Jaakkolaa also completed the General Staff Officer Course at the Norwegian Defence University College in Oslo, Norway.

During his stint as the Battalion Commander, Jaakkola was later deployed in Afghanistan for a year, where he served as part of the Finnish Contingent under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from 2009 to 2010, where he was involved in various missions, ranging from cooperation with Afghan local rebel groups to humanitarian aid and development initiatives.

After his tour of duty in Afghanistan, Jaakkola later served as commander of the Special Operations Detachment (EUBG) from 2010 to 2011.

[1][5] On 31 January 2024, President Sauli Niinistö named Jaakkola as the new Chief of Defence, and later replaced General Timo Kivinen.

His hobbies include Brazilian jiu-jitsu, karate, as well as Krav Maga, in which he is a qualified trainer and holds a 2nd dan.