– Previously, it was not certain that students received education about Sweden's total defense and duty; it was up to the individual teacher. This will now change, meaning that all students in grade 1 will receive education in total defense, says Robert Trupp, project leader in total defense knowledge at the Swedish Armed Forces in a press release from the authority.
The education covers two hours and consists of a digital course, “Together We Are Total Defense,” as well as an interactive educational game. It has been developed in collaboration with the Swedish National Agency for Education, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the Swedish Psychological Defense Agency, and the Swedish Defense Recruitment Agency. The education is produced by Lexicon Interactive and operated by the Security and Defense Industry Association (SOFF) on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces.
The Swedish Armed Forces see the introduction as an important step to strengthen awareness of the total defense duty. According to the authority's surveys, only four out of ten Swedes know how to act in a crisis or war situation.
– The goal of the education is to create insight, confidence, and the ability to act among our students so that they know how to respond in a crisis and ultimately in war, says Robert Trupp.
Previously, there were no requirements for primary or high schools to teach about total defense in the curriculum. The government is now investigating whether similar education should also be introduced in primary schools. Education Minister Lotta Edholm (L) has previously emphasized the importance of students gaining knowledge about total defense and NATO in light of the changed security situation.