Swedish Agencies
Despite its stated neutrality Sweden maintains a surprisingly large, well equipped, and capable military, with which to defend itself. With in its armed forces, known as the Forsvarsmkte, certain units tend to stand out. These units, distinguished by their methods of selection, and high stands of training, constitute the elite of the Swedish military. The Forsvarsmkte depends on universal conscription to fill its ranks. Each year approximately 36,000 18 year olds report for a year long period of national service. Invariably some members of this group will distinguish themselves from their fellow conscripts. It is from this group that the Swedish military elite draw their recruits. The units themselves are trained to conduct operations beyond the scope of more conventional forces. The men of these units may be required to operate for extended periods of time in hostile territory, or in extreme or unusual environments. The units are tasked with conducting a number of specialized military tasks including intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance missions, prisoner rescue operations, sabotage attacks against enemy equipment, capture of key enemy personnel, and preventing attacks on vital installations. Many of these units have a long, and colourful history dating back hundreds of years. While others are recent creations, raised to deal with the threats posed by a rapidly changing, and what at times seems to be increasingly hostile world.
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Forsvarsmaktens Sarskilda SkvddsGrupp - SSG Special Protection Group |
| Sweden's stated policy of neutrality does not guarantee its immunity from the scourge of international terrorism. To deal with this potential threat the Swedish government maintains a variety of specialized, and high classified military and paramilitary units. One of these units was recently raised within the armed forces. The unit operates under the designation of the Special Protection Group or SSG, and is the Swedish equivalent of the US Combat Applications Group (Delta), or British SAS. Little information has been released on the units activities, selection, or training, since it was announced that the unit had been formed. The Swedish military keeps very tight control over any information about the units status, requiring all current and former unit personnel to sign statements that prevent them from revealing any information. What is known about the unit is that it was raised in the early 1990's, and recruits only from professional military officers who have served several years on active status. Recruits are primarily drawn from Sweden's elite Ranger units, or other units with specialized training. It has also been rumoured that the unit is not training in conducting operations outside of Sweden. The unit is tasked with conducting direct action missions, protecting vital installations from attack, conducting POW recovery missions, and providing protective service details to the armed forces Supreme Commander, and other high ranking military officials. In addition to the Ranger training that most unit members have already received, new unit members receive training in static line parachuting, HAHO and HALO parachuting, combat diving and small boat operations, explosives handling, advanced marksmanship, close quarters combat, sniping, and VIP protection. All unit members achieve the small basic skill level before being assigned to a specialization with in the unit. Once assigned to the unit each new unit member is then required to specialize in a skill such as conducting HAHO/HALO ops, combat diving, specialized weapons and sniping, explosives, communications, or combat medicine. SSG has access to virtually any weapon in the Swedish arsenal. They can be transported anywhere in Sweden by Swedish military aircraft. Ground transport is provided by a variety of vehicles, and naval craft provide support for any potential maritime operations. |
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Armans Fallskarmsjagerkola (FJS) / (Army Parachute Ranger School) |
| The Swedish Army's Parachute Jaeger(
Ranger) School (Armans fallskarmsjagare-FSJ) is the entity responsible for
training the elite airborne units (Fallskarmjagare) of the Swedish Army.
The school's original cadre consisted of 12 officers who received airborne
training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and RAF Brize Nortan in England. Upon returning to Sweden the men established
Sweden's first parachute training course. Located at Karlsborg, the first
training course was conducted in February of 1952. Soon after opening the
school's curriculum expanded to include Ranger, and LRRP training for new
recruits, and Army officers. Each year's annual service intake draws hundreds
of perspective volunteers to the units initial selection phase. Selection
is conducted over three weeks and eliminates most candidates, with only
the top 100 recruits being permitted to undertake the strenuous training
course. Training is conducted over a period of fifteen months and is
broken down into three separate phases: basic, airborne, arctic. The basic training phase begins each June.
Prospective Rangers receive instruction in basic military skills, and
physical conditioning. During the airborne phase of their training
students must successfully complete eight jumps from a C-130 transport
aircraft. Three jumps are conducted at night, and three are done with full
combat gear. Upon completion of their basic airborne training students are
awarded the wine coloured beret. To complete the basic parachute instruction
portion of their training the students must successfully complete a gruelling
70km endurance march. Known as the "Eagle March"
students have 24 hours to complete the march throughout; during which
students are tested on the various skills they have learned over the last
few months. The survivors of the march are awarded the "Golden
Eagle", or the Parachute Ranger Qualification Badge.
