Difference between revisions of "Military: Torrike"
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== '''Strategic Perception''' == | == '''Strategic Perception''' == | ||
− | + | [[File:Torrike NCA.png|thumb|550x550px|'''Torrike NCA''']] | |
Torrike has concerns over what they consider the ‘Dash to the North’. As the international debate over access to resources in the Arctic has become more intense, so the pace of Torrike’s related activity is correspondingly more intense. | Torrike has concerns over what they consider the ‘Dash to the North’. As the international debate over access to resources in the Arctic has become more intense, so the pace of Torrike’s related activity is correspondingly more intense. | ||
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== '''Defense Policy and Priorities''' == | == '''Defense Policy and Priorities''' == | ||
− | Torrikan defense policy was substantially revised | + | Torrikan defense policy was substantially revised recently with a major strategic defense review. Although the details were classified, the major elements are clearly set out in the Defense Priorities that are listed below. In many respects, the review merely encapsulated a change in policy that had been effectively under way since the replacement of the political old guard in the 1990s. The inwardly focused, home defense mentality has been replaced by a more forward and outward looking posture. Torrike sees itself as the natural leader in the region and its defense policy is structured accordingly, envisaging the possibility of active intervention within other countries in the region as well as the intent of shutting out any external influences. Defense expenditure has remained steady at around 2.8 to 2.9% of GDP for the last five years. |
Torrike’s declared Defense Priorities are: | Torrike’s declared Defense Priorities are: | ||
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* The maximum possible use of stand‐off and precision guided munitions will minimize the cost of success | * The maximum possible use of stand‐off and precision guided munitions will minimize the cost of success | ||
* Concealment and dispersion combined with high mobility will be the key to success | * Concealment and dispersion combined with high mobility will be the key to success | ||
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Specific doctrine for the use of theater ballistic missiles (TBM) is currently under review, while doctrine for use of cyber and information warfare is under development. | Specific doctrine for the use of theater ballistic missiles (TBM) is currently under review, while doctrine for use of cyber and information warfare is under development. | ||
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− | The | + | = '''Military Forces Overview''' = |
+ | [[File:Torrike Military Structure.png|thumb|536x536px|'''Torrike MOD Central Structure''']]The Torrikan armed forces employ a conventional structure with separate Army Navy and Air Force. A radical restructuring in 2005/06 eliminated a considerable degree of overlap and responsibilities as well as reducing and rationalizing the command structure. The forces use a mix of regular and conscript personnel. Units are constituted on a cadre basis, where an element of between 10 and 20% of the authorized strength consisting of full time professionals, with the balance of the unit being filled by conscripts undertaking national service and reservists mobilized on an as required basis. | ||
− | + | The Torrikan arms industry is well developed and Torrike has always valued the efficient use of technology. As a result, the Torrikan forces are equipped with a wide range of indigenous modern equipment and arms. The training structure is such that the forces are well trained and highly competent in the use of this materiel. A program to leverage the potential benefits of modern technology and in particular communications technology and to integrate the efforts of the three forces, has been running since late 2000. To this end, the MOD was restructured in 2004/5 to take the form of a single General Staff, while the three services operational commands were merged into Operations Command, a single joint HQ 10 years ago. | |
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== '''Operations Command''' == | == '''Operations Command''' == | ||
− | Operations Command, based in Solna, North of Tyr, serves as the single joint operational command for the Torrikan forces. | + | Operations Command, based in Solna, North of Tyr, serves as the single joint operational command for the Torrikan forces.. The manning of the HQ is lean, as the majority of the strategic and long term work is done within the General Staff of each Service. |
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− | + | === '''Command and Control''' === | |
− | + | The structure of Operations Command and the General Staff has led to a much more efficient use of Joint resources. Operational and Tactical planning is entirely Joint, with an emphasis on multi-domain conflict. Although individual Service heads retain administrative control of their respective organization, in times of conflict the Head of Operations Command executes any given orders from the SHC. This has, in the past, caused conflict when there have been strong personalities in key individual Service commands. | |
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− | The structure of the | ||
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== '''Roles and Missions''' == | == '''Roles and Missions''' == | ||
The Torrikan Armed Forces are charged with the defense of the Torrikan state and the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country. The tasks that underpin this include surveillance of the country’s land area, territorial waters and airspace. The forces are also charged with the training and preparation of the regular and reserve forces to be able to discharge this mission. The forces are also required to support the Civil Power in the event of emergencies and for the organization of Civil Defense within Torrike in order to protect civilian life and property in the event of a conflict or other emergency, although primacy on Civil Defense has largely been passed to the National Civil Emergencies Service (NCES). The forces mission has been amended in recent years to include the potential to intervene in regional crises to ensure stability and security within the region. The missions and tasks of the individual forces are derived from these overall tasks | The Torrikan Armed Forces are charged with the defense of the Torrikan state and the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country. The tasks that underpin this include surveillance of the country’s land area, territorial waters and airspace. The forces are also charged with the training and preparation of the regular and reserve forces to be able to discharge this mission. The forces are also required to support the Civil Power in the event of emergencies and for the organization of Civil Defense within Torrike in order to protect civilian life and property in the event of a conflict or other emergency, although primacy on Civil Defense has largely been passed to the National Civil Emergencies Service (NCES). The forces mission has been amended in recent years to include the potential to intervene in regional crises to ensure stability and security within the region. The missions and tasks of the individual forces are derived from these overall tasks | ||
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== '''Army Overview''' == | == '''Army Overview''' == | ||
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'''Figure M-7: Torrike Civil Defense Command Structure''' | '''Figure M-7: Torrike Civil Defense Command Structure''' | ||
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+ | == '''Military Intelligence''' == | ||
+ | |||
+ | Torrike considers that the proper and active use of intelligence resources is a force multiplier. While this view is standard in most military organizations around the world, Torrike works hard to put it into practice. By creating a single, Joint, Military Intelligence Service (MISS) reporting to the General Staff and providing them with an abundance of resources to both collect and disseminate useful intelligence to the three services, Torrike has eliminated most of the frictions between competing agencies that many other nations suffer from. | ||
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+ | == '''Medical''' == | ||
+ | |||
+ | Medical services are organized along single service lines, but coordinated and governed by the tri‐service Medical Directorate within the Technology and Logistics Directorate of the General Staff and there is an increasingly joint approach towards the medical element of operations. The Directorate is also responsible for the single Military Hospital. | ||
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+ | The Medical Directorate combines all health‐related professions into a single entity which includes Veterinary and Dental services. There is no distinction between uniformed personnel in any of the professions other than their element of the Armed Forces. | ||
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+ | Significantly, emerging medical doctrine increasingly appears to be developing a strong element of Humanitarian Assistance. While this may simply be in support of DP5, medical interventions in the civilian community are becoming increasingly recognized as a sophisticated tool for the influencing of populations | ||
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+ | == '''Training''' == | ||
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+ | Torrikan military policy is to maximize the amount of training undertaken jointly. On this basis, all basic recruit, senior non-commissioned officers (SNCO) and officer training is performed collaboratively. Mid-career and staff colleges for officers, advanced warfare studies and combined operations training is also organized on a joint basis. The individual services are responsible for specialist and professional training relating to their environment. | ||
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+ | Three factors influence the training cycles. These are firstly the need to train and integrate each year’s batch of conscripts; secondly refresher training for reserve forces and their integration into their designated units and finally, the need to train each of the services to operate jointly and collaboratively. The overall annual training cycle progresses from individual and unit training, through formation training to limited joint training. The cycle is completed with a biennial joint force exercise involving all the major combat units of the Torrikan forces. | ||
