Currently as being part of the interior ministry they do not constitute a military force and are thus not in violation of Åland's demilitarisation.
During the Crimean War French and British troops attacked and seized the fortress, and at the ensuing peace negotiations held in Paris in 1856 Åland was demilitarised through a one-sided commitment from Russia.
When the League of Nations resolved the issue of Åland's constitutional affiliation in 1921 a decision was also taken to draw up an international convention.
The convention, which confirmed the demilitarisation of 1856 and also neutralised Åland, was signed by ten states.
Those who have right of domicile and moved to Åland before the age 12 are exempt from military service.