Students then move on to the advanced portion of their airborne training. They receive instruction on conducting combat operations, patrolling, close combat, and conducting parachute jumps using sport type square parachutes. By the end of the course the students will have conducted approximately 40 jumps. The Arctic portion of the Rangers training is conducted from December to March at the Lapland Ranger Regiment. The final phase of Ranger training includes instruction in conducting helo-casting, water jumps, arctic survival, and combat surface swimming. The Arctic phase is capped off by a three week long field training exercise. The students must successfully conduct a long distance raid, and evade a "hostile" enemy force. Upon completion of their training the new Rangers will be war posted to one of several independent Ranger platoons. Ranger platoons are divided into three separate six man patrols. Within each patrol each man will have a specialty, such as demolitions, communications, sniping, or intelligence. Patrols are armed with a variety of weapons including the AK5 5.56mm assault rifle, the AK5B (AK5 with scope), the AK5C (AK5 with M-203 40mm GL), the 5.56mm Belgian Minimi LMG. |
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Lapplands Jageregmente (I22) / (Lappland Ranger Regiment) |
| The Arctic Rangers are trained to operate in the Arctic northern regions of Sweden. Troops receive extensive training in conducting cold weather operations, and Arctic survival skills. During war the Rangers would conduct long range patrols, long distance raids, and ambushes in enemy rear areas. |
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Livregemente Husarer (K3) / (Life Hussar Regiment) |
| Trained to operate in the central and southern Sweden. The unit is equipped with specially equipped with 4X4 vehicles to aid in mobility. During hostilities they would conduct raids, and antitank ambushes. |
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Norrlands Dragonerregemente (K4) / (Northland Dragoon Regiment) |
| Trained to operate northern potion of Sweden, the unit would conduct combat operations enemy rear areas. performing raids, and ambushes against high value targets. |
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MilitarPolis-Jagarna (Military Police Rangers) |
| The Military Police Rangers are a new unit within the Swedish Army. These specially trained Military Police units conduct counter SOF missions near Swedish Army installations. They have received training in tracking enemy SOF units, and countering any potential assault that they may be conducting. |
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Amphibiebataljonen (Amphibian Battalions) |
| The specially trained troops of the Amphibious Battalions, are Sweden's "Marines". The are trained in conducting amphibious operations, and repelling an assault by an enemy amphibious force. |
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Kustiagare (KJ) (Coastal Rangers) |
| Coastal Ranger are the naval
equivalent of the Army's Airborne Rangers. Coastal Rangers are trained in
conducting LRRP missions along the Swedish coastline, executing amphibious
raids, countering enemy naval SOF units, and acting as shock troops during
amphibious assaults. Sweden's strategically located coastline presents
a ripe target for any potential enemy. To prevent an enemy force from
exploiting this perceived vulnerability, the Swedish Navy maintains an
elite commando force with which to strike at any attempted amphibious
assault directed at its shores. Known as the Kustjagare, or Coastal
Rangers, this specially selected and highly trained group of men is tasked
with conducting operations in support of the Swedish Navy. In the event of
hostilities Kustjagare units would disrupt enemy lines of communications
by conducting raids and ambushes against enemy units operating near the
coastline, perform coastal reconnaissance missions, retaking territory
that had been captured along the Swedish coastline, and act as shock
troops during an amphibious landing conducted by Swedish naval forces. Coastal Rangers are selected from the top 10% of
the 18 year old conscripts reporting for their mandatory 1 year period of
national service. Those conscripts wishing to volunteer for service with
the Coastal Rangers must first pass stringent medical and physical exams
before being allowed to continue on with their training. Upon passing
their initial selection, the new trainees then report to Vaxholm Coast
Artillery Regiment 1 for ten months of training. The first phase of Kustjagare training lasts six
months and consists of basic military and assault training. Students also
undertake an intensive physical training program to prepare them for the
harsh environment that they will be required to operate in.
To advance to the next phase the prospects must successfully complete a "Ranger march". The Ranger march is actually a week long series of long distance endurance marches and physical tests similar to the Swedish Army's Eagle march. During the march students are pushed to their physical and mental limits. Those students surviving the Ranger march are awarded the commando green beret adorned with the golden Neptunes Trident qualification badge, and the remainder of the trainees then advance to the more specialized portion of their training. During the next phase of Kustjagare training students will receive instruction on the use of kayaks, long distance kayak paddling, urban combat training, long distance land navigation, demolitions, CQB, while physical training is conducted to keep troops at their peak. Upon completion of their training Kustjagare are released to the reserves, and war posted to one of the six Amphibious Battalions assigned to coastal defence duties. Extensive training exercises are conducted to allow troops to maintain their level of proficiency. Joint training is conducted with the other units assigned to the Amphibious Battalion, the Bassak counter SOF unit, and with other military units. Each Amphibious Battalion consists of a HQ company, an Amphibious company, a mortar company, and two companies of Kustjagare. Kustjagare companies are divided into three platoons of three squads each and two support sections. The Kustjagare squads are armed with standard Swedish weapons including the AK5 5.56mm assault rifle (Belgian FNC), AK5B (scoped AK5), AK5C (AK5 with M-203 40mm GL), KSP-90 5.56mm LMG (Belgian Minimi). The support section provide the unit with its heavy weapons such as the KSP-58 7.62mm GPMG (FN MAG), and Carl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifles. For water-borne transportation Kustjagare units are equipped with various inflatable rubber boats, Klepper two-man kayaks, high speed assault boats, and for long distance transport they have access to the Navy's fleet of vessels and transport aircraft. |
