Having led the establishment of the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment (A 9), Brigadier General Lars O Jonsson now takes over as head of the Swedish Defence Logistics organisation (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 positions have been as deputy head of planning in 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.
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 as head 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 the unit commander and employer representative for our approximately 1,100 employees across Sweden, I see the role of "national quartermaster" as central. As logistics is being reinforced, among other things through having a general as its head, that role is about creating the conditions needed 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 initial period will focus on familiarising myself with the operations. 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.