Sweden mobilises its entire volunteer army for first time since 1975

[Vergennes]

Sweden has called up all of its army volunteers for the first time in more than four decades in a bid to bolster its military strength.

The country, which has a reputation for neutrality, last went to war more than two centuries ago.

But security has moved up the agenda in the Baltic region ever since Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Sweden’s Armed Forces made the surprise call to its 22,000-strong home guard this week to test their readiness.

Volunteers were asked to stand for service on Wednesday, June 6, which is also Sweden’s national day.

They were asked to carry out patrol, protection and guarding duties, the army said in a statement.

General Micael Bydén, the supreme commander of Sweden’s Armed Forces, said it was first time the whole home guard had been tested like this since 1975.

“We are committed to strengthening Sweden's defense and increasing our operational capabilities,” said Gen Bydén. “This is a way to do it.”

It comes after the Swedish government dispatched brochures to its 4.8 million households on how to prepare for an attack.

The pamphlet, entitled If Crisis or War Comes, is meant to get residents ready for a range of scenarios, including military conflict.

Sweden, which last went to war in 1814 with Norway, has not sent such instructions to its citizens since the days of the Cold War.

http://www.euronews.com/2018/06/06/...tire-volunteer-army-for-first-time-since-1975

 

[fitpOsitive]

As Gorbatschow said, war preparations are underway in Europe.

 

[litman]

first swedish govt released funds for construction for hardened underground nuclear bunkers then they spread iodine tablets free of cost to all of their citizens and now this mobilization. why they are feeling so much heat??? as far as trump and putin are there in power there isnt going to be any major conflict. they have understanding with each other regarding where to practice their new weapons and whom to mess with.

 

[Dubious]

first swedish govt released funds for construction for hardened underground nuclear bunkers then they spread iodine tablets free of cost to all of their citizens and now this mobilization. why they are feeling so much heat??? as far as trump and putin are there in power there isnt going to be any major conflict. they have understanding with each other regarding where to practice their new weapons and whom to mess with.

MOST of Europe (esp Finland and Sweden) has always been edgy when it comes to Russia...Lately Trump is just a showcased puppet who says 1 thing and does absolutely the polar opposite! So he isnt reliable anymore...

 

[A.P. Richelieu]

As Gorbatschow said, war preparations are underway in Europe.

Yes, we want to be better prepared for any Russian Agression.
Considering the behaviour of Putin, it is a smart move.

 

[fitpOsitive]

Yes, we want to be better prepared for any Russian Agression.
Considering the behaviour of Putin, it is a smart move.

I don't think you guys are preparing for any active war. I think you guys already know that who gonna fight. These troop are called only to stabilize law and order situation within Sweden, when there will be fire around you, yeah? What you think?

 

[A.P. Richelieu]

I don't think you guys are preparing for any active war. I think you guys already know that who gonna fight. These troop are called only to stabilize law and order situation within Sweden, when there will be fire around you, yeah? What you think?

I think that you have no clue what You are talking about.
You might consider familiarizing yourself with Swedish Laws and the Constitution
before making a fool out of yourself in public.

 

[fitpOsitive]

I think that you have no clue what You are talking about.
You might consider familiarizing yourself with Swedish Laws and the Constitution
before making a fool out of yourself in public.

I have no face in this public. So, you can call me names, no worries. But you didnt answer the question.

 

[oprih]

I'm betting on a Russian win. The swedes will get wrecked.

 

[925boy]

first swedish govt released funds for construction for hardened underground nuclear bunkers then they spread iodine tablets free of cost to all of their citizens and now this mobilization. why they are feeling so much heat??? as far as trump and putin are there in power there isnt going to be any major conflict. they have understanding with each other regarding where to practice their new weapons and whom to mess with.

Your argument relies on a number of assumptions that are likely faulty.
if Trump and Putin "understand"each other then why has the US been sanctioning Russia/Russian entities recently? that makes no sense if Trump and Putin are "buddies"like u think. As far as Trump and Putin are in power there wont be any war? How can you say that? Nobody knows that. And second of all, you are falling for the wrong thing- public shows. Ask yourself what these countries militaries and intelligence agencies are really doing and preparing for then you will know what is really going on. Actions speak louder than words.

 

[pakdefender]

Sweden doesn't really have a border with Russia , if it was Finland perhaps made some sense or if Norway , Sweden and Finland all mobilised but why only Sweden ?

 

[saltyashell]

First Since 1975 , interesting.
Just training and testing , nothing else.
Maybe a new army chief making his presence felt.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Considering Sweden has been a neutral state , they will likely not participate in any war and that is the best case for them

 

[Malik Alashter]

Yes, we want to be better prepared for any Russian Agression.
Considering the behaviour of Putin, it is a smart move.

If your leaders think the way you think considering you as a real Swedish person not false flagged then your country declining
Putin isn't that stupid to mess with a sovereign country no way he would then digging his grave

 

[litman]

Your argument relies on a number of assumptions that are likely faulty.
if Trump and Putin "understand"each other then why has the US been sanctioning Russia/Russian entities recently? that makes no sense if Trump and Putin are "buddies"like u think. As far as Trump and Putin are in power there wont be any war? How can you say that? Nobody knows that. And second of all, you are falling for the wrong thing- public shows. Ask yourself what these countries militaries and intelligence agencies are really doing and preparing for then you will know what is really going on. Actions speak louder than words.

because none of them is stupid enough to go for an all out nuclear war. they know it could be the end of the world if russia and US go to war against each other. that's why they are more interested in trade wars and proxy wars. lavrov himself said in recent past that as long as putin and trump are there the chances of war are less.