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+ | == '''Joint Logistics and Capabilities''' == | ||
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+ | Torrike endeavors to make the maximum use of common and joint logistics within the armed forces. All activities that can be centralized are conducted by the Technology and Logistics Directorate of the General Staff. The individual services are responsible for environment specific logistic activities, but are required to coordinate closely with the General Staff. All stores and ammunition depots are controlled by the Directorate, which is also responsible for Estate Management. | ||
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+ | == '''Reserve Forces''' == | ||
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+ | The Torrikan forces rely heavily on reservists both to maintain a viable force level in peacetime (active reserves) and to fill out operational units and provide depth in times of crisis. Reservists can be either personnel who have completed their National Service, or former full time regular personnel. All adults are liable for reserve service once they have completed their conscription period, but in reality, only a limited number of individuals are formally allotted and given refresher training (the ratio of reserves to full time servicemen is covered under the appropriate service heading above). Neither the Air Force, nor the Navy have specific reservist units, however, the Army uses the reserves to constitute an additional two motorized infantry brigades and a support brigade in times of war. | ||
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+ | == '''Joint Capabilities''' == | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Theater Ballistic Missiles (TBM) === | ||
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+ | Torrike possesses a single long distance offensive capability in the TBM Branch operated by the Air Force. The force was constructed in the late 1970s as a standoff weapon that would improve Torrike’s ability to fend off external aggression. However, for most of the first 10 years of its existence, it was the subject of considerable disagreement between the Army and the Air Force on which service should control the force. This argument centered round a major philosophical point, was the system long range artillery, or a weapon with potential strategic effect? The argument was finally resolved in favor of the Army, which operated some 30 SCUD B launchers as battlefield artillery. The President overturned this approach when the systems were replaced in the late 1990s by a reduced number of SCUD D (24 launchers). The argument was that the increased accuracy of the weapon gave it strategic effect (although the range had not increased). The Air Force now operates the force and its focus is very much a strategic one. | ||
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+ | Torrike had hoped to replace the SCUDs with more modern weapons by late 2013/early 2014. However, although the original deadline has passed, Torrike is still negotiating with potential suppliers for a modern system. Day‐to‐day control is vested in a specialist cell within the Special Means Division of the General Staff Operations Directorate, but authority to fire is retained by the Minister, who in turn needs Presidential approval. | ||
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+ | As part of the TBM strategic plan, Torrike is working to establish bases for missile systems on the island of Gotland. The objective of the program is to create the "Gibraltar of the Baltic Sea." Regional reaction to its attempt to base long-range missile units on Gotland caused Torrike to remove the force but it does continue the construction of supporting infrastructure on the island. | ||
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+ | === Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) === | ||
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+ | Torrike has no known stockpiles of biological weapons and the only known chemical ammunition was phased out in the late 1960s. | ||
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+ | === Cyber === | ||
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+ | In early 2004, a National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), a nominally independent body designed to protect national IT infrastructure from outside attacks such as that experienced by the Baltic States, was established. At the same time, the Defense Cyber Security Directorate (DCSD) was established. These agencies operated as a single entity, with collocated headquarters and shared facilities. Torrike possesses all the necessary talent and capability to launch effective cyber-attacks and to protect itself against such attacks. | ||
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+ | === Electronic Warfare (EW) === | ||
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+ | Torrike’s extensive electronics industry lends itself to the construction of competent EW capability and this is reflected in the Torrikan force structure. | ||
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+ | === Information Warfare === | ||
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+ | Torrike has no formal information warfare doctrine as such; however, the non-Military departments have experience of ‘planting’ stories and manipulating the internal media. | ||
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+ | === Space === | ||
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+ | Torrike has no known military space capability. | ||
== '''Coast Guard''' == | == '''Coast Guard''' == |
Revision as of 15:43, 30 August 2018
DATE Europe > Torrike > Military: Torrike ←You are here
Contents
- 1 Military Overview
- 2 Military Forces Overview
- 2.1 Operations Command
- 2.2 Roles and Missions
- 2.3 Army Overview
- 2.4 Army Size and Structure
- 2.5 Army Roles and Missions
- 2.6 Army Leadership and Intent
- 2.7 Army Personnel, Training and Readiness
- 2.8 Army Equipment and Weapons
- 2.9 Army Logistics and Medical
- 2.10 Naval Forces Overview
- 2.11 Naval Forces Size and Structure
- 2.12 Naval Forces Roles and Missions
- 2.13 Naval Forces Leadership and Intent
- 2.14 Naval Forces Personnel, Training and Readiness
- 2.15 Naval Forces Equipment and Weapons
- 2.16 Naval Forces Logistics and Medical
- 2.17 Air Force Overview
- 2.18 Air Force Size and Structure
- 2.19 Air Force Roles and Missions
- 2.20 Air Force Leadership and Intent
- 2.21 Air Force Personnel, Training, Medical, and Readiness
- 2.22 Air Force Equipment, Weapons, and Logistics
- 2.23 Air Force Special Purpose Forces
- 2.24 Other Forces
- 2.25 Civil Defense
- 2.26 Military Intelligence
- 2.27 Medical
- 2.28 Training
- 2.29 Joint Logistics and Capabilities
- 2.30 Reserve Forces
- 2.31 Joint Capabilities
- 2.32 Coast Guard
- 2.33 Military Industrial Complex
- 2.34 Research & Development
- 2.35 National Arms Production
- 2.36 Chemical Program
- 2.37 Foreign Arms Trade
- 2.38 Maintenance
- 2.39 Procurement
Military Overview
The Torrikan forces are modern, structurally sound and well equipped. In theory a largely conscript force, in reality, national Service is used to identify suitable candidates for long term service and the reserves. All adults are subject to conscription from the age of 17 and must complete a 16 week induction period, which both provides basic military training and an assessment period in which potential future leaders are identified. The armed forces have always had a highly intellectual approach to warfare, seeking to maximize the effectiveness of their forces through a vigorous analysis of strategy and tactics. The Defense Academy (War Academy until 1990) trains the brightest and best for future command. There is considerable emphasis on professional development throughout the training structure and a great deal of attention is given to encouraging all ranks to use their initiative to the greatest extent possible. Torrike’s declared role model is the Israeli Defense Forces, which are admired for their operational effectiveness. To balance that, the Torrikan armed forces have little actual operational experience and have only exercised with Bothnia, Framland and to a lesser extent, Arnland. Otsonian observers on Torrikan exercises have found them to be somewhat rigid in outlook.
Units are constituted on a cadre basis, where an element of between 10 and 20% of the authorized strength consists of full time professionals, with the balance of the unit being filled by reservists mobilized on an as required basis. The ratio of full time to reservist personnel is driven by the degree of technical expertise required to maintain the unit’s military efficiency. There are few gender restrictions on employment within the forces, however, females are not permitted to serve in submarines or the infantry.
Strategic Perception
Torrike has concerns over what they consider the ‘Dash to the North’. As the international debate over access to resources in the Arctic has become more intense, so the pace of Torrike’s related activity is correspondingly more intense.
Initially, Torrike did not regarded the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a strategic threat since NATO’s perceived focus on Donovia left little scope for interference in Torrikan affairs. During the last 20 years however, Torrike has increasingly come to regard NATO as an aggressive, expansionist, and increasingly interventionist political entity that poses a potential strategic threat to Torrike’s regional ambitions. Bothnia's increasing relationship with Donovia has also left Torrike isolated within the Baltic Sea region.
National Command Authority
Torrike’s military is ultimately led by the Head of State (President). In times of peace the Prime Minister, through the Minister of Defense oversees day-to-day operations; during conflict a Strategic High Command (SHC) is convened, led by the Minister of Defense along with the Chief of Defense, Heads of each Service and the Head of Operations Command. Whilst the Prime Minister is also officially part of the SHC, the overall decision maker is the President, an arrangement which has caused internal friction in the past.
