Miehistön

Miehistö is a Finnish term meaning the crew or personnel who operate and maintain a vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle. The word is used widely in military and maritime contexts, but can also refer to crews of civilian ships, trains, or industrial equipment. The genitive form miehistön means “the crew’s” or “of the crew.”

In the Finnish Defence Forces, miehistö generally refers to enlisted personnel and other non-commissioned specialists who form the main body of a unit alongside officers and staff. The composition and roles of miehistö vary by service branch and assignment.

Contexts and roles

In the Navy, miehistö comprises sailors and other non-officer personnel aboard ships. In aviation, it includes the flight crew and maintenance or support personnel. On land, it can refer to operators and technicians who handle tracked or wheeled vehicles, artillery, or other equipment. Across these contexts, the miehistö is responsible for operating, maintaining, repairing, and supporting the equipment and systems necessary for a unit’s readiness. They may perform watch duties, carry out routine tasks, and respond to malfunctions under supervision.

Training and advancement

Members of the miehistö undergo initial military or vocational training appropriate to their service and role, followed by specialized courses for equipment operation, maintenance, or weapons handling. Career progression typically leads from entry-level enlisted positions to higher non-commissioned ranks, with opportunities for further training and leadership roles within the crew.

See also

Within Finnish military terminology, the opposite or complementary group to the miehistö are the upseerit (officers) who command and plan operations, while the broader staff handles administration and planning.