After leading the rebuilding of the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment (A 9), Brigadier General Lars O Jonsson is now taking over as Commander of the Swedish Defence Logistics (FMLOG). In an earlier column for Nordic Defence Sector, he described his experiences of re-establishing a regiment. Now he faces the task of developing the Swedish Armed Forces' logistics at a time marked by rearmament and NATO membership.
What is your background?
I have worked in the Swedish Armed Forces for almost 39 years. My home unit is I 19 in Boden (northern Sweden). My three most recent postings have been as Deputy Head of Planning for the Army, Brigade Commander of the Mechanised Brigade 19 (MekB 19), and most recently, for 3.5 years, Commander of the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment and Kristinehamn Garrison (central Sweden).
Why did you choose to work in the defence sector?
I have always enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to develop, both as a professional and in the role of manager and leader.
What made you accept the role of Commander of FMLOG?
I saw it as an exciting challenge to develop and lead logistics so that it becomes operationally relevant in the new security policy context and as part of the NATO alliance.
What does your new position involve?
In addition to being unit commander and employer representative for our approximately 1,100 employees around Sweden, I see the role of "national quartermaster" as central. As logistics is being strengthened, among other things through having a general as commander, that role is about creating the conditions for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
What is at the top of your agenda for the next six months?
Since I am not a logistician by training, the first period will involve familiarising myself with the operation. After that, it will be about setting a compass direction with a focus on transport and supplies in peace, crisis and war, together with our allies.