Special Jaegers
Erikoisjääkärit | |
---|---|
Country | Finland |
Branch | Finnish Army |
Type | Special Forces |
Role | Special operations |
Size | Company |
Garrison/HQ | Utti Jaeger Regiment |
Nickname(s) | EJkr |
Motto(s) | Excelsior |
Engagements | War in Afghanistan |
Special Jaegers (Finnish: Erikoisjääkärit) are the primary professional special operations force of the Finnish Army. They are trained in the Utti Jaeger Regiment.
Role
The purpose of special jaeger training is to maintain and develop the special operations capability of the Army. Personnel are trained for the most demanding special operations in Finland and, when necessary, abroad. The Special Jaeger Battalion of the Utti Jaeger Regiment provides special jaeger training for reserve NCOs, reserve officers and personnel of the Defence Forces. Previously also conscripts were trained to become Special Jaegers but in the mid 2000s the conscript training was limited to paratroopers (long range patrol reconnaissance) and Special Jaeger training for professional special forces operators was officially started. Reservists who have NCO or reserve officer training are eligible to apply for the Special Jaeger course. Previous service in the Utti Jaeger Regiment is not mandatory.