Colonel Johan Magnusson has taken up his new role as head of the Swedish Armed Forces Telecommunications and Information Systems Unit (FMTIS). In an interview with FSN, he talks about his background, what attracted him to FMTIS, and which issues are at the top of his agenda in the new role.
What is your background?
I was originally trained as a Technical Officer in Artillery, based at the Artillery regiment in Boden (northern Sweden), as part of the Army. I served within the artillery from 1999 to 2019, nearly 20 years, with breaks for various military schools and postings to other locations. I was transferred to FMTIS in early 2019 to take on the role of Planning Chief at the unit, a position I enjoyed greatly. I was impressed early on by the breadth and depth of the organisation's activities.
What was your most recent posting?
For the past two and a half years, I served at the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters in Stockholm, with responsibility for the Swedish Armed Forces' materiel production within command and control support systems. A very educational and rewarding experience in many ways.
Why did you choose to work in the defence sector?
I have always been interested in technology in all its forms. The Swedish Armed Forces is a very interesting, challenging, and stimulating workplace from a technical perspective, as virtually every type of technology is represented within the organisation. Beyond that, it is important to me that I make a meaningful contribution to our society and our country. Defence is ultimately about preventing war and being able to handle various types of threats quickly and effectively.
What drew your interest to FMTIS?
FMTIS is a very interesting mix of civilian technical expertise and military professionalism. FMTIS also operates in an area that is highly relevant given the current security environment and threat picture. The unit therefore plays a very central role alongside other key actors in the field.
What does your new position involve?
As commanding officer of FMTIS, I have overall responsibility for ensuring that the unit meets the expectations of our principals, while making the best possible use of our resources and continuing to develop both the unit and its activities in the right direction and at the right pace.
What is at the top of your agenda for the next six months?
I would say introducing myself within the unit. Ensuring that we are all working in the same direction and setting out the long-term course for the unit.
NDS has previously interviewed, among others, Tobias Billström and Karin Swanson in this series. If you know someone who would be suitable for this interview series, or feel that you yourself would be a good fit, NDS can be reached at news@nordicdefencesector.com. Please mark the email "New on the Job".