Feb 25 2024
Behind the Uniform - Meet Finnish Major Hanne Maria Kiiskinen
Meet Finnish Major Hanne Maria Kiiskinen. We asked her questions about who she is, her military career and what she will be doing during exercise Brilliant Jump 2024.
1. Where are you from?
Finland
2. How long have you been in the military?
I did my conscript service in 2004 and stayed on, so 20 years now.
3. Why did you join?
I wanted to give back something to my country. I felt I needed to contribute the best I can if Finland would ever have to face war again.
4. Have you deployed before, either on a NATO exercise or other mission?
I have been one a few NATO exercises since I was assigned to NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in Gloucester, United Kingdom in September 2023. I have also deployed on a UN Mission to Lebanon in 2015.
5. What is your job in the military and during this exercise?
At the ARRC, I work as a Staff Officer in the Operations Branch. During exercise Brilliant Jump I am part of the Forward Coordination element.
6. What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy my time with my dog Simo. I also do CrossFit, road bike and ski whenever possible.
7. What is the best thing about being in the military?
The feeling of doing something that has a clear purpose. Contributing to making the world a safer place for everyone. I like the clear command structure in the military and I appreciate the shared values and team spirit amongst soldiers and officers from different nations. In the military you get to challenge yourself in many ways and you get to learn something new every day.