Rivijoukkio

Rivijoukkio is a term that emerged in Finnish military context, particularly during the Winter War and the Continuation War. It refers to a group of soldiers who were not officially part of a standard military unit but were assembled for specific, often irregular, tasks. These groups were typically formed from available personnel, sometimes with specialized skills or simply those who were present and could be mobilized quickly.

The composition of a rivijoukkio could vary greatly. They might consist of individuals drawn from different companies or battalions, or even from civilian reserves who were called upon for a particular mission. Their duties were diverse, ranging from reconnaissance and sabotage behind enemy lines to acting as auxiliary support for front-line troops. The informal nature of their formation meant that they often operated with a degree of autonomy, which could be both an advantage and a challenge.

The term itself, "rivijoukkio," literally translates to "line group" or "queue group," suggesting a collection of individuals assembled somewhat haphazardly. While not a formal military designation, the concept of rivijoukkio highlights the adaptability and resourcefulness of the Finnish military during wartime, where flexible troop arrangements were often necessary to meet the demands of a challenging conflict. These ad-hoc units played a role in the overall Finnish war effort, contributing to various tactical objectives.