Defense Policy and Priorities
Torrikan defense policy was substantially revised recently with a major strategic defense review. Although the details were classified, the major elements are clearly set out in the Defense Priorities that are listed below. In many respects, the review merely encapsulated a change in policy that had been effectively under way since the replacement of the political old guard in the 1990s. The inwardly focused, home defense mentality has been replaced by a more forward and outward looking posture. Torrike sees itself as the natural leader in the region and its defense policy is structured accordingly, envisaging the possibility of active intervention within other countries in the region as well as the intent of shutting out any external influences. Defense expenditure has remained steady at around 2.8 to 2.9% of GDP for the last five years.
Torrike’s declared Defense Priorities are:
- DP1: Protection of the homeland (including territorial waters and economic zones)
- DP2: Providing security for stability in the Region
- DP3: Defending Torrike’s interests through the projection of appropriate power
- DP4: Providing a defense contribution to Torrikan influence
- DP5: Providing Aid to the civil power in emergency and crisis
Military Doctrine
Torrikan doctrine is currently in a state of flux. Development of doctrine has not kept pace with developments in the strategic outlook and purpose of the armed forces. Formal doctrine is still based heavily on repelling an invader using a mix of fixed and mobile defenses. The doctrine envisaged the extensive mobilization of reserve forces to generate a defensive mass that would inflict significant losses on any attacker. The activities of the three services were only marginally linked and although much of the technology deployed was advanced, the overall doctrine was fairly rigid and limited in its outlook. The Torrikan Military has recognized the need to radically revise its doctrine for a number of years, but up until 10 years ago, efforts to update it were uncoordinated and piecemeal, with each of the three services attempting to drive the process. Finally the MOD established a Doctrine Branch under a 2* officer within the Directorate of Military Academies. The branch is charged with devising and promulgating an effective Joint Operational doctrine for the three services. Work is allegedly well advanced and a substantial number of tactical pamphlets and field manuals have been approved by the branch. The key tenets are clear, but these have yet to coalesce into an authoritative policy:
- The combined firepower of the three armed services has to be fully integrated to achieve battlefield saturation
- Effective command, control, communications, computers and real time intelligence (C4I) is to be used to direct the efforts of the forces
- The maximum possible use of stand‐off and precision guided munitions will minimize the cost of success
- Concealment and dispersion combined with high mobility will be the key to success
Specific doctrine for the use of theater ballistic missiles (TBM) is currently under review, while doctrine for use of cyber and information warfare is under development.
Military Forces Overview
The Torrikan armed forces employ a conventional structure with separate Army Navy and Air Force. A radical restructuring in 2005/06 eliminated a considerable degree of overlap and responsibilities as well as reducing and rationalizing the command structure. The forces use a mix of regular and conscript personnel. Units are constituted on a cadre basis, where an element of between 10 and 20% of the authorized strength consisting of full time professionals, with the balance of the unit being filled by conscripts undertaking national service and reservists mobilized on an as required basis.The Torrikan arms industry is well developed and Torrike has always valued the efficient use of technology. As a result, the Torrikan forces are equipped with a wide range of indigenous modern equipment and arms. The training structure is such that the forces are well trained and highly competent in the use of this materiel. A program to leverage the potential benefits of modern technology and in particular communications technology and to integrate the efforts of the three forces, has been running since late 2000. To this end, the MOD was restructured in 2004/5 to take the form of a single General Staff, while the three services operational commands were merged into Operations Command, a single joint HQ 10 years ago.
Operations Command
Operations Command, based in Solna, North of Tyr, serves as the single joint operational command for the Torrikan forces.. The manning of the HQ is lean, as the majority of the strategic and long term work is done within the General Staff of each Service.
Command and Control
The structure of Operations Command and the General Staff has led to a much more efficient use of Joint resources. Operational and Tactical planning is entirely Joint, with an emphasis on multi-domain conflict. Although individual Service heads retain administrative control of their respective organization, in times of conflict the Head of Operations Command executes any given orders from the SHC. This has, in the past, caused conflict when there have been strong personalities in key individual Service commands.
Roles and Missions
The Torrikan Armed Forces are charged with the defense of the Torrikan state and the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country. The tasks that underpin this include surveillance of the country’s land area, territorial waters and airspace. The forces are also charged with the training and preparation of the regular and reserve forces to be able to discharge this mission. The forces are also required to support the Civil Power in the event of emergencies and for the organization of Civil Defense within Torrike in order to protect civilian life and property in the event of a conflict or other emergency, although primacy on Civil Defense has largely been passed to the National Civil Emergencies Service (NCES). The forces mission has been amended in recent years to include the potential to intervene in regional crises to ensure stability and security within the region. The missions and tasks of the individual forces are derived from these overall tasks
Army Overview
The Torrikan Army has slowly restructured to reflect the change in defense priorities during the last five years. The structure is largely conventional, but unit sizes tend to be larger than the normal European equivalent. This is driven by the total defense concept which relies heavily on reinforcement by reservists. As an example, a motorized infantry battalion has a nominal strength of some 1,222 personnel. Of these, only some 250 are regular troops, including the senior staffs and SNCOs. Of the balance, between 200 and 400 are conscripts undergoing national service and the remaining posts will be filled by reservists. At any time, up to 100 reservists will be in the battalion undertaking refresher training. Under normal conditions, the actual unit strength will vary between 550 and 750 personnel, not all of whom will be fully trained. The unit will, however, hold the full allocation of vehicles, materiel and weapons for the nominal strength. Reserve battalions have the same nominal strength, but only 50–70 staff will be regulars, with all the remainder being subject to mobilization.
The exception to this structure is the Assault Brigade, which is intended to provide Torrike with the capability to project Military power beyond its borders. This is manned on a regular and selected reservist basis, with 75% of personnel being either full time professional, or reservists serving on an extended service contract. The remaining personnel are produced from a special reserve list.
For the most part, the Army is well equipped with modern and sophisticated weapons, mostly of indigenous origin.
The Army also provides the bulk of the resources for the regional Civil Defense Emergency Response units, although administrative control rests in the National Civil Emergencies Service (NCES).
Army Size and Structure
The Chief of the Army and his senior staffs are members of the General Staff. There are four Divisions within Army Headquarters:
- The Staff Support Division. This Division is composed of the normal G1 to G8 branches and provides the administrative and planning hub for the Army.
- Operations Division. Commanded by the senior Army 2*, who also serves as Vice Chief of the Army, the Operations Division is responsible for the day to day operations of the regular in service combat Brigades and for their overall preparedness and efficiency as well as routine administration.
- Reserves Division. This Division is responsible for C2 of the Reserve Brigades and administration and mobilization of Army reservists.
- Operational Support Division. This Division is responsible for the C2 of the specialist Logistics, Engineering, and Communications Brigades and for the management and administration of Army Schools.
The structure of Army HQ is shown at:
Army Roles and Missions
The prime function of the Army, is the preservation of the territorial integrity of the nation and the deterrence and destruction of any aggressor’s ground forces in the event of an invasion. It is tasked with providing all aspects of physical security to the other forces and government bodies. Additionally, it is responsible for providing the ability to project limited Military power outside Torrike when so instructed by the government.
In pursuit of these tasks, the Army is responsible for the preparation, organization and training of the land forces to meet the specified defense goals.
