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Further Reading

Sweden Armén / Swedish Army

During the Cold War the organization of the Swedish Army was similar to that of many other armies, with Divisions consisting of Brigades and Battalions. During the 1990s, the organizational construct was increasingly focused on the maneuver Brigade [of about 5,000 troops] as the primary operational tactical unit, with the Divisions being phased out in the 2000 to 2004 timeframe.

However, at that time, the Swedish Army embarked on a new reorganization program, under the "Defense 2000" plan. While the old Division / Brigade scheme had been focused on maintaining Sweden's traditional posture of neutrality through a strong homeland defense capability, the new posture was focused on support to international peacekeeping operations. Most maneuver Brigades were inactivated, and while those that remained were transformed into training Regiments [of about 2,000 troops], providing training support to the various Battalions that were to be supplied to international forces.

The Government is establishing a new focus for Swedish defence in its Bill "A functional defence" 2008/09:140, published 19 March 2009. The army will consist of permanent and contracted units. Only a small proportion of the soldiers will be employed fulltime. It should be possible to organise most of the army's forces in battle groups (seven of them). A battle group will be put together around a manoeuvre battalion, which comprises the core of a unit. Based on actual needs and tasks, the maneuver battalion will be built on, using different parts of other units, such as artillery, engineering or air defence units. This will result in significant cuts as the country moves from having six motorized battalions and two light motorized battalions, as well as an airborne and amphibious battalion to having a total of eight deployable battalions [seven Army and one Marine]. The new plan calls for a reduction in the number of tank units in an attempt to concentrate the military's resources in fewer places. Sweden's tank units are stationed in Skövde in central Sweden and in Revinge in Skåne in the south.

The Swedish Army trains land combat and air defence units which, in concert with Air Force and naval units, can be deployed operationally on both national and international missions. The Army's land forces are being reoriented towards an increasingly clear rapid-response, mission-oriented role which includes participation in international operations. The Army's international forces have to be ready, once parliamentary approval has been given, to participate in military operations beyond Sweden's borders. A number of army units have been included on international force registers. Parts of these units are on deployment in the context of peace support operations.

The Swedish Army includes units of the following types:

• Mechanised units, equipped with tanks and other armored vehicles, possess the greatest firepower, and overall strike power, of all the Army's units. Units are trained and equipped for combat against any adversary both in urban areas and in different types of terrain.
• Cavalry units, which train rangers and intelligence specialists as well as military police. The soldiers, who include airborne troops, have to be capable of operating behind enemy lines, often for long periods, in all types of terrain and under all weather conditions. Cavalry units also include military police and security units.
• Artillery units which provide training in land-based indirect fire operations, covering the entire chain from sensors, through command and control systems to the weapon systems themselves. The systems are capable of achieving precision effects at long range and are unaffected by weather conditions.
• Air defence units which train units in ground-based defence against aerial targets, covering the entire chain from sensors, through command and control systems, to air defence weapons systems themselves. The task of these units is to protect, for example, centres of population, military units and air bases against attack from the air.
• Command and Control units which train staff and liaison units primarily for the command and control of combat forces and for higher staff duties, but also special units in the field of electronic warfare.
• Engineer units responsible for field work, that is to say alteration of the terrain in various ways that impede an adversary but assist the activities of own forces. Munitions clearance is also an important part of field work.
• Logistics units which are responsible for keeping combat forces supplied with, for example, catering, medical and repair facilities.
• CBRN units which deal with CBRN threats and incidents. Principal capabilities include detection, identification, surveillance, warning, reporting, physical protection and risk management. (CBRN= Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear).

The Inspector General of the Army is the most senior representative of the Swedish Army's land forces. Together the Army Staff at Armed Forces Headquarters, the Inspector General leads materiel procurement and other capability-generating activities, that is to say force development and the training of officers and national service conscripts. The Army Tactical Command leads activities utilising these capabilities, for example in actual operations and deployments and in major exercises, both in Sweden and abroad.

