The Ivalo Border Jaeger Company has welcomed its first women recruits, meaning every conscript unit in Finland is now open to both men and women.Sonja Kumpumäki is among the first women to begin military service at Ivalo. Image: Juuso Stoor / YleYle News12:08As of Monday, there is no longer a single conscript unit in Finland where women are unable to perform voluntary military service.The change comes after the Lapland Border Guard completed new barracks in the far northern town of Ivalo earlier this year, including upgraded accommodation and shower facilities that provide greater privacy.Around 130 recruits began their service at the Ivalo Border Jaeger Company this week, including just under 10 women making history as the unit's first female volunteers.One of them is 21-year-old Sonja Kumpumäki from Ylivieska, who said she specifically chose Ivalo because she wanted to be among the first women to serve there."This is a milestone for both the Lapland Border Guard and the Ivalo Border Jaeger Company," said company commander Mervi Urpilainen.Commander of the Border Jaeger Company, Mervi Urpilainen. Image: Juuso Stoor / YleShe added that gender makes no difference during military service, provided recruits have the right attitude and are willing to learn.Women have been able to volunteer for military service in Finland since 1995, but Ivalo remained the last conscript unit unable to accommodate them because of outdated facilities.Across Finland, around 12,500 recruits began their military service on Monday. Roughly 20,000 people complete military service each year, including around 1,000 women serving on a voluntary basis.Female volunteers have a 30-day period in which they can choose to end their service. After that, they are subject to the same military service obligations as male conscripts.