Army Leadership and Intent
The senior leadership structure of the Torrikan Army is fairly flat. Nominally there is only one 3* position in the Army and 6 established 2* positions that are Army specific (there are a number of joint positions open to all the services). In career terms, the ceiling for most officers is one star. This structure is driven by the belief that most armies are ‘over‐ranked’ and that all that a high star count adds to the organization is the need for a significant number of supporting staffs generating large amounts of unnecessary paperwork. The aim is to produce a lean and efficient top level structure
The current Army vision is to be a modern agile and flexible force that employs cutting edge technology to be able to defend the territorial integrity of the state and protect its citizens from external aggression. The Army also intends to be a world class catastrophe response organization, developing the equipment and capability to be able to respond to civil emergencies and provide all necessary support to the civil authorities.
The current senior leadership of the Army is shown below:
Position | Title | Name |
Chief of the Army | Lieutenant General | Albert Dahlgren |
Vice Commander (Operations Division) | Major General | Sami Hertzberg |
Chief of Staff HQ | Major General | Run Bold |
Operations Support Division | Major General | Rödskägg Granat |
Reserves Division | Major General | Stigbjörn Florin |
Army Personnel, Training and Readiness
Although manned largely by reserves and conscripts with a solid core of professionals, the Torrikan Army is well educated and well trained and generally extremely competent. The training cycle is designed to induct conscripts into the force and having built a level of expertise and competence, to retain and build on that competence after they transfer to the reserves.
Fully mobilized, the Army has a strength of some 83,000 personnel. However, many of these are reservists and the normal peacetime strength is well below this theoretical maximum. Unlike any other Army formation, the elements of the Assault Brigade are all full time professionals. The table below shows the approximate breakdown of full time to conscript to reserves as at September 2010:
Unit Type | Strength | Units | Regulars | Conscripts | Reservists | Total |
Infantry Battalion | 1,250 | 25 | 6,250 | 8,750 | 16,250 | 31,250 |
Tank Battalion | 1,000 | 4 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 4,000 |
Artillery Battalion | 850 | 8 | 1,600 | 1.200 | 4,000 | 6,800 |
Parachute Battalion | 950 | 1 | 950 | 0 | 0 | 950 |
Maritime Battalion | 1,250 | 2 | 2,500 | 0 | 0 | 2,500 |
Reconnaissance Battalion | 1,250 | 6 | 1,250 | 1,000 | 5,250 | 7,500 |
Reconnaissance Company | 150 | 2 | 100 | 50 | 150 | 300 |
Engineer Battalion | 950 | 5 | 1,000 | 750 | 3,000 | 4,750 |
Battalion | 750 | 2 | 300 | 200 | 1,000 | 1,500 |
Engineer Reinforcement Company | 180 | 3 | 240 | 50 | 250 | 540 |
Signals Battalion | 650 | 4 | 800 | 400 | 1,400 | 2,600 |
Electronic Warfare Battalion | 650 | 4 | 600 | 100 | 1,900 | 2,600 |
Logistics Battalion | 1,200 | 6 | 1,200 | 1,000 | 5,000 | 7,200 |
Hospital Battalion | 500 | 6 | 300 | 600 | 2,100 | 3,000 |
Medical Company | 150 | 8 | 400 | 100 | 700 | 1,200 |
Medical Logistics Battalion | 400 | 1 | 240 | 50 | 250 | 540 |
Total | - | - | 18,690 | 15,250 | 43,150 | 77,090 |
On top of the numbers shown above, there are some 6,000 additional staff in various HQs, training establishments, specialist units, etc. There are also an additional 900 Army personnel employed in the Civil Defense Emergency Response Battalions; the majority of these are reservists.
Units themselves need to be constantly trained to achieve and maintain the required standards and each formation needs to train the units to be an integral part of the larger operation. Finally, the Army has to train to operate in conjunction with the other forces in a joint manner. Unit and formation level training is run on a two year cycle ending in a major formation level exercise, usually with joint support; while the combined services training cycle is run on a four year basis, culminating in a joint exercise that seeks to test the integration of all the force elements. In the mid period of the next cycle, a major Civil defense exercise is now being scheduled, where a limited version of interoperability can be tested.
The only exception to this timetable, is the Assault Brigade which is currently operating to a shorter, annual, training cycle as they try to achieve full operating capability.
In keeping with the other former Skolkan Empire countries, Torrike uses a rank structure based on that in use at the time of the Empire’s demise. This has been slightly modified to cater for modern specializations, but for the most part it remains unchanged.
Army Equipment and Weapons
Torrike has a large and successful arms industry which has developed a wide range of modern and cost effective weapons systems. As a result, the Torrikan Army is well equipped and has a sound industrial support base for its weapons.
The Torrikan Army believes that mobility and engineering services are key force multipliers and to this end, employs a large number of IFVs and APCs. The CV 90 has proved to be an extremely successful and versatile design and is widely used in a variety of roles by the Torrikan forces. In a partnership arrangement with Bothnia, Torrike has supplied Bothnia with IFVs, while the Bothnian Patria wheeled multi‐purpose vehicle has entered Torrikan service in significant numbers. Almost all crew served weapons and artillery are of Torrikan origin, as are the vast majority of logistics and support vehicles. The Volvo BV 206 Arctic all-terrain vehicle has been exported throughout the world and is widely used by NATO forces.
Equipment | Type | In Service | Reserve | Remarks |
Main Battle Tank | Leopard 2 | 144 | 84 | 22 Leopard 2; 62 “S” Tank in reserve |
Infantry Fighting Vehicles (Tracked) | CV 90 | 702 | 0 | Includes 42 vehicles converted for ‘special purposes (EW/SIGINT) |
Armored Personnel Carriers (Wheeled) | Patria AMV | 504 | 0 | Further 58 on order |
Armored Engineer Bridging | Leopard 2A4 | 54 | 0 | AVLB–1 bridge spanning 24m gaps |
Armored Engineer Vehicle | Kodiak AEV | 54 | 0 | Dozer, Full Width Mineplough |
Self‐Propelled (SP) Artillery | Archer System | 36 | 12 | 155mm/52‐caliber howitzer |
Artillery | FH77 | 220 | 160 | 155mm/38 caliber. Weapon has APU providing limited local mobility |
MLRS Launcher | 0 | 0 | ||
Mortar 120mm | Bofors | 160 | 80 | Large stocks of STRIX guided rounds held as well as normal ammunition. |
Mortar 81mm | Bofors | 220 | 420 | |
Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launcher (Wheeled) | BAMSE | 54 | 0 | 20 Surveillance & Control Centers supporting 54 Missile Control Centers. Estimated in excess of 1500 missiles held |
Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) | RBS-70 | 1,000+ | 600 | Reserve are Mk 1 and 2. In use Mk 2 (400) and upgrade BOLIDE (600+) |
Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) | Bofors L/70 40mm | 240 | 120 | Used for both point defense and as mobile AAA |
Anti-Tank Missile Launcher | MBT LAW | 1,000+ | 600+ | |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Reconnaissance | Cyber Aero APID 60 | 40 | 0 | Autonomous helicopter system |
UAV Reconnaissance | SAAB Skeldar | 32 | 0 | Modular payloads including SIGINT and EW modules |
UAV Reconnaissance | SHARC | 6 | 0 | SAAB Highly Advanced Reconnaissance Configuration. Experimental research program – some doubt as to whether it has actually entered service |
Army Logistics and Medical
The Torrikan Army has a very solid logistics base, with regional stores depots throughout the country and a substantial logistics and engineering unit structure. The essential elements exist, but there is no known doctrine and perhaps more importantly, with the exception of the Assault Brigade, there has been no attempt to exercise this eventuality. The engineering structure is equally robust and in addition to the indigenous capability within each combat brigade, the Army has a dedicated Engineering Brigade which covers a wide range of specialist functions.
