High-level crisis and security

For many active in the total defence and security sector, the Solbacka course is a well-known concept, probably both for its long history and also because it is a total defence training for leading people from all parts of society in Sweden.

The Swedish Armed Forces, together with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (in Swedish: MSB), have tasked the Swedish Defence University with conducting the course. The idea for a higher-level total defence course of this kind was conceived shortly after the end of World War II by then Prime Minister Tage Erlander and Supreme Commander Nils Swedlund. The aim was to bridge the gap between the military and civilian defence sectors and to make use of the experiences gained after World War II. The first course was held in 1952.

Scenarios

"It is important that people who will lead our country and be responsible for socially important functions in crisis, heightened alert and, in the worst case, war, are given the best possible conditions to carry out their mission. Solbacka provides an opportunity for actors from different parts of society to build a common level of knowledge, discuss and practice possible scenarios," says Major General Anders Callert, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Swedish Defence University.

Crisis preparedness and total defence

Games and exercises are common training methods at the Swedish Defence University and so also during the Solbacka course. One way to increase knowledge and practice decision-making is to use different game scenarios where you have to deal with events that are fictional but still close to reality. It may be that Sweden is hit by a crisis, such as a cyber attack, that hits society hard or a threat of war against us or someone in our immediate area. During the modules, participants learn how crisis preparedness and total defence are organised and function locally, regionally and nationally, and then take on various strategic roles to deal with incidents.

"Commitment to crisis preparedness and total defence has increased in recent years, and therefore the Swedish Defence University has an important role to play in contributing to strengthening society's capabilities," says Abigail Choate, head of the Centre for Total Defence and Societal Security and course coordinator for Solbacka.