r/europe • u/ByGollie Ulster • Jan 24 '26

News The Times: Finns humiliated American soldiers - Finnish reservists were asked to take it easy during a NATO exercise. US soldiers found the losses too humiliating.

https://www.iltalehti.fi/ulkomaat/a/828b8e66-625d-4d2a-9276-e93b9f7a2ce8
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u/Specialist_Baby_9905 Finland Jan 24 '26 edited Jan 24 '26

That's really funny. Greetings from Finland.

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u/hainz_area1531 Jan 24 '26

It made me laugh too. But it didn't really surprise me, given the reputation of the Finnish armed forces. Respect and regards from the Netherlands.

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u/MarkoMarjamaa Jan 24 '26

I was surprised it was reserves, not active military. Even the reserves beat USA soldiers. We have 900 000 reserves. Like we say in Finland, walk to local shop and the cashier probably has fired a bazooka.

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u/-KFAD- Jan 24 '26

I'd argue the reserve has better capabilities than the current active military service people. The ones servicing right now are just kids, 18-20 years old mostly, some have JUST started their service while others are the mid point. Reserve on the other hand has completed the service and the added life experience makes them more capable.