Although maintained along single‐Service lines, the Torrikan Armed Forces are trending towards Joint capabilities. The Army provides the largest component, but Field Hospitals may be manned by personnel from any Service. Equipment is sophisticated with clinical staffs well educated and trained. While reliant on Reservists providing the bulk of staff, the majority of these are highly trained clinicians.
The structure, philosophy, and equipment of the Torrikan Navy have been heavily influenced by the environment of the Baltic Sea. Technically an ‘extreme littoral’, the Baltic encompasses a large number of islands, shallow water and narrow channels; in the Tyr Archipelago alone, there are some 24,000 islands and islets. The Navy has therefore concentrated on developing appropriate underwater and surface capabilities to conduct efficient combat operations in the Torrikan littoral. On the one hand, this gives the Navy a significant advantage over other forces that may wish to operate in the same region; on the other hand, it limits their employability outside of the area. The Torrikan Navy is not a ‘blue water’ force. The Torrikan Navy is well equipped and sophisticated in its outlook.
Torrike’s Navy traditionally used Fast Patrol Boats (FPB) and mobile anti‐ship missile systems in preference to major surface combatants. However, in the last ten years the trend has been away from minor vessels to larger more capable warships, backed up by a number of very small fast craft. The Navy possesses a dozen corvettes of which seven are extremely modern. In addition, the Navy has some six modern submarines and a significant mine warfare capability (both offensive and defensive). The final element of the mix is a substantial amphibious warfare organization which possesses a small number of major vessels (LCT/LCL) and a very large number of small amphibious assault craft.
As with the other forces, the basic aim is to field the largest number of capable units of the smallest number of designs. Technology is applied in a thoughtful manner where it enhances the firepower or effectiveness of the force, but never merely for the sake of being modern. The corvette fleet is undergoing modernization, with half the fleet now being of a very modern stealthy design and the remainder of the fleet is being replaced at the rate of one unit per year. The helicopters deployed on surface vessels are operated by a specialist Air Force unit. The modernization program has not been without its difficulties, however, and the procurement of a modern Landing Platform Dock (LPD) has been something of a minor scandal.
The Torrikan Navy is unusual in that its major operating base is located outside of its home country. Torrike retains a lease on the former Skolkan Empire base at Karlskrona in South East Arnland, which gives it a major ice free port in the Baltic and the ability to dominate the Baltic approaches. Torrike pays Arnland in a mixture of cash and services, including training for Arnland’s Navy. One area where there is excellent cooperation is the contribution of the Karlskrona base to Arnish SAR. A facility in Göteborg is being built up to provide an alternative to Karlskrona and to provide direct access to the North Sea. Other bases exist in the Tyr archipelago and along the Baltic coast of Torrike.
The Navy relies on conscripts to a lesser extent than the other services, using the conscript training and integration program to entice personnel onto longer term professional engagements (four to eight years) after which they transfer to the reserves. Incentives include good pay and conditions and a highly supportive education program. Service in the Navy is popular and the training is seen as a good foundation for a maritime career.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and his immediate staff form part of the General Staff.
The structure of the Navy is conventional with three Divisions; the functions of the Logistics and Training Divisions are self‐explanatory, while the Fleet Division is responsible for all operational units. The structure is shown below:
The Navy is responsible for all aspects of Torrikan maritime operations. As such, its primary role is the protection of Torrike’s territorial integrity. This is translated into the tasks of protecting the countries territorial waters and economic zones in peacetime and defending the country against external maritime threats in war, in concert with the land and air forces. Additionally, as the Torrikan philosophy moves towards a more expeditionary mindset, the Navy has become a key provider of force projection via its amphibious capability. Torrikan naval operations are envisaged in four overlapping zones:
- Surface Warfare. In peacetime, this zone covers normal patrol operations and surveillance. In war, this zone combines the efforts of the corvette and Fast Patrol Boat fleets with shore based anti‐shipping missile batteries in conjunction with air launched attacks provided by the Air Force to destroy any naval aggressor.
- Undersea Warfare. Operating submarines in the Baltic Sea offers unique challenges and the Torrikan Navy seeks to exploit its long experience of such operations to disrupt and deter any aggressor. The submarine fleet’s main missions include surveillance of traffic in the Baltic and the western approaches to Torrike, intelligence gathering and patrolling.
- Mine Warfare. Mine warfare is seen as an essential element of Torrikan naval operations and the use of mines to block approaches or channel potential opponents is a major task of the Navy. In peacetime, clearance diving and the safe disposal of ordnance from WW2 are also significant tasks. All Torrikan vessels are able to lay a limited number of mines, but the specialized Mine Warfare Flotilla represents a significant capability in this sphere.
- Amphibious Warfare. Torrike’s traditional view of amphibious warfare has been akin to that of a taxi driver. Amphibious ships would be used to deliver small packages of troops or equipment to one (or more) of the many outlying islands in the event of a crisis, natural disaster or other specified emergency. In view of this approach, the navy is equipped with a very large number of small, high speed, assault craft capable of transporting a platoon (‐) to a designated location with ease. The realignment of the government’s outlook has introduced a more traditional role of projecting significant combat power beyond Torrike’s shores. The Navy’s role in this area is to be able to transport and support the Army’s Maritime Battalions and therefore a more significant transportation capability was required. The subsequent procurement program resulted in an oversupply of capacity in this area which is currently the subject of heated debate.
None of the zones is seen as an exclusive are and all are expected to operate in conjunction with each other and with the efforts of the other forces to achieve Torrike’s desired military goals. In support of the achievement of these roles, the Navy has an extensive training and preparation program and the necessary infrastructure to deliver it.
One of the outcomes of the Landing Platform Dock procurement program scandal was a radical review of the senior ranks of the Torrikan Navy; the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dyggve Fries (who would have been the first naval officer to be Chief of the General Staff), his deputy and several other senior officers were sacked. The result has been a diminution of the Navy’s influence in the MOD and an influx of younger officers who are starting to transform the outlook of the service.
The new Chief, Vice Admiral Axel Kron is starting to build up a select band of innovative and highly motivated officers who are well placed to realize his vision of a first class, modern and highly capable naval force. The building blocks in terms of equipment are present and the new team may be the necessary catalyst for the transformation of the force. Admiral Kron’s main intent is to recover the reputation of the Navy and to regain a proper degree of influence in senior governmental circles.
A ‘Fast Patrol Boat’ mentality pervades the Navy, which has always favored a high degree of aggression and initiative in its officers. If allowed completely free rein, this mentality can range from the audacious to the amateurish and channeling this enthusiasm effectively has been a challenge in the past.
The current senior leadership of the Navy is shown below:
Position | Rank | Name |
Chief of the Navy | Vice Admiral | Axel Kron |
Vice Chief | Rear Admiral | Pierre Rudberg |
COMFLEET | Rear Admiral | Ludwig Karlsberg |
COMSUBFLOT | Commodore | Nore Ask |
COMMINES | Commodore | Uwe Spong |
COMSWF | Commodore | Vibbe Strutz |
COMFPB | Commodore | Vollrat Frost |
COMAMPHIB | Commodore | Winn Al |
COMTRAIN | Rear Admiral | Theophilus Bratt |
COMNAVLOG | Commodore | Pedro Israelson |
Although the Navy is manned partially by conscripts and reservists, the Naval Staff’s ambition for many years has been to make the force as close to a full time professionally manned navy as possible. Conscripts serve for one year, but get better conditions than those in either of the other two forces. The two fold aim is to build a strong and supportive public perception of the Navy and to encourage the ‘right’ sort of individuals to serve either a four year or eight year engagement before transferring to the reserves. To this end, the naval portion of each intake of conscripts is given a challenging and rewarding experience. Approximately 2,500 conscripts per year pass through the Navy, of whom some 400 on average sign up for longer engagements. The Navy aims to have each post designated for reservists covered by at least 3 trained reservists, thus providing considerable depth in support. The latest official figures (March 2010) put the ratio at between 2.1 per post for generalists and as low as 1.5 for specialist weapons technicians.
