Finland’s first reservist organisation

A century of service and fellowship ​

Our association was founded on the 3rd of December 1925 at the Katajanokka Casino in Helsinki, under its original name, Reserviupseerikerho. As Finland’s first reservist association, it helped lay the foundations for the country’s organised reserve officer movement.

We celebrated our centenary in 2025, with events continuing into January 2026. The programme included a discussion on the future of Finland’s reserves at the Finnish Parliament, an anniversary meeting at our original founding venue and a centenary gala.

Today, KHRU is a member association of the Finnish Reserve Officers’ Federation and the Helsinki Reserve Officers’ District. Our activities bring together members with different military backgrounds, civilian professions and levels of experience.

Practical training and shooting sports ​

Shooting is one of our most popular activities. We offer regular range sessions in Helsinki and Espoo, alongside shooting camps and competitions.

Our Töölö range sessions provide an accessible introduction to safe firearms handling and shooting fundamentals. New participants can receive instruction from the basics, while more experienced members have opportunities to maintain and develop their skills.

SRA (sovellettu reserviläisammunta, applied reservist shooting) is a Finnish action shooting sport focused on weapons skills useful for military reservists. Its stages are built around imaginary combat situations with multiple targets, and scoring emphasises speed and accuracy (more in Finnish). For members who have completed the required training, our SRA sessions at Omega Center in Espoo offer exercises and competition practice.

Our annual Padasjoki shooting camp combines a weekend of shooting, training and time together. It welcomes both newcomers and experienced shooters and has a long tradition of participation by our Estonian partners. Winter Camp adds opportunities to practise and compete in winter conditions.

Participation requirements vary by activity. Please contact us in advance for details about registration, equipment and any required qualifications.

Host Nation Support and allied cooperation ​

One of our key areas of activity is Host Nation Support (HNS), particularly the reception, staging and onward movement of visiting forces, known as RSOM.

KHRU contributes to RSOM training in the Helsinki metropolitan area, including basic courses organised through the National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK). Our members are also involved in reception activities through the RSOM pool.

This work draws on both military and civilian expertise. Language skills, coordination, project management and experience in international environments are valuable assets. It also offers experienced reserve officers a way to contribute their skills alongside other reserve commitments.

Through training and participation, we help our members develop the capabilities needed to support cooperation with Finland’s allies.

International partnerships ​

International cooperation is a longstanding part of KHRU’s activities.

We maintain close ties with Eesti Reservohvitseride Kogu (EROK), the Estonian reserve officers’ association, and the Tallinn district of the Estonian Defence League, Kaitseliit. These relationships include reciprocal visits, shooting events, training and opportunities to exchange experience.

Our members also participate in events and training within the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR). Visits to NATO headquarters and organisations working in European crisis management have provided further opportunities to learn from international partners.

We value the friendships that grow through this cooperation as much as the professional knowledge it brings.

Lectures, discussions and heritage ​

Our lectures and discussion events explore national defence, security policy, military history and current developments. They give members opportunities to hear from experts, ask questions and exchange views with fellow reserve officers.

Preserving our heritage is another important part of our work. We maintain the history and archives of the association, honour the contributions of earlier generations and keep alive the traditions of all the reserve officers’ associations that have merged into KHRU over the years.

For us, this history provides continuity: it connects today’s members with a century of voluntary commitment to Finland’s defence.

Membership and contact ​

Membership is open to people who have completed officer training in Finland, regardless of where they live. Applications are submitted through the Finnish Reserve Officers’ Federation and approved by the association’s board.

If you would like to learn more about KHRU, discuss cooperation or enquire about a visit, please get in touch. Our website is mainly in Finnish, but you are welcome to contact us in English.