Kaarle Wikström has opened a new chapter in the District of Columbia.
The jet lag is slowly wearing off. He is ready for the New World!
The captain is taking in the mighty Potomac River that runs through the striking capital of his new home.
The Baltic Sea will be but a memory from the other side of the world, at least for a while.
Kaarle Wikström is starting a new chapter in his career, as he is set to become Finland’s new defence attaché in Washington, D.C.
In his new job, he will represent the Finnish Armed Forces and its commander in the United States and Canada.
Wikström will be responsible for cooperation between the militaries of Finland and its North American allies, as well as the advancement of materiel purchases and the development of joint exercises.
His job is to advance ties between Finland and the two countries. His primary priority, of course, is Finland’s national interest.
Experience under pressure
The position is difficult and requires proper preparation.
Despite his extensive experience, Wikström underwent an attaché training programme in the spring before his departure to sharpen the skills and the knowledge he would need for the job.
His position will require polished diplomatic skills and the ability to present one’s own view delicately.
The role of an attaché includes events, planning high-stakes diplomatic visits and meetings with civilian and military leadership.
During his training, Wikström got to practice organizing events and representing his country.
Sharpening his English skills and diplomatic etiquette was also part of his programme.
“Some aspects of the training were already familiar. Now I am able to use what I have learned in both a new and, to some extent familiar, environement,” Wikström pointed out.
Anchored adjutant
Wikström served as the adjutant to the President from 2010 to 2016. Spanning the terms of Tarja Halonen and Sauli Niinistö, his position included, among other things, organizing the President’s formal visits.
“It helped me understand how society and the highest echelons of political decision-making operate,” Wikström notes.
Wikström organized both domestic and international visits for the President and planned state receptions for foreign heads of state.
During these events, he came face-to-face with many leaders and top military brass of foreign nations. It became clear to him how important personal relationships are for effective diplomacy.
“I learned to take a more comprehensive approach to different situations, which is also important, considering that a defence attaché’s work also relates to our broader intelligence network.”
Up for the challenge
Finland needs Wikström’s experience today more than it has in a long time.
The international order is undergoing a transformation.
The unipolar moment following the Cold War has ended, and the United States is turning its focus to new foes in the Pacific and Asia.
The relationship between Europe and the United States is also changing. In this period, the role of military diplomacy is especially important.
“The world is changing fast, and we don’t know what sort of position America is seeking for itself in the new, multipolar order,” Wikström contends.
Wikström’s role is to assess the tide and to safeguard Finland’s interests in the changing national security environment.
The work requires a broad set of skills, and collaboration between soldiers, military officials and other actors is key.
A long career, however, has given the captain confidence in his abilities.
Before moving to Washington, Wikström served as the head of the Defence Forces’ communications department.
In his position he worked extensively with different branches of the military and various officials from Central Command. This gave him a broad view of the organization’s operations and objectives.
“I learned what is important to us when it comes to maintaining relationships with the United States and Canada,” Wikström explains.
His tenure as head of the communications department saw the enlargement of Finland’s military cooperation with Nato.
Wikström became familiar with the ins-and-outs of the media during his time at the communications department and during his previous tenure leading the National Defence Courses.
These experiences prepared him for what was to come.
“Difficult situations can be managed, regardless of who is at the other end of the line. I am now better at analyzing the effects of different developments. The role of the free press is instrumental for this.”
New winds blow
Well before his transition, Wikström met with experts from various fields to ease his transition.
“Settling in and dealing with all the bureaucratic hassle obviously causes some challenges at the start. When they are out of the way, you can finally get to work,” he says.
It is not just his work that is in for a change. The entire family has a new home to settle into.
“Of course, it causes some challenges and stress when you have to move to the other side of the world.”
The primary feeling, however, is anticipation for what is to come.
“In a way, Washington, D.C. is the center of the world, so being in the midst of its bustle is definitely interesting,” Wikström describes.
“I’m sure Washington has plenty to offer, but as Finns, we also have a lot to give.”
The good reputation of the Finnish Defence Forces in the United States makes his job a lot easier.
According to Wikström, even though the relationship between Europe and the United States has undergone a change, the respect for the Defence Forces and Finland remains high.
“We are on the world stage to represent the Defence Forces and Finland, but there is no need for a revamp; our relationships are strong.”
Experience in fieldwork
For Wikström, this new chapter in his career is the result of hard work and a constant desire to learn.
The dreams of the aspiring political science student were transformed at Reserve Officer School. Wikström was always drawn to the variety of different kinds of work and the abundance of opportunities available as a soldier.
At the start of his career, his work centered on concrete fieldwork: practicing leadership and training conscripts.
Wikström spent long periods working on multiple mine boats, smaller vessels and as the leader of the naval cadet courses.
But it was his role as the President’s adjutant and his work at Central Command that opened the door for other kinds of planning and administrative tasks.
This work included a posting as the head of the National Defence Courses.
Wikström also completed studies at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, which educates soldiers, civil servants, politicians and people from the world of business.
The curriculum contains everything from earth to space. However, it is his fieldwork that has formed the basis for the entirety of Wikström’s career.
Long periods spent in naval service have shaped Wikström’s identity. The relationships and friendships formed there are core memories for the fresh diplomat.
“Even though my service has later taken me elsewhere, it has always remained clear to me what national defence is all about.”
“It is about what people and groups working together can achieve. That is my guiding light, wherever life takes me.”
This article was orginally published in Finnish on 7.8.2026. Read the original article from this link.