Army Ranger Battalion (Sweden)

193rd Ranger Battalion (Swedish: 193. jägarbataljonen), also known as the Army Ranger Battalion (Swedish: Arméns jägarbataljon, AJB) and formerly K 4, is a detachment of Norrbotten Regiment (I 19) based in Arvidsjaur, in the Norrbotten County of Sweden.[1]

Army Ranger Battalion
193rd Ranger Battalion
Arméns jägarbataljon
193. jägarbataljonen
Active2005–present
Country Sweden
BranchSwedish Army
TypeRanger/light infantry
RoleDirect action
Reconnaissance
Mountain warfare
Sabotage
Unconventional warfare
Part ofNorrbotten Regiment (I 19)
Garrison/HQArvidsjaur, Norrbotten County
EngagementsBosnian War
KFOR
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
Northern Mali conflict

The Norrland Dragon Regiment should be formed by 2022 on the basis of the 193rd Ranger Battalion.

History

The Army Ranger Battalion is an elite light infantry unit trained to carry out reconnaissance missions and direct action behind enemy lines. The battalion is the army's primary resource for combat operations behind enemy lines. They employ ambushes and control indirect fire or close air support, as well as survey and document enemy activity to create a basis for higher command's decision making.

The battalion is often used to target soft targets such as logistics and other support functions vital for an opponent's ability to sustain its operations. Given the light nature of the unit it lacks heavier vehicles and sustained logistics for support, and largely relies on its personnel to move themselves and their equipment as well as supplies over long distances by foot. Given the geographical location of the unit, they are also highly qualified and trained to operate in arctic and/or subartic environments.

Anyone qualified for military service can apply for selection at the Army Ranger Battalion. After the general 12 week long basic training (GMU), several tests, both physical and psychological are conducted over a period of days. If the candidate is successful, he/she will begin the roughly 48 week long basic ranger course. Upon completion of the course with satisfying results the candidate will be awarded with the green beret and Ranger tab before being posted to one of the battalion's two Ranger squadrons or the command & support squadron.

Since 2007 the battalion also has a mountain leader platoon which specialises in operations in and around mountainous and alpine terrain. This platoon has been of much use in Afghanistan since a lot of weapons, drugs and the like are smuggled high up in the mountains there. The mountain leader platoon has also been involved in search and rescue operations domestically, such as the 2012 Norwegian C-130 crash.

The Army Ranger battalion have deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Mali.

On 14 May 2019, the Swedish Defence Commission (Försvarsberedningen) submitted its final report to the Government, proposing how the military defense would develop in the years 2021–2025. The Defence Commission proposed, among other things, that Norrland Dragoon Regiment (K 4) be re-established for the training of Arctic ranger battalions.[2] The Armed Forces carried out an analysis of the Defence Commission's final report Värnkraft, where the Armed Forces also proposed that a new organizational unit be established in Arvidsjaur. The Armed Forces proposed that Norrland Dragon Regiment should be formed from 2022 by the detachment Army Ranger Battalion (AJB).[3]

Commanding officers
Jägare (Ranger) tab is received after completing basic ranger course.
  • 2005–2007: Lieutenant Colonel Peter Fredriksson
  • 2007–2009: Lieutenant Colonel Mikael Nordmark
  • 2009–2013: Lieutenant Colonel Urban Edlund
  • 2013–2016: Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Larsson
  • 2016–present: Lieutenant Colonel Mathias Holmqvist

See also

References
  1. "Arméns jägarbataljon" (in Swedish). Swedish Armed Forces. Archived from the original on 29 August 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  2. "The Swedish Defence Commission's white book on Sweden's Security Policy and the Development of the Military Defence 2021-2025" (PDF). Swedish Defence Commission. Ministry of Defence. 13 May 2019. p. 6. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
  3. "Försvarsmaktens underlag för försvarspolitisk proposition 2021–2025" (PDF) (in Swedish). Swedish Armed Forces. 15 November 2019. p. 47. FM2019-20164:6. Retrieved 3 December 2020.

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