At a ceremony within NCISG Headquarters Colonel Karsikas, a dedicated and esteemed Finnish officer, was promoted to Brigadier General. The ceremony was not just an award for his services to the Finnish Armed Forces but marked an extraordinary achievement - Brigadier General Karsikas has become the first Finnish flag officer in the NATO Command Structure.
Brigadier General Karsikas has had a long and distinguished military career. He has served as Deputy Chief of Department of the Defence Staff in the Finnish Defence Forces since 2024. Previously, he has served as Project Director, Digitalization Director and Sector Director at the Finnish Defence Command, as a Director of the Signal School at the Finnish Army Academy, and as a Head of Department at the Defence Forces C5 Agency. KFOR and EUFOR engagement are among his missions in the context of international crisis management operations.
Mons, Belgium, 02 September 2024, Promotion Ceremony, from the left: NCISG Commander Major General Jürgen Brötz; Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas; at the back: Colonel Jari Seppala, the Military Representative of Finland to NATO HQ.
Mons, Belgium, 02 September 2024, Promotion Ceremony, from the left: NCISG Commander Major General Jürgen Brötz; Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas; at the back: Colonel Jari Seppala, the Military Representative of Finland to NATO HQ.
Without a doubt, the promotion ceremony can be considered a historic event. It was attended by Colonel Jari Seppala, representing the Military Representative of Finland to NATO HQ, the NCISG Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Chief Master Sergeant Andreas Merz (CSEL) and other Flag Officers representing SHAPE Cyberspace. The Finnish national flag was presented alongside the NATO and NCISG flags as Colonel Karsikas stepped forward to accept his new rank as Brigadier General.
The ceremony’s atmosphere was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment, not just for Brigadier General Karsikas, but for Finland as well. This promotion symbolizes Finland's growing influence and contribution to NATO, after Finland joined the Alliance on 4 April 2023.
Major General Brötz stated that this promotion is more than just a personal milestone for Brigadier General Karsikas — it paves the way for future Finnish officers in NATO. As the first flag officer from Finland, Brigadier General Karsikas shows that Finland’s military excellence is recognized on an international scale. It also shows that NATO is stronger than even before.
Mons, Belgium, 02 September 2024, Promotion Ceremony, from the right: NCISG Commander Major General Jürgen Brötz; Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas.
NCISG Commander Brötz concluded.
Brigadier General Karsikas’ promotion is a proud moment for Finland and a testament to his leadership. As the first Finnish flag officer in the NATO Command Structure, he stands as a symbol of Finland's commitment to global security and its importance within the Alliance. This historic event will be remembered as a turning point, highlighting Finland's strategic role in NATO and Brigadier General Karsikas' invaluable contribution to international peace and security delivered through his services at the NCISG.
Mons, Belgium, 02 September 2024, Promotion Ceremony, from the left: Colonel Jari Seppala representing the Military Representative of Finland to NATO HQ; Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas; NCISG Commander Major General Jürgen Brötz.