Sweden - Specialförband / Special forces units

The Swedish Armed Forces' special units constitute a strategic national resource directly responsible to the Supreme Commander. They consist of hand-picked personnel, specially trained and equipped for missions that could not be undertaken by conventional units. Their tasks could, for example, include the gathering of intelligence or the rescue of Swedish nationals serving on international missions.

The special forces units consist of a special forces command and control element and two units, the special protection group (SSG) and the special intelligence group (SIG) which are specially equipped for combat and intelligence gathering respectively. There are also specially selected, trained and equipped support elements for air and sea transport, technical support, logistics and medical functions. Taken together, all these elements constitute a system capable of working alone or in concert with conventional units.

Special forces units are most frequently employed within multinational operations. In these situations the special forces system can contribute a specifically composed group, a Special Operations Task Group, capable of fulfilling the primary tasks of combat, intelligence gathering and military support.

The composition of the Task Group depends on, and is adapted to, the nature of the task itself. This means that the soldiers must be capable of operating in force elements ranging from combat pairs to larger special operations forces. Because of the particular nature of the missions that special forces have to carry out, they need to be composed of very carefully selected personnel, at a constant state of readiness and provided with equipment which is suited to the task and of very high quality.

The principal characteristics of special forces units are their high quality, availability and mobility, and their small numbers. This means that they have to work with different parameters compared with conventional units. Special forces units strive for simplicity in the planning and execution of their tasks, unpredictability through the use of flexible and unconventional methods, determination in the execution of the task and a sharp focus on operational security throughout. Units need to be lightly armed to ensure high mobility, both tactically and strategically. Operational security, rapid action and firepower are vital aspects of protection.

The same criteria of availability and high quality also apply to the supporting units in their own areas of competence. This places stringent demands on the personnel who make up these units and calls for the highest standards of dedication.