Fully mobilized, the Navy has a strength of 28,000, of whom 14,000 are reservists. In peacetime, the Navy has a manned complement of 17,500, of whom 2,500 are conscripts and 3,000 are reservists on temporary duty.
Torrike uses traditional naval ranks and rank badges.
Torrike’s littoral is an immensely complex and challenging environment for naval operations. The nature of the Baltic Sea further complicates the issue. The various equipment programs for the Navy reflect this environment. As with the other services, considerable attention is given to the effective integration of modern technology to enhance the operational effectiveness of the fleet. Until the LPD scandal, the Navy had a reputation for a balanced program of modernization and replacement that kept the fleet up to date operationally. The disruption caused by the LPD purchase is slowly being overcome, but the ramifications are still being worked through. The main casualty has been the stealth corvette program; on the original projection, the entire fleet would have been in service by 2013. The program is now unlikely to be completed before 2018 at the earliest. The major equipment types are shown below by Torikkan Navy Zone:
- Surface Warfare. The surface warfare fleet consists of corvettes, Missile Patrol Boats, Fast Patrol Boats and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV).
- Undersea Warfare. Torrike is at the forefront of diesel technology using Stirling air independent engines that permit long duration underwater patrols.
- Mine Warfare. The Torrikan Navy gives considerable attention to all aspects of mine warfare and regards it as a major factor in the defense of the country. Equal value is given to offensive and defensive mine operations and the equipment in service reflects this. All Torrikan naval vessels have the capability to lay mines, in addition to the dedicated mine‐warfare vessels. In addition, a number of ferries and trawlers are equipped to be turned into minelayers by the addition of a modular system. The Torrikan inventory includes large numbers of the full spectrum of modern mines.
- Amphibious Warfare. Traditionally, amphibious warfare was the backwater of the Torrikan Navy. Equipment was limited to that required to dispatch troops to any of the myriad islands in the Torrikan littoral. With the advent of a new, more aggressive outlook in the mid-90s, the level and quality of equipment has been radically improved. Initially with the Stridsbät 90 replacing more traditional landing craft, the visualization of an Assault Brigade capable of projecting Torrikan Military power led to an ambitious program to create a proper amphibious capability. To this end, a contract was signed to build the Singapore Technologies Marine Landing Ship Tank under license. This vessel represents a huge leap in capability for Torrike. Unfortunately, not all aspects of the program were above board and a total of five vessels were ordered. Two vessels would have met the Torrikan minimum requirement, while three would have been more than adequate. The contract would cost more to cancel than to fulfill and so the Navy is committed to taking delivery of all the vessels. The former chief of the Naval Staff, and a number of other officers are under investigation, as are a number of executives in the yard building the vessels. Torrike lacks the manpower to man all five vessels and has no operational requirement for this number. No announcement on the final fate of the fleet has been made, although it is thought that two vessels might be sold. Details of the current fleet and major equipment are shown below:
Type | Class* | Number | Commissioned | Remarks |
Corvette | RTS
Glorious Furious Victorious Courageous Audacious |
Göterborg Class | ||
K220 | April 1989 | |||
K221 | February 1990 | To be replaced | ||
K222 | November 1990 | by Visby Class | ||
K223 | March 1991 | |||
K224 | October 1991 | |||
Corvette | RTS | Visby Class | ||
Implacable | K310 | November 2008 | ||
Indefatigable | K311 | May 2009 | 5 in service | |
Intrepid | K312 | January 2010 | 1 on sea trials | |
Indomitable | K313 | December 2010 | 1 in commissioning | |
Irresistible | K314 | June 2011 | ||
Impressive | K315 | September 2012 | ||
Imperious | K316 | November 2013 | ||
Missile Patrol Boat | RTPB | SPICA II Class | ||
Mosquito | R110 | February 1988 | Debate on replacement ongoing. Two camps: more modern versus more Visby Class | |
Gnat | R111 | October 1988 | ||
Midge | R112 | March 1989 | ||
Tsetse | R113 | November 1989 | ||
Sandfly | R114 | February 1990 | ||
Flea | R115 | October 1990 | ||
Fire-Ant | R116 | April 1991 | ||
Horsefly | R117 | January 1992 | ||
Black Fly | R118 | April 1992 | ||
Culex | R119 | December 1992 | ||
Black Widow | R120 | May 1993 | ||
Tarantula | R121 | January 1994 | ||
FPB | Combat Boat 90HS | 32 | 1998-2010 | Armored variant of Str 90H; equipped with heavy automatic weapons |
USV | Protector | 6 | 2010-2011 | In service. No details known. |
Submarine | RTS | 1 | 1989 | Södermanland Class |
Ferocity | Stirling cycle | |||
propulsion | ||||
Submarine | RTSS | Belos Class | ||
Rescue Vessel | Alacrity | A24 | January 1992 | |
Submarine | RTSS | URF R35 | ||
Rescue Vessel | Velocity | A241 | December 1992 | Capacity 35 pax; |
Max operating | ||||
depth 460m. | ||||
Replacement being | ||||
procured. | ||||
Mini Submarine | Spiggen | 1 | ||
USV | Sea Owl Subrov | Experimental | ||
program; numbers | ||||
and capabilities | ||||
unknown. | ||||
Torpedo | RTSS | Pelikkanen Class | ||
Recovery Vessel | Sea Heron | A27 | 1986 | |
Signals | RTS | Orion Class | ||
Intelligence | Aldebran | A21 | February 1988 | Due for |
Vessel | Sirius | A22 | February 1988 | replacement |
Icebreaker | 8 afloat | See Infrastructure | ||
2 planned | Variable | |||
Mine Counter | RTS | 1996-2001 | Koster Class | |
Measures Vessel | Chieftain | M720 | ||
(MCMV) | Centurion | M721 | Extensively | |
Centaur | M722 | modernized | ||
Clansman | M723 | Landsort Class. | ||
Crusader | M724 | Upgraded 2007 - | ||
Charger | M725 | 2010. | ||
Caesar | M726 | |||
Comet | M727 | |||
Mine Sweeper | RTS | Landsort Class | ||
Sentinel | M710 | February 1983 | ||
Sensible | M712 | November 1983 | Upgrade program | |
Serenity | M713 | March 1984 | To Koster Class | |
Silence | M714 | February 19985 | scheduled | |
Supreme | M715 | January 1986 | ||
Superb | M716 | December 1986 | ||
Mine Layer | RTS | Carlskrona Class | ||
Admiral | M104 | June 1982 | ||
Commodore | M105 | September 1984 | ||
MCMV | RTS | Styrsö Class | ||
Viper | M140 | December 1995 | ||
Asp | M141 | April 1996 | Upgraded | |
Mamba | M142 | October 1996 | 2009-2011 | |
Cobra | M143 | March 1997 | ||
Adder | M144 | November 1997 | ||
Krait | M145 | May 1998 | ||
Cottonmouth | M146 | November 1998 | ||
Taipan | M147 | May 1999 | ||
USV | Double Eagle | 10+ | Mine Hunter | |
system | ||||
LPD | RTS | Endurance Class | ||
Viking | L270 | April 2012 | Third vessel on | |
Varangia | L271 | June 2013 | order | |
Landing Craft | Combat Boat 90H | 40 knots capable; carries up to one platoon. |
RTS = Republic of Torrike Ship
RTSS = Republic of Torrike Support Ship
RTPB = Republic of Torrike Patrol Boat
USV = Unmanned Surface Vessel
Naval logistics is controlled by the Logistics Division of the Naval Staff. It is responsible for all aspects of logistic support to the Navy, including engineering support. The Navy possesses no Replenishment at Sea (RAS) capability, or any of the support vessels required by a ‘blue water’ force.
