Finnish Defence Forces investigate conscripts for vandalising traffic signs in Salo
Five conscripts are under investigation after damaging roadside signs in Perniö, Salo, on Sunday evening. The incident, first reported by MTV, has drawn condemnation from the Finnish Defence Forces.
A witness told Iltalehti that the conscripts were seen dancing on a car before kicking and throwing at least two traffic signs between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The witness initially thought the group was attempting to repair a damaged sign but realised they were deliberately destroying property when one of them began filming the incident.
"What confused me the most in this situation was that cars kept passing by the conscripts, and they didn’t slow down at all while breaking the traffic signs," the witness said. The group remained at the scene for 15–30 minutes, and the witness speculated they may have been from the nearby Dragsvik garrison, part of the Uusimaa Brigade.
The Defence Forces confirmed to MTV that the matter is being investigated. "The actions visible in the video and photos are unacceptable and clearly against the Defence Forces’ regulations," a representative stated. While the conscripts’ unit could not be identified from the footage, the activity likely occurred during off-duty hours.
This incident follows a separate controversy in April, when conscripts from the Air Warfare School’s reserve officer course used training flights to "draw" shapes resembling male genitalia on Flightradar. The Air Force Headquarters confirmed at the time that those involved faced consequences for their actions (Ilta-Sanomat).
Finland’s next intake of conscripts is scheduled for July, with approximately 9,500 having started their service in Army units in January.