Swedish thoughts on Swedish armed forces deploying abroad

[Kevtravels]

I know since Sweden's position is more or less neutral and many citizens are more or less fiercely opposed to probably to the military but im curious if many support the armed forces being used in peacekeeping missions? I know Sweden has been using troops in that role for over 50years but is it still a heavily debated issue or is that people don't mind if their troops are used in Africa? Cause if so, i wonder if Swedish troop involvement in Afghanistan brings more attention among protestors or is it just typical? Just curious.

[Shark99 - The Great Catsby]

Sweden was quite involved in fighting in the Congo in the 50s. They fought under the UN blue banner, but the fact that they had the Swedish Air Force bombing and firing rockets was interesting. You can thank Dag Hammarskjöld for that.

Now Sweden is engaged in Afghanistan, and have done quite a few ops in Africa as well, all under NATO or UN auspices. I'm all for Swedish troops gaining combat experience, it's the only way for new doctrine to emerge. It's important to note that most of the units engaged are filled by volunteers, and not conscripts. People have to apply for utlandsstyrkan. Most of the people who sign up are shooters and looters who want a taste of adventure, or are peaceniks who want to change the world. Either way, they volunteer and go abroad.

Swedish troops are generally better behaved than their Nigerian military counterparts when doing UN duties, but are not afraid of shooting back when warranted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

This is an interesting video about Swedish women serving in Afghanistan. Notice the unique Swedish zigzag camouflage pattern has been adapted to the desert environ.

[Kevtravels]

[Thebinary1]

It is very critical for Swedish Defence forces to "see some action" so that the Swedish public can "see" how ineffective they are, and fire the current government in the process.

[shpongle]

[Good Dog!]

I think that we should carefully continue with "peace keeping" missions but stay clear of anything that can be construed as cooperation with the American military and/or NATO.

[Shark99 - The Great Catsby]

[Kevtravels]

[Kaethar]

Most people I know are pleased with our peace-keeping missions overseas. There have been a couple of ads on TV for joining the forces and some documentaries about our soldiers abroad. There have also been some stories of our soldiers in Afghanistan and such which have recently been in the news.

I think basically all people would look down on Swedish forces in combat. But many people are proud of the peace and development work Swedish troops do overseas.

[Good Dog!]