29th ID Participates in Warfighter Exercise in Finland

Why It Matters

The drill sharpens NATO interoperability and showcases the Virginia Guard’s role in expanding partner capacity, reinforcing collective defense in the Baltic region.

Key Takeaways

• Virginia Guard integrated with Finnish 4th Army Corps
• Exercise enhanced NATO interoperability and joint readiness
• Partnership built since 2024 under State Partnership Program
• Participants observed tactical field operations and cultural exchange
• Networking dinner fostered senior staff relationships

Pulse Analysis

The State Partnership Program (SPP) has become a cornerstone of U.S. security cooperation, pairing individual U.S. states with foreign nations to build enduring military ties. Virginia’s partnership with Finland, formalized in 2024, reflects a strategic pivot toward the Baltic Sea’s security environment, where Russian activity has heightened the need for robust allied collaboration. By embedding National Guard personnel within Finnish command structures, the SPP creates a conduit for shared doctrine, joint planning, and reciprocal training that extends beyond ad‑hoc exercises.

Operation Karelian Spear served as a practical testbed for these concepts, simulating a full‑scale warfighter scenario that required seamless coordination among multiple NATO forces. The 29th Infantry Division’s headquarters staff operated alongside the Finnish 4th Army Corps, contributing to functional cell planning, command‑and‑control simulations, and real‑time decision‑making. This integration not only validated communication protocols but also exposed gaps in joint tactics, techniques, and procedures, prompting immediate after‑action reviews that will inform future multinational drills.

Looking ahead, the experience gained in Finland positions the Virginia National Guard to lead similar engagements across Europe, enhancing collective deterrence and readiness. The cultural immersion and senior‑level networking further cement trust, ensuring that future operations can transition from tabletop planning to kinetic execution with minimal friction. As NATO continues to emphasize forward presence, exercises like Karelian Spear underscore the value of state‑level contributions to a resilient, interoperable alliance.

29th ID Participates in Warfighter Exercise in Finland

By Mike Vrabel · Virginia National Guard · January 21, 2026

KOUVOLA, Finland – Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir‑based 29th Infantry Division Headquarters participated in the Finnish training exercise Operation Karelian Spear (Nov. 28 – Dec. 4, 2025).

The training, featuring the Finnish Karelian Brigade and other members of the Finnish Army Headquarters, as well as other foreign partners, was conducted in support of the State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Finland have been formal partners since 2024.

The training brought together military personnel from multiple NATO nations alongside the Virginia Army National Guard. Over the course of the week, participants supported warfighting functional cells during a simulated warfighting training exercise. The VaARNG personnel also observed tactical troops in a field environment linked with the exercise.

The 29th contingent was directly integrated within the Finnish 4th Army Corps Headquarters as they simulated a Warfighter Exercise, supporting current and future operations.

“This was an excellent opportunity to evaluate our critical path and execution of operations against a partner’s, enabling us both to grow and learn,” said Lt. Col. William Pearson.

“What a great opportunity to enhance interoperability and exchange best practices with a partnering nation,” added Sgt. 1st Class David Granfield.

In addition to tactical training, the Virginia Soldiers gained insight into Finnish military culture and practices, concluding the week with a networking dinner with the senior headquarters staff.

Karelian Spear reflects the ongoing partnership between the Virginia National Guard and Finnish Defense Forces, building on past exchanges such as Arctic Forge, Karelian Sword, and marksmanship competitions. These efforts highlight the Virginia Guard’s role in strengthening partner capacity, professional development, and joint readiness.