiency and inspire Europe with courage and financial commitment.

Let the land of the brave and the home of the free find the humility to match our courageous history that permits us to arm ourselves with allies and survive.

[chud]

As others have pointed out to you sit-rep, Finland was indeed attacked.

If you'd like to see a good example of Finnish fighting spirit during that time, read about Simo Häyhä, a Finnish sniper known as the "White Death" who took out hundreds of Russians over the course of about 100 days.

[sit-rep]

man you are one self-righteous sob...

the parade of ignorance?

Ukraine is a victim, and cutting my statements in half reeeeeally shows some smarts...

just out of curiosity, who exactly was it who told you you were of a superior mind?

[nathanbedford]

In your blatant ignorance, you are toying with the national security of the nation. In the future, take the time to learn the well-established facts about which you pontificate.