How do reserve systems differ in Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia?

Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia all have conscription, but they differ in who it covers, how long service lasts and how people remain in the reserve. In Finland conscription covers men and women apply as volunteers, in Sweden it covers both men and women, and in Estonia and Latvia it covers men while women can apply to serve voluntarily.

The comparison at a glance

Finland: in the reserve until 65

In Finland, those who complete service move into the reserve. From the start of 2026, reservists born in 1966 or later remain in the reserve until the end of the year they turn 65. Refresher exercises are assigned only to reservists who have a wartime position. The details and sources are in our own guide: How does Finland's reserve work, and who belongs to it?

Sweden: training of up to 15 months

According to the Swedish Armed Forces, conscription applies to both men and women who are Swedish citizens and at least 18 years old. Training lasts 9–15 months: three months of basic military training, followed by role-specific training of up to 12 months. Conscription includes refresher training, readiness service and wartime service in addition to the training. Source: Försvarsmakten, Conscription.

Estonia: the main part of the defence forces is in the reserve

Estonia's Constitution makes service mandatory for all physically and mentally healthy male citizens. In 2026 the service lasts eleven months. Estonian women aged 18–27 can apply to serve at their own request. After service, reservists can be called up for training, and conscripts from the same area serve together in a unit that stays together in the reserve. The Estonian Defence Forces are built on a reserve: the main part of the defence forces is units in the reserve, and about 230,000 people are in the mobilisation register. Sources: Estonian Defence Forces, Conscript service and Reserve Force.

Latvia: 11 months or five years in the National Guard

In Latvia every male citizen serves in the national defence service within a year of turning 18, or, for students, by the age of 24 at the latest. There are three options: 11 months in the National Armed Forces or the National Guard; five years in the National Guard with annual training (at least 21 days of individual training and at most 7 days of collective training a year); or an 11-month civilian defence service on grounds of conscience or religion. Men and women aged 18–27 can apply on a voluntary basis. Source: Latvian Ministry of Defence, State Defence Service.

What to remember from the comparison

• In Sweden conscription covers both men and women. In Finland, Estonia and Latvia it covers men, and women can apply as volunteers.
• Service lengths are of a similar order: 165–347 days in Finland, 11 months in Estonia and Latvia, 9–15 months in Sweden.
• Reserve structures differ. Finland is defined by the age limit and the wartime position, Estonia by territorially formed reserve units, Latvia by the National Guard.
• Rules change, so check the current information on each country's own defence forces pages.

Consumables are often forgotten from packing lists: Consumables are forgotten from kit lists. Garments are made to order: Hoodies.