The Naval Medical staffs form an element of the Logistics Division and are responsible for all naval aspects of medical care, including the maintenance of standards within the force. They are professionally governed by the Armed Forces Medical Directorate with clinical staffs employed in the Military Hospital and Reservists throughout the Torrikan Health Services.
The purpose of the naval medical element is to provide Primary Care services at the Naval Base and to oversee the provision of medical care afloat. Given the small size of most of the Torrikan vessels this is done largely through the training of non‐medical staffs.
Air Force Overview
In some respects, the Torrikan Air Force (TAF) is unbalanced; its traditional role of defense of the country’s airspace combined with the domination of the Fast Jet fraternity within the force, led it to concentrate on the sophisticated to the detriment of the mundane. Thus the fighter and ground attack roles are well catered for, while less exciting functions such as air transport had been sadly neglected. Efforts are under way to redress this situation, but the Gripen program still consumes the bulk of the available funds and improvements in other areas are moving slowly. An additional factor has been that the Gripen is the flagship product of the local aircraft industry and so there has been pressure on the Air Force both to keep production lines running at a healthy rate and to release aircraft from the inventory to support sales drives and to permit early delivery of aircraft to prospective clients.
At the same time as the implications of the more expeditionary approach adopted by the MOD have slowly sunk in, so a more outward looking generation of commanders has worked its way to the top. More emphasis is now given to the construction of a balanced force, but it will not be until 2018 at the earliest that this can be achieved. TAF’s relationship with the other services was poor throughout the 1990s and early 21st century, because it tended to overlook their needs. This has started to change, but it will take time to be overcome completely and certain decisions, such as the allocation of TBMs to the Air Force continue to cause problems.
Unlike most of the other air forces in the world, the Torrikan Air Force has not invested heavily in Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS). Instead, the TAF has relied on a program of dispersal and concealment. All units have a number of secondary flying bases from which they can operate and the force is structured to operate effectively in small packets. The majority of air defense (AD) radar assets are also mobile.
Overall, the Air Force is a sophisticated and technically competent force that possesses considerable fire power. It is well trained and well‐motivated and will present a significant opponent to any aggressor.
Air Force Size and Structure
The Chief of the Air Force (CAF) and his immediate staff form part of the General Staff and are located with them in Tyr. While command of operations is vested in Operations Command, with an integral Air Operations staff, professional and administrative command of the Air Force is performed by the Air Force HQ. The day to day running of the Air Force is vested in the Deputy Chief.
The Air Force is split into four commands (Flying; Air Defense; Support and Training Commands):
Figure M-6:
Air Force Roles and Missions
The primary role of the Torrikan Air Force is the protection of Torrike’s airspace, maintaining air sovereignty, and guaranteeing the country’s territorial integrity against any intrusion through surveillance and air policing. In order to achieve the overall mission of the armed forces, the TAF provides the other services with transport and other air based capabilities. The TAF is also responsible for Torrike’s Theater Ballistic Missile Force. The secondary mission of the TAF is to organize and train its forces appropriately to be able to discharge its responsibilities.
Air Force Leadership and Intent
The current CAF is the first non‐Fast Jet pilot to command the Air Force; his background is in surveillance and maritime patrol.
Lieutenant General Flygar’s stated intent is to make the force more balanced and better able to contribute to the defense of the country on a broad front. The force does possess almost the full spectrum of capabilities of a modern air force, but the some of these are very slight and the ultimate aim is to reinforce those that need it and to improve the integration of all the elements. At the same time, improving support to the other services is seen as a major method of improving relationships.
Since his appointment one year ago, Flygar has concentrated on improving the TAF’s surveillance capabilities; once this is complete, the immediate concern is the expansion of the Battlefield Helicopter (BH) force, followed by the tactical transport force in due course.
The current senior leadership of the Air Force is shown below:
Position | Rank | Name |
Chief of the Air Force | Lieutenant General | Ulf Flygar |
Deputy Chief | Major General | Rudi Haake |
CDR, Flying Command | Major General | Tengil Gronquist |
CDR, Air Defense Command | Brigadier General | Snorre Blondell |
CDR, Support Command | Brigadier General | Pål Branstrom |
CDR, Training Command | Brigadier General | Thadeus Charles |
Air Force Personnel, Training, Medical, and Readiness
The TAF is composed of a mixture of full time professional servicemen, reservists and conscripts. As with the Navy, the Air Force uses the conscription period to identify talent and as a recruiting tool for regular service. Conscripts are screened for aptitude and steered into an appropriate area, where possible. Those who lack specific technical abilities tend to be steered into the air defense missile or anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) units. Reservists can fill almost any post in the Air Force, except command positions. The ratio of regular staff to conscript/reserves varies from unit to unit, but is around 60:40 for Fast Jet units, falling to 30:70 for BH and transport units. The small ISR force is manned entirely by regulars, but the nascent UAV force is almost entirely reservist.
In peacetime, the TAF has a manned strength of 32,000 of whom 9,000 are conscripts and 9,000 are reservists on active duty. With the exception of a few specialist technical grades, the TAF uses the same rank structure and badges as the Army.
The Air Force Training Command runs a wide range of schools and courses relating to all aspects of air related operations. In addition to the normal flying training and engineering schools, the Command runs the Air Defense school for all three services, on the assumption that the operator of a system understands best its strengths and weaknesses and how best to exploit them.
In addition to the basic training of conscripts (on air related matters), refresher training and refresher flying training is a major element in the Command’s work. Although the majority of technical specialists are regular troops, the TAF has a high percentage of its operational aircrew who are reservists. Many of these fly with the national and regional airlines, somewhat similar to the ANG in the USA. Whereas the normal crew ratio of aircrew to aircraft is 1.9 for regulars, the ratio for reservists is closer to 3.7, thus ensuring a broad base of support for operations. Considerable training effort is expended in keeping the reserve aircrew current. Flygar intends to use a similar system among the large number of civilian helicopter crews to rapidly increase the size of the TAF’s helicopter fleet.
The senior medical advisor for the Air Force is part of the CAF’s staff. Medical support for the forces is essentially joint, but the Air Force is responsible for all aspects of aviation medicine. A specialist school forms part of the Training Command.
Air Force Equipment, Weapons, and Logistics
The TAF’s inventory is a mix of the very modern and the obsolescent. The concentration on the Fast Jet force and the need to support export sales for the indigenous Gripen multi‐purpose aircraft has meant that the majority of available funds have been allocated to this fleet. The imbalance is being tackled and pragmatic programs are in hand to bring the force equipment mix up to an acceptable standard. The current main drive is to build up first the BH fleet, then the tactical transport fleet. The purchase of surplus C 130s and Super Pumas from other users has reduced overall costs, although the aircraft all need to be brought up to a single acceptable standard. There remain areas where the force has no capability; for example, the late model Gripens all have the equipment for in‐flight refueling, but the force has no tanker aircraft.
The Gripen program remains the largest drain on resources. A modernization program to bring early standard ‘A’ models up to the latest multi‐role standard is under way. SAAB has made proposals for a one for one replacement program instead, with the early models being modernized and released for export. The Air Force is keen on this proposal, but it is not clear that the necessary funds can be made available. On a broader front, the General Staff wish Torrike’s RISTA capabilities to be significantly enhanced and this will also impact the Air Force’s procurement programs.
