Press release -
Swedish conscripts train in Alaska
In February, a platoon of Swedish conscripts and their commanding officers from Dalregementet (I 13) in Falun joined the U.S.-led JPMRC 26-02 exercise in Alaska.
– This exercise clearly shows that Sweden is not just a consumer of security but that we have capabilities and can contribute – especially in this environment at these latitudes where we have a unique ability that few other nations in the world have, says Army Chief Jonny Lindfors.
The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) 26-02 is the U.S. Army’s premier Arctic-focused training exercise, designed to prepare soldiers for large-scale combat operations (LSCO) in extreme cold weather environments. Led by the U.S. 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) the exercise included units from Sweden, Norway, Canada, and other partners.
Why Alaska
Geographically, Alaska links the Pacific Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region with the Atlantic and the North Calotte, creating a strategic whole for the area.
– Here in the Arctic, our own interests coincide with other nations, says Army Chief Jonny Lindfors. – It includes defense against Russia, competition with China, and protection of valuable assets and natural resources.
– Through our presence in Alaska, on Greenland, the Swedish Air Force on Iceland – while we simultaneously conduct a large exercise on the North Calotte, it sends a clear signal that the Arctic is a prioritized area for both Sweden and the alliance.
The use of conscripts
Early on, the decision was made to send a conscript unit and not employed soldiers:
– We want to show our conscription system to the world, where we in a short time train skilled soldiers who with relatively short training can perform extremely well in this environment, says Army Chief Jonny Lindfors.
Dalregementet's personnel participated in the exercise as a Rifle Platoon attached to a reconnaissance unit at a brigade; the platoon was an integrated part in the company they belonged to and received tasks from an American company commander. The platoon conducted, among other things, reconnaissance in wilderness terrain as well as fire ambushes. The platoon showed very good ability in winter service and was a highly appreciated part in the exercise.
The conscripts impressed the American colleagues, both with attitude and knowledge:
– The Americans have difficulty understanding that the conscripts have only done just over half of their conscription and are already so good. Both with a good attitude but also that they have good skills when it comes to acting in this environment, says regiment commander Ronny Modigs.
Sweden's military conscription system, reactivated in 2017 after a pause, is a selective, gender-neutral mandatory service for Swedish citizens aged 18 and older. Each year, around 100,000 young people are screened through an online questionnaire and mustering process (involving tests, medical exams, and interviews), but only about 8,000–10,000 are selected for training – based on military needs and individual suitability. The service lasts 9–15 months, starting with three months of basic military training followed by role-specific instruction in areas like combat, logistics, or technical roles.