The Defence Resolution for 1997-2001 was divided into two phases, with Bills being presented in autumn 1995 and autumn 1996. Three divisional headquarters and divisional units, and 13 army brigades were retained. The number of people in the territorial defence was reduced to approximately 90,000. The number in the home guard was increased to 125,000. Medium-range anti-aircraft defences were to be developed so that procurement can begin during the period 1997-2001. The Government proposed that the following be disbanded:

• the Lower Northern Division in Östersund, the Western Division in Skövde, and the Central Division in Linköping
• Defence District Headquarters in Ystad, Växjö, Kalmar, Gävle, Bor-ås, Linköping, Västerås, Östersund, Kiruna and Kalix
• the Life Grenadier Brigade (IB 4) in Linköping, the Älvsborg Brigade (IB 15) in Borås, and the Lappland Brigade (NB 20) in Umeå
• the Svea Artillery Regiment (A 1) in Linköping, the Norrland Artille-ry Regiment (A 4) in Östersund, the Skåne Air Defence Training Regiment (Lv 4) in Ystad, the Svea Engineers (Ing 1) in Södertälje, and the Svea Supply and Transport Training Regiment (T 1) in Linköping

Swedish Army - Early History

The Swedish army, though small in comparison with the huge armies of the Continent, has had a history far richer in glorious memories than the majority of other nations. There was an epoch when this army not only ranked highest in the military art of its age, but when, in all branches of the science of war, such as organization, armament, as well as regarding discipline, military efficiency in general, as also strategics and the method of waging war, it was a pattern to other armies: in fact, a pioneer in all branches of military science. It was at that period when Gustavus II Adolphus - not only the greatest military genius of Sweden, but one of the very ablest generals ever known - inarched victoriously through Europe. Undisciplined mercenaries, who served where they could get the highest pay, were then the only defense that the majority of states could rely upon. The contrary, however, was the case in Sweden - more than half a century in advance of other nations a really national standing army was initiated in time of peace. And discipline did not rest in this army, as among the mercenaries of that time, mainly on a fair allowance of pay, but on principles which are nowadays in civilized countries considered as right, that is on true military obedience, humanity, and the fear of God. As to understanding the importance of fire-arms, Gustavus Adolphus stood foremost, not onlv with regard to effecting technical improvements (lighter muskets, decreased calibre, paper-cartridges, cartridge-belts, artillery, quick-tiring, etc.), but more especially in respect to the use of the new weapons. Completely abandoning mass-formations - an inheritance from the Middle Ages - the efforts of the Swedish army tended in the direction of thin and moveable battalions, and the cooperation of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. In other words, the first decisive step was taken in the direction of the development that tactical knowledge has ever since followed. So also with regard to strategics, where the traces of Gustavus Adolphus1 creative spirit are perhaps more evident and profound than in any other part of military science. Instead of the aimless plundering-expeditions and improvised guerilla wars that, for more than a thousand years, characterized warfare, he was the first to reintroduce a system into it, thereby indicating the methods of the art of war for a century to come. Under the reign of the three great Swedish Kings Charles X, Charles XI, and Charles XII, the system was followed up. The army was still foremost in the military science of its time, one foundation-stone being joined still more firmly to the other in the construction of the army system, and victory followed upon victory. The Swedes, however, were compelled little by little to abandon to others their leading military position in Europe. Sweden was mostly engaged in wars with her northern neighbours and these wars did not, to any considerable extent, affect the interests of Central Europe. Consequently, Swedish military operations no longer attracted the same universal attention as they had previously done. Doubtless the fame of Charles XII went round Europe, but his contemporaries, fostered in methodical wars of commissariat and fortresses, could not understand the magnificence of his rapid and decisive operations any more than the cavalry of this period, fighting in an antiquated manner, could see the meaning of the bold and powerful dashes of the Swedish horsemen. Many years had to elapse before the daring and plucky charges of the Swedish cavalry were destined to gain any greater recognition in Europe, and the storms of the French Revolution had to pass over a quarter of the world, ere men's eyes were universally opened to the real significance of the tactics introduced by Charles XII.

