In the United States, the military provides many young men and women opportunities outside of the traditional four-year college plan. It also gives those who want to continue their education the financial help they may need to pursue that education.
In Finland, however, men over the age of 18 are required to serve six months in the Finnish Defense Forces in a military role or for a year in certain non-profit organizations in a civilian role. Two Bradley student-athletes from Finland use their experiences to stand out on and off the playing surface.
Freshman soccer midfielder/defenseman Rasmus Smidtslund said his service helped him adjust to college life better than a typical first-year student.
“It’s like similar surroundings in … a college campus,” Smidtslund said. “We live with other people in the same room, we share bathrooms … that’s like the biggest thing I can take from [my service] to here that has helped me a lot.”
While in the military, Smidtslund served in a more typical defense role training in surveillance and reconnaissance. He said some of his biggest takeaways apply more to how he lives his life.
“It helps with discipline in everyday life like making plans and time management,” Smidtslund said. “Also, in trying as hard as possible … it helps a lot every day.”
Fellow Helsinki native and freshman basketball player Ville Tahvanainen had a bit of a different role. His service allowed him to continue his athletic training with the Finnish national team while also completing part of his military requirement.
“The time we do service … it was basically learning to be a soldier,” Tahvanainen said. “Basically learning how to use a gun, learning how to act as a group … just being a basic soldier.”
Tahvanainen’s entire company was comprised of other athletes, many from different sports. He said that was an environment encouraged training in their respective sports.
“It [gave] us a lot of time to play sports,” Tahvanainen said. “The program was built for the athletes.”
Tahvanainen said he uses the discipline both student-athletes gained through the military.
“Every day in the military you learn a lot of new stuff, like physical stuff, mental stuff,” Tahvanainen said. “Of course we always wake up early … eat healthy … it all affects you as an athlete and as a person too.”
Head men’s basketball coach Brian Wardle said Tahvanainen’s maturity allows him to excel in a team environment.
“He already knows the value of teamwork, he knows the value of sacrifice,” Wardle said. “He takes coaching and he keeps his confidence.”
Tahvanainen graduated high school last April and is of the typical freshman age. On the other hand, Smidtslund turned 20 in December and head soccer coach Jim DeRose said that helps him stand out on the field.
“The first thing that strikes you about him is just the maturity level,” DeRose said. “He’s been through it, he’s just a little bit more seasoned than a traditional freshman would be. He was able to use that … maturity, not just the mental side but the physical side to assert himself pretty quickly … He’s really tactically astute and aware.”
Both athletes are pursuing degrees in the Foster college of business on the Hilltop, with Smitdslund double majoring in management and leadership and business law and Tahvanainen studying marketing.
When it comes to time remaining in their service, Smidtslund served his six months all at once. Tahvanainen, however, has eight weeks remaining in his service that he will fulfill at a later date. His Bradley basketball career will not be affected by the service requirement.
