Swedish Army Conscripts Allowed Long Hair

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31028, 6 April 1966, Page 22

Swedish Army Conscripts Allowed Long Hair

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter)

OSTERSUND (Sweden). Army officers in Ostersund believe that conscripts should be allowed to have long hair or dress untidily if they wish.

They are not especially interested in discipline either — as long as soldiers are effective and are not directly insubordinate. Major Karl-Erik Westerlund, of the Defence Staff, said: “We are often criticised because our soldiers look sloppy, and it is true we do not have a single regiment in Sweden that could look really smart on the parade ground. “But our soldiers are highly trained and efficient. They can compete on the battlefield with those of any other nation, in spite of a very short training period.” The excess polishing of equipment common in British, American and other armies is scoffed at. So is paradeground shouting, drilling and tough discipline. “What is the use of polishing boots to look like mirrors? It is valuable time being wasted—time that could otherwise be used for training soldiers in the art of warfare,” said Major Westerlund.

Swedish conscripts serve only about 10 months in the Army, unless they are being trained as officers, when the national service is 15 months. Officers thus consider it wiser to turn a blind eye to unpressed trousers, undone buttons and long hair. A recent example is that of a young soldier who arrived at his first Army camp with shoulder-length hair. He refused to have it cut—and although officers were none too happy about it, they finally agreed to let him have his own way. “Now he is just as effective as any other soldier,” Major Westerlund said. Swedish Army authorities consider that their troops are

the best trained in Europe. Most conscripts receive similar basic military trvning for eight weeks, alter which they receive individual training followed by unit training and combined exercises noted for their toughness. Troops take part in manoeuTes for several days on a large scale during their normal period of conscription, but also receive repetitive training for one month every sixth year. This is to keep them trained and ready for immediate action after mobilisation and special training with new equipment.

Great demands are placed on mobility through the use of bicycles, tractors, armoured tracked vehicles and snowmobiles and it is common to see a whole regiment pedalling vigorously along country roads in full equipment—even in the middle of winter. They are also well prepared for nuclear warfare and Army tactics are primarily aimed at making the enemy’s employjnent of tactical nuclear weapons difficult. This is accomplished by keeping units dispersed at wide intervals. Camouflage is painstakingly scrupulous, radio communications are restricted and troops regroup frequently.

The effect of nuclear weapons is to be confined and all troops are given full combat training. Another major tactic is to weaken the enemy by degrees. Major Westerlund said: “Enemy units will be attacked at all times and we shall always attempt to cut his communications. Battles will be carried on stubbornly across the entire zone. We shall

lessen an enemy’s mobility by mine-laying and destructive operations, and inflict him with losses and make him susceptible to heavy firepower and attack.

“Our main goal, however, is to attack and destroy enemy forces in the opening stages, before his reinforcements arrive.

“We do not consider that discipline in the Army is essential for this purpose. A soldier who can polish his boots and press his trousers cannot necessarily be a good fighter. We intend to see that our soldiers are.

“If he destroys the enemy, who cares if he salutes with his arm at a right-angle to his body?”