Swedish Army - 1890

The Swedish troops were physically the finest in Europe, - powerful, hardy, and brave, and retaining much of the old Scandinavian heroic spirit; and, though strictly a militia only, their peculiar aptitude for all warlike exercises would make them formidable antagonists, even to the best trained armies. Few nations had so brilliant a military history. Under Gustavus Adolphus in the Thirty Years' War, and later under the heroic but insatiate Charles XII, they achieved a reputation almost universal in Europe; and their armies and tactics served tor many years as models to the great military powers.

Although the crowns of Sweden and Norway were united, each country retained its own government, constitution, and laws ; and the military forces of the two countries were separate and differently organized. The Swedish army is composed of three distinct classes,-the "viijrade" or enlisted troops, to which belong the royal guards, one regiment of hussars, the artillery, and the engineers ; the "indelta" or national army, paid and kept by the landowners, each of whom furnishes a certain number of men, to whom, besides a small annual pay, a cottage and piece of land are allotted during the period of service ; and thirdly, the "beraring" or conscription troops, drawn by annual levy from the male population between the ages of 20 and 25 years. The "indelta" are called out for a months' training annually in time of peace.

Besides the above, there was a Gothland militia force of 30 companies of infantry and 3 batteries of artillery, numbering about 8,000 men; these, however, are not compelled to serve beyond the confines of the isle of Gothland, and have a separate command. The royal guards number 2240, the line (under which is included the "indelta") about 25,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry, 5,000 artillery with 234 guns, and 1,000 engineers. The "berating" amount to about 95,000 of all arms.

The military forces of Norway were differently organized, and though divided into line and militia, were in fact purely a militia force. By the law of 1867 all young men past the age of 21 are liable to the conscription, with the exception of the inhabitants of the three northern provinces, who are free from all military service. Actually the troops are raised partly by voluntary enlistments and partly by conscription. The term of service is for ten years, divided into three in the line, four in the reserve, and three in the militia, or "landvaern." The cadres of the army are formed entirely of volunteers. The young men raised by conscription are required to go through a recruit's course of forty-two days, and subsequently an annual training of twenty-four days. On the 1st of January 1872 the troops of the line numbered 13,000 men, the reserves 19,000, and the landvaern 11,000. The landvaern are only liable to service within the frontiers of the kingdom.

