Active 2003 - present Branch Swedish Army Size Battalion | Country Sweden Type Light infantry | |
Role Direct action
Air assault
Sabotage
Special Operations support | ||
The 31st Airborne Battalion (Swedish: 31. Luftburna bataljonen) is an elite light infantry unit of the Swedish Army trained for air assault operations. The unit consists of a mix of full time professional soldiers and part-time reserves. The unit is part of the Life Regiment Hussars and based in Karlsborg.
Contents
Operations and training
The battalion is a rapid reaction force and is supported by helicopters and transport aircraft. Advance to contact on the ground is to be carried out with the units own light all terrain vehicles or on foot. The unit is built on man-portable systems and operates in a, for the purpose, composed task force. It is considered the most mobile unit in the Swedish Army due to its light nature and ability to be transported via air and dropped by parachute, and have a good ability to use precision guided weapons. The battalion is also tasked with providing infantry support to the Special Operations Task Group. The battalion continuously deployed to Afghanistan until the Swedish ISAF mission ended.
All recruits applying for service with the battalion undergo the same basic training as every other recruit in the Armed Forces (3 months). Though they are required to undertake a selection course in order to be considered for further training and service with the battalion. Further training to become a Ranger with the battalion is 6 months long, similar in length to what all soldiers/sailors undergo prior to joining their units.
Organisation
The battalion consists of the following squadrons:
Each rifle squadron (311. 312. and 313.) consists three rifle platoons, one mortar platoon and one HQ/support platoon. The supply squadron (314.) consists of a pioneer platoon, a supply platoon and medical platoon. The HQ/support squadron (315.) consists of a command & control platoon (also includes the battalions TACP) and a reconnaissance platoon. The latter platoon is also tasked with CSAR besides its main task, reconnaissance.