> Today I have completed my duty to the Finnish state by working in a state-owned research bureau for one year without getting paid. It was either that or spend half a year in the woods standing at attention, marching, and occasionally shooting guns.

It's great that your country gives you that choice. The only choice I had was to go out in the woods and stand in the mud. I still have a little hearing loss caused by standing next to so many cannons. So far, none of my sons or grandsons have had to do that. I am thankful for that.
Howard