Debate article
06 March 2009
Sverker Göranson to become new Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
Today, 6 March, the Government appointed Lieutenant General Sverker Göranson as new Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to succeed the current Supreme Commander, Håkan Syrén, on 25 March.
Sverker Göranson is a Lieutenant General with a background in the army. He is currently Chief of Staff at the Armed Forces Headquarters. Sverker Göranson has broad leadership experience, including from the international mission in Bosnia and command positions in the Armed Forces.
After compiling a list of suitable candidates, the Ministry of Defence sought the help of an external recruitment consultant to assess the candidates.
One key task of the new Supreme Commander will be to implement the new focus of the armed forces, in accordance with the spring bill. The Armed Forces, and the Army in particular, will undergo extensive reform in the next few years, including a transition to permanent and contracted units, as well as flexible battalion combat groups. The reform will require continuing the close cooperation between the Government Offices and the Armed Forces.
"I have accepted the post, and have done so with a strong sense of humility ahead of the responsible and complex task of continuing to lead the Armed Forces into the future," says Sverker Göranson.
"Sverker Göranson is very highly recommended and is an experienced and good coach for his team. Among the factors that tipped the assessment in his favour are his experience of leadership at various levels, his international experience and above all that the army represents the major area of reform. I therefore proposed his appointment to the four Alliance party leaders on Tuesday," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.
