Poland, Norway, And Finland Have Launched Programs To Train Reservists For A Possible War With Russia

• 4.11.2026, 15:17

Citizens are being trained to fight in urban environments, operate drones, and provide aid to the wounded.

Norway, Finland, and Poland are expanding their civilian military training programs amid the threat from Russia. Citizens are being taught how to handle weapons, engage in urban combat, operate drones, and provide first aid to the wounded, according to the newspaper Bild.

In Norway, this year has been declared the “Year of Total Defense.” According to this concept, not only the military but also government agencies, businesses, and the general public must participate in the country’s defense. The National Guard (Heimevernet) numbers more than 40,000 people—nearly twice as many as in the regular army (23,000). Among the reservists are lawyers, electricians, bankers, insurance agents, and farmers. Many of them take time off from work once a year to attend military training exercises. In September, Oslo hosted this year’s largest National Guard exercises, in which about 5,000 armed reservists participated. “We stand in the Russians’ way,” said the country’s former prime minister Erna Solberg in an interview with SZ. Norway shares a border with Russia that is nearly 200 kilometers long.

In Finland, 45,000 reservists now undergo training annually. They practice urban combat, the use of drones, and providing medical aid on the battlefield. Voluntary courses on weapons handling and first aid are organized for civilians. On September 2–3, more than 2,000 people took part in civil defense exercises in the city of Kuopio, during which they practiced responses to cyberattacks, power outages, and the threat of missile strikes.

Poland has several civilian military training programs in place. One of them is “On Standby,” which offers weekend classes on the basics of military operations and evacuation. In the first few weeks after the program’s launch in 2025, about 18,000 people signed up for the courses. Under another program—“Train with the Army”—classes are taught by military personnel. Volunteers are taught how to handle weapons, throw training grenades, and other military skills. In some cities, there were so many applicants that waiting lists had to be created. The basics of military affairs are also taught in Polish schools. Teenagers are taught how to administer first aid, survive in extreme conditions, and respond during an armed conflict. Rifle training begins at age 14.