Swedish Army - 1901

Changed political conditions acted upon the Swedish state and, naturally enough, also left their mark on the Swedish army. By 1900 military activity was only directed towards the object of defending the country. Even the new Army Act, which made the army more efficient and which became law in 1901, aimed at the very same object, viz., the maintenance of neutrality, and the protection of the freedom and independence of the Swedish nation. Concerning the organization of the Swedish army, it is to be noticed that until 1900, in the Swedish army, at the side of the universal service, had been kept up a unique institution, which was abolished only by an act of the Riksdag of 1901. This form of organization - peculiar to our country - was the so-called indelningsverket (military tenure), deriving its origin from the Swedish army organizations of the 17th century. The conscriptions during the many glorious wars of that century had been exceedingly burdensome, and a tendency more and more powerfully made itself known to get them exchanged for a fixed, unalterable service. These endeavors led to the army organization of 1683, by which the principle - in some measure applied already before - was ratified: that certain landowners, against the privilege of themselves together with their children and servants being released from compulsory enrolment for military service, should provide and sustain the infantry regiments stationed in the various provinces. The provinces were divided into equippers' locations (rotar), each of which had to provide and pay one soldier in time of peace as well as of war. The cavalry obtained an organization based on similar principles, in so far as the holders of crown land and others, against the benefit of certain privileges, entered into the engagement of procuring and maintaining a man and horse. The tenement soldiers generally served for several decades. After having received their training as recruits, these men were only called in for the annual repetition drills. There still exists a rather considerable number of soldiers provided by the military tenure, a number, however, which year by year is diminishing. According to new law of 1901 the Swedish army was organized on the principle of universal conscription and consists of the conscripts and the cadres of permanent employs (enlisted). Every Swedish man was bound to serve as a soldier. There was no exemption whatever, nor was substitution allowed - only those incapable of military service are released. A conscript, who has been permanently deprived of his civil rights because of having committed certain grave crimes, was not allowed to be a member of the army. If he had only lost those privileges temporarily, he was not allowed meanwhile to take part in military drilling, but is to be employed in suitable labor in the army. Military service lasted from the calendar year in which the conscript will be 21 till the year (inclusive) in which he attains the age of 40. The time of service is thus 20 years, as a rule divided as follows: 8 years in the First levy, 4 years in the Second, and 8 years in the Reserves (Landstormen). Every man who has had constant employment (enlistment) in the army for a total period of two years belongs, after quitting the said service, to the first levy until the year when he enters the reserve (in his 33rd year) and performs his drills by way of repetition with conscripts belonging to his own year. He who had, for at least two years, been a student of a University or at one of the high schools likewise belongs to the first levy until he enters the reserve. The kingdom was divided into 26 regimental enrolment districts; every infantry regiment usually corresponds to such a district; the island of Gotland constitutes an enrolment district of its own. Every regimental enrolment district is subdivided into 3, sometimes, though rarely, into 2 or 4 sub-districts; Gotland's enrolment district has 8 sub-districts. There are altogether 82 sub-districts. Moreover, for the Navy there is an independent enrolment organization with 6 marine districts, each including 3-12 »Naval register offices». The chief of the corresponding infantry regiment, as a rule, serves as commanding officer to the enrolment district. The command of a sub-district was undertaken by an Army Reserve-officer, who was assisted by one or several non-commissioned officers from the Reserve. Those who aspire to become officers, must have passed an examination qualifying them as students of a university. After having passed through a 3 months' recruit-school in summer they must go through a 10 months' training school, after which they take part in the regimental drills and, in autumn, enter the Royal Military School, where the course lasts for about 15 months. Thus the military education for those who count to become officers takes a time of about 21/* years. The average age for obtaining the rank of an officer is 21-- years. Some more than 100 officers are annually appointed. Promotion up to the rank of captain takes place, as a rule, according to seniority in the regiment, to that of major and the higher grades, by selection within the particular branch of the army or the general staff. The kingdom was divided into 6 army-divisional districts besides the island of Gotland, which forms a military district of its own. On the proclamation of war the army is brought up to its full fighting strenght by calling in the required number of conscripts. In the field the higher units will probably be given the following organization: An Army division: 2 infantry brigades of two regiments of 3 battalions; 1 cavalry regiment of 4 squadrons, 1 field-artillery regiment, 1 company of field-engineers, 1 pontoon column, 1 field-telegraph detachment, 1 medical service company, 2 artillery and 2 infantry ammunition columns, 4 supply columns, 1 butchers' and bakers' company, 4 field hospitals and 1 horse depot. The Cavalry division: 2 brigades of 2 battalions of 4 squadrons respectively, 1 brigadedivision of 3 batteries of horse-artillery, 1 field-telegraph-detachment, 1 medical service detachment, and half an ammunition-column. The total number of regular soldiers and trained men bound to serve in the army in time of war at was about 500,000, viz., in the standing army 39,000, the conscripts' 1st levy 182,000, and d:o 2nd levy 75,000, and the general reserve (Landstorm) 204,000. In the first call of the conscripts 17,800 are registered as having served in the permanent cadres. The infantry was armed with a repeating rifle of the Mauser system with a calibre of 6-5 mm. The cavalry carries a sword and a carbine of the above mentioned pattern. The field-artillery's guns have a calibre of 8'4 cm; the horse-artillery batteries have 7*5 cm quick-firing cannons. At the present moment quick-firing guns are also being tested for the field-batteries. The fortresses were Stockholm (Vaxholm-Oscar-Fredriksborg), Boden, Karlsborg, and Karlskrona, to which must be added some forts at Gothenburg and on the island of Gotland.