The Force Commander arrived at the battalion’s assembly area just outside Skövde on Wednesday where he was welcomed by the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Niclas Wetterberg.
An assembled logistic battalion is an impressive sight, both in terms of size and function. All food is handled, equipment repaired and heavy vehicles organised at the battalion’s large camps. All general supplies and equipment, from toilet paper and ammunition to all-terrain vehicle engines and truck tyres, are packed, stored and distributed here. Everything that is needed to enable the battle group’s 2,100 soldiers to perform their tasks is on hand.
The battalion also includes two large field hospitals that offer the soldiers in the field a fundamental sense of security. The Force Commander’s visit started with a briefing in the command and control tent. During this briefing, the battalion’s leaders gave a short overview of the battalion’s work situation:
“Reassembling a logistic battalion is an extensive operation and, as a result, we’ve already started to reconnoitre and preassemble supplies and equipment in Skåne prior to the summer’s big exercises,” explains the Battalion Commander, Niclas Wetterberg.
Stefan Andersson then visited the water purification unit where he and his Deputy, the Finnish Captain Juha Vauhkonen, tasted a cup of purified water taken directly from a surface water dyke. A viewing of the battalion’s 1,440 m³ storage tent was next, before it was time for the Force Commander to have lunch out in the open together with his soldiers.
A visit to the medical unit is always greatly appreciated as it is an extremely important and advanced resource. The equipment in the two field hospitals has a higher level of technology than that which exists at many civil hospitals. Stefan Andersson was shown the unit’s assembly area and, as usual, took the time to chat with the soldiers.
Lance Corporal Elin Boqvist is a conscript working as a medic in the ambulance platoon and has chosen to apply for the Nordic Battlegroup. When asked by the Force Commander why she applied for the position, the answer was clear:
“The majority of those in the platoon have applied for the NBG. We have such an interesting assignment and, above all, such good cohesion within the group that it feels natural to continue together. Quite simply, it’s a fantastic gang of people that I don’t want to leave,” says Elin Boqvist.
The Battalion Commander, Niclas Wetterberg, illustrated how important it is to take advantage of the soldiers’ high level of motivation in a lasting way:
“For example, during the period of preparedness we’ll use simulator training and other resources in order to maintain motivation and interest,” says Wetterberg.
The Force Commander chose these words to sum up his day in Skaraborg:
“The excellent comradeship and positive spirit I've seen here at the Logistic Battalion instils great confidence and I look forward to meeting you all again during the coming exercises.”