31st Airborne Battalion (Sweden)
| 31st Airborne Battalion | |
|---|---|
| 31. Luftburna bataljonen | |
| Active | 2003–2013, 2016–present |
| Country |
 |
| Branch | Swedish Army |
| Type | Airborne/Light infantry |
| Role |
Direct action Air assault Sabotage Special Operations support |
| Size | Battalion |
| Part of | Life Regiment Hussars |
| Garrison/HQ | Karlsborg |
| Engagements | War in Afghanistan (2001–present) |
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 units as well as reserves. The unit is part of the Life Regiment Hussars and is based in Karlsborg.
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. Training to become a Ranger with the battalion is 6-8 months excluding basic training.
Organisation
Prior to 2013, the battalion consists of the following squadrons:
- 311. Squadron: Rifle squadron
- 312. Squadron: Rifle squadron
- 313. Squadron: Rifle squadron
- 314. Squadron: Supply squadron
- 315. Squadron: HQ & support squadron
Each rifle squadron (311. 312. and 313.) consisted of three rifle platoons, one mortar platoon and one HQ/support platoon. The supply squadron (314.) of a pioneer platoon, a supply platoon and medical platoon. The HQ/support squadron (315.) consisted of the battalion HQ, a command & control platoon (also includes the battalions TACP) and a reconnaissance platoon.
After temporarily being disbanded and re-organized the battalion was re-instated as a battle group (although retaining the classification as a battalion) in 2015. In its current form it's made up of three squadrons:
- 310. Squadron: HQ & support squadron
- 311. Squadron: Ranger squadron
- 312. Squadron: Ranger squadron
