Sweden is quickly raising the number of so-called “war appointed” civilians in its society. Should the Scandinavian country be attacked by a foreign power, more than 404,000 Swedes already know where to report for the “Total Defence” of the country. This is an increase of 66,000 people since the beginning of 2023, Swedish national broadcasting company SVT reported.
Schools in Sweden sometimes train for conflict. Teachers are expected to stay on the job if war comes (Press photo by Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency/MSB)
Being “war appointed” can mean something relatively simple, like continuing your work as a teacher, keeping your grocery store open, or continue to serve in your administrative role for the local, regional or national authorities. The Total Defence Strategy that Sweden has reactivated, after it was paused in the 1990s, is meant to keep society running in times of conflict.
Practically all healthcare personnel, water and electricity experts and those who work for key transport companies are included in the “war appointees”. New “war appointees” get a letter from the government pointing out their responsibilities and where to report in times of crisis if not their usual work spot.
Furthermore, all those living in Sweden and are between the age of 16 and 70, men and women, can be called under arms or appointed to serve a civilian location if the government declares general mobilisation.
The Swedish defence strategy is to never surrender, and its resistance officially includes the entire society. | © 2023 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com