The Institute Officers Union of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard (Päällystöliitto ry) is a registered association whose members are largely employees of the Ministry of Defence as well as the Ministry for Interior Affairs. The union has 59 joint associations, which represent national defence, border control and international crisis management sections. The union has approximately 5000 members.

The union is a member of AKAVA The Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland. The union is also a member of the European Organisation of Military Associations EUROMIL and also participates in the Nordisk Officers Allians NOA activities.

The union was founded in 1929 as a registered association and was earlier known as the Non-commissioned officers union and before this as the duty officers union.

Excellence in ombudsmanship in since 1929

As a trade union it is the responsibility of the Institute Officers Union of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard to oversee as well as to develop its members financial, legal and social advantages.

The largest number of professionals belonging to the union are institute officers. The union also represents members who are reserve officers, officers, specialised officers, non-commissioned officers, frontier and cost guards, contracted soldiers as well as civilian personnel.

Our members operate in demanding tasks in the army, navy and air force as well as in the Border Guard. Typical job descriptions include training, but also working in logistic, overhaul and administrative divisions. Union members holding higher positions are typically specialist positions as well as unit commanders.

The union magazine - Päällystölehti

The Institute Officers Union of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard produces a union magazine - Päällystölehti. The magazine includes summaries in Swedish and English.

The magazine - Päällystölehti - is a member of the EMPA , in full, the European Military Press Association.