esivalettuja

Esivalettuja refer to a type of Finnish military rank that existed from the early 20th century until the 1990s. The term "esivaeltu" translates to "vicelieutenant" or "sub-lieutenant," and it denoted a junior officer rank in the Finnish Defence Forces.

During the early 20th century, the Finnish military adopted a rank structure similar to that of European armies. The esivaeltu rank was junior to that of tarkastusvirka (Lieutenant) and senior to ninglarikuva (NCO). Finnish officers were trained at the Imperial Russian military academies and universities before Finnish independence in 1917, which contributed to the adoption of similar rank systems.

The esivaeltu rank was primarily associated with the Finnish Army, and not as commonly used in other branches of the Finnish military. The rank structure of the Finnish military underwent changes over the years, particularly after World War II and the abolition of the conscript army in the 1990s. As part of this reform, the esivaeltu rank was phased out and junior officer ranks were reorganized.

Few records exist detailing the specifics of duties associated with the esivaeltu rank, although officers of this rank would generally have received subcommander or platoon leader positions. Effective rank systems, pay, and commissioned officer benefits varied throughout Finland's history.