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Rojdykare (Mine Clearance Divers) |
| Mine Clearance Divers are the Swedish Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. They are trained to conduct EOD, and shallow water mine clearance operations in support of Swedish or allied nation forces. |
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Bassak (Naval Counter SOF Company) |
| The Swedish Navy's Counter SOF unit. This Company sized unit is tasked with protecting Swedish naval installations from attacks. It conducts security, and reconnaissance patrols using specially trained dog teams, small boats, and divers, with the objective of detecting and neutralizing any armed force before it can launch an attack. |
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Attack Dykarna (Attack Divers) |
| The Attack Divers are the Swedish Navy's combat swimmer unit. Attack Divers conduct operations similar to the USN SEALs, or the British SBS, such as attacks on enemy shipping, beach reconnaissance, hydro graphic surveys, small scale amphibious raids, and sabotage operations. Attack Divers are recruited from the ranks of the already elite Coastal Ranger units. The Swedish Navy's Attack Divers are an elite unit of combat swimmers; similar in function to the US Navy SEALs or the British SBS. Attack Divers are tasked with performing intelligence gathering missions, acting as forward observes for aircraft, and naval gunfire, conducting direct action sabotage missions, and other special operations missions. Prospective Attack Divers are drawn form the ranks of the Swedish Navy's elite Kustiagare (Coastal Rangers) units. Attack Diver training lasts approximately 10 months. During training recruits will learn the use of open and closed circuit diving systems, small unit tactics, underwater demolition, sabotage, dive medicine, combat survival, and various other combat related skills. Upon completion of their training, the new attack divers are awarded the Swedish Navy's Diver qualification badge. In addition Attack Divers are also distinguished from their Kustjagare brethren by the fact that the gold Neptune's Trident, on their green commando beret, has the outer tines bent inward. Attack Divers are attached to the Recon platoon of each Amphibian Battalion HQ Co. The Divers are organized into an eighteen man section, which is sub divided into three six-man squads. Within each squad each diver will be assigned a specific task such as commander, deputy commander, demolitions, sniper, signaler, or small boat coxswain. Attack divers have access to all standard Swedish military small arms. They are extensively equipped with night vision equipment. For transport they use inflatable rubber boats, Klepper kayaks, speed boats, and Swedish Naval aircraft. Due to the fact they operate in an extremely cold environment, Attack Dykarna are equipped with specially designed "dry suits" to help them maintain their body temperature while in the water. |
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Flybasjagarna (Swedish Air Force Rangers / SAFRs) |
| A relatively new unit tasked with protecting Swedish Air Force units, and installations from attack by SOF units. SAFRs conduct security patrols outside of Air Force installation perimeters using vehicle mounted, and foot patrols. SAFRs are trained to use specially trained dogs to aide them in their search for any intruder. Once an intruder is detected, an ambush would be established to engage and destroy any force attempting to gain access into a restricted area. As a result of a new Swedish defence strategy, the Swedish Air Force developed a new defence plan. Under the this new plan, termed Bas-90, airfields, aircraft, and supplies would be dispersed at various locations though out the Swedish countryside. Although this plan gives the aircraft a greater chance of survival during air attacks, it also makes them harder to defend on the ground. The Swedish Air Force high command has determined that the greatest potential threat during the event of hostilities would come from enemy special operations forces (SOF). To counter this threat and any other that may develop, the Swedish Air Force formed a new counter SOF unit. The new unit, known as Flygbasjagarna (Fbj), or Swedish Air Force (Air Base) Rangers (SAFRs), was formed in 1983. This highly trained unit is tasked with countering incursions by enemy SOFs. Unit members are trained to track, locate, and eliminate an enemy unit before it can strike. To accomplish this mission the unit uses specially trained dogs and dog handlers. SAFRs are organized into platoons of five squads; one HQ squad, and four Ranger squads. The HQ consists of 8 men while the Ranger squads are made up of 8 men and two dogs. Within each squad each man will have a specialty; Squad leader, Assistant Squad Leader, dog handler, anti-tank/machine gunner, or medic. Squads can be subdivided into two groups of four men each, allowing them to cover larger areas. Ranger squads patrol outside of the base perimeter at distances up to 15 KM, security inside the base perimeter is provided by Close Protection Platoons (similar to USAF SF). Patrols can last up three weeks in duration. During this time a great deal of physical stress is placed on troops. SAFRs use all standard Swedish small arms, heavy weapon, and vehicles. |
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Forsvarsmaktens Sarskilda Skvddsgrupp (SSG) |
| Another new unit within the Swedish armed forces. Recruited exclusively from officers, the unit would conduct POW rescue missions, hostage rescue operations, and provides close protection details for Swedish VIPs. |
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Ordningspolisens Nationel Insatsstyrka (ONI) |
| ONI is the Swedish national Police counter terrorist, and hostage rescue unit. It operates along lines similar to the British SAS, US Delta Force, or FBI HRT. |