Role | Type | Number | Remarks |
Air Defense | Gripen A | 92 | Modification program to bring up to ‘E’ standard commenced in 2014. An additional 24 aircraft have been purchased to A standard to provide a pool of aircraft to fill the modification cycle. The overall in‐service fleet size will not increase. |
Trainer | Gripen B/D | 31 | Program to modify all to ‘D standard |
GA/CAS | Gripen C | 72 | |
Multirole | Gripen E/F | 10 | ‘E’ is latest standard; ‘F’ is export proposed standard |
AEW | Argus S100 | 6 | |
ISTAR/MPA | Argus S100 | 6 | |
SIGINT | Gulfstream IV | 2 | |
Tactical Transport | C-130 | 22 | Purchase of additional six aircraft in progress (surplus). Two aircraft allocated to Assault Brigade |
Tactical Transport | CASA C235 | 12 | Purchase of additional 12 in negotiation. Four aircraft allocated to Assault Brigade |
Communications | Argus TP 100 | 4 | |
VIP Transport | Gulfstream IV | 3 | |
Trainer | SAAB 105 | 60 | Obsolescent; replacement sought |
Attack Helicopter | Bo 105 | 32 | Obsolescent; replacement sought. Six a/c allocated to the Assault Brigade |
Utility Helicopter | Super Puma | 8 | Four aircraft allocated to the Assault Brigade. Further 12 ‐ 16 being purchased, plus conversion of SAR fleet will bring total UH inventory to 54 – 58 aircraft |
Navy Helicopter | AS 565 Panther | 18 | 12 x ASuW (565SA); 6 general utility (565MB). Operated on behalf of Navy |
SAR | Super Puma | 8 | Proposal to replace with NH90/S 92; these aircraft then to UH fleet |
Communications Helicopter | Augusta 109 | 21 | Four aircraft allocated to the Assault Brigade |
SAM | RBS-70 | 240 | All BOLIDE standard |
SAM | BAMSE | 18 | Six Surveillance & Control Centers supporting 18 Missile Control Centers. Estimated 500 missiles held; not clear whether this is included in, or in addition to, Army stock |
AAA | Bofors L/70 40mm | 32 | |
UAV Reconnaissance | SAAB Skeldar | 12 | Modular payloads including SIGINT and EW modules |
TBM | SCUD D | 24 | TEL; total number of missiles available is not clear |
Within the TAF, responsibility for Logistics rests with the AF Support Command. The major challenge for the force is to ensure that adequate logistics support is provided to the operational units when they disperse to their operational locations. As part of the strategy is to move operating location frequently, this presents a challenge to the logistics staffs. This is met through a combination of pre‐stocking low value items at all bases and a highly mobile support organization attached to each operational wing.
Air Force Special Purpose Forces
The Kommando Regiment, the Torrikan Special Purpose Forces (SPF) unit, was originally formed in 1942 in imitation of the British Army Commandos, as the name suggests. While the Commando model remained current until the 1970s, a radical review of the role and organization of SPF resulted in the regiment being remodeled along the lines of the British Special Air Service (SAS).
Other Forces
Civil Defense
Torrike has a large and active Civil Defense Organization (CDO) which reports to the Minister of Defense through the General Staff. The organization is run by a military officer and the majority of its personnel are either serving military, conscripts or reservists. Service in the CDO is an acceptable alternative to National Service in the active military arms. The CDO’s HQ is located in Tyr as part of the General Staff. The CDO is structured regionally and consists of a number of emergency response battalions. These are not allocated on the basis of one to each county and some battalions have responsibility for several. Their prime function is to provide immediate infrastructure assistance in the event of a natural disaster or major accident. Each unit has a wide variety of capabilities, but at a minimum, it will include:
- Fire fighting vehicles
- Water tankers
- Emergency generators and lighting systems
- A variety of civil engineering machines and tools including bulldozers and backhoes
- A number of rigid hulled inflatable boats (RHIB)
The majority of the personnel are on call reservists, and only the Battalion Commander and his staff are regulars. Conscripts boost the number of personnel employed full time within the unit. The CDO battalions have a high reputation within the country and service within them is regarded as both socially prestigious and rewarding.
However, although the Military possess most of the resources to respond to emergencies, responsibility for civil emergency and increasingly civil defense planning rests with the National Civil Emergencies Service (NCES). There is now considerable overlap of responsibilities between these two elements and at some point, this issue will have to be resolved.
Figure M-7: Torrike Civil Defense Command Structure
Military Intelligence
Torrike considers that the proper and active use of intelligence resources is a force multiplier. While this view is standard in most military organizations around the world, Torrike works hard to put it into practice. By creating a single, Joint, Military Intelligence Service (MISS) reporting to the General Staff and providing them with an abundance of resources to both collect and disseminate useful intelligence to the three services, Torrike has eliminated most of the frictions between competing agencies that many other nations suffer from.
Medical
Medical services are organized along single service lines, but coordinated and governed by the tri‐service Medical Directorate within the Technology and Logistics Directorate of the General Staff and there is an increasingly joint approach towards the medical element of operations. The Directorate is also responsible for the single Military Hospital.
The Medical Directorate combines all health‐related professions into a single entity which includes Veterinary and Dental services. There is no distinction between uniformed personnel in any of the professions other than their element of the Armed Forces.
Significantly, emerging medical doctrine increasingly appears to be developing a strong element of Humanitarian Assistance. While this may simply be in support of DP5, medical interventions in the civilian community are becoming increasingly recognized as a sophisticated tool for the influencing of populations
Training
Torrikan military policy is to maximize the amount of training undertaken jointly. On this basis, all basic recruit, senior non-commissioned officers (SNCO) and officer training is performed collaboratively. Mid-career and staff colleges for officers, advanced warfare studies and combined operations training is also organized on a joint basis. The individual services are responsible for specialist and professional training relating to their environment.
Three factors influence the training cycles. These are firstly the need to train and integrate each year’s batch of conscripts; secondly refresher training for reserve forces and their integration into their designated units and finally, the need to train each of the services to operate jointly and collaboratively. The overall annual training cycle progresses from individual and unit training, through formation training to limited joint training. The cycle is completed with a biennial joint force exercise involving all the major combat units of the Torrikan forces.
Joint Logistics and Capabilities
Torrike endeavors to make the maximum use of common and joint logistics within the armed forces. All activities that can be centralized are conducted by the Technology and Logistics Directorate of the General Staff. The individual services are responsible for environment specific logistic activities, but are required to coordinate closely with the General Staff. All stores and ammunition depots are controlled by the Directorate, which is also responsible for Estate Management.
Reserve Forces
The Torrikan forces rely heavily on reservists both to maintain a viable force level in peacetime (active reserves) and to fill out operational units and provide depth in times of crisis. Reservists can be either personnel who have completed their National Service, or former full time regular personnel. All adults are liable for reserve service once they have completed their conscription period, but in reality, only a limited number of individuals are formally allotted and given refresher training (the ratio of reserves to full time servicemen is covered under the appropriate service heading above). Neither the Air Force, nor the Navy have specific reservist units, however, the Army uses the reserves to constitute an additional two motorized infantry brigades and a support brigade in times of war.
Joint Capabilities
Theater Ballistic Missiles (TBM)
Torrike possesses a single long distance offensive capability in the TBM Branch operated by the Air Force. The force was constructed in the late 1970s as a standoff weapon that would improve Torrike’s ability to fend off external aggression. However, for most of the first 10 years of its existence, it was the subject of considerable disagreement between the Army and the Air Force on which service should control the force. This argument centered round a major philosophical point, was the system long range artillery, or a weapon with potential strategic effect? The argument was finally resolved in favor of the Army, which operated some 30 SCUD B launchers as battlefield artillery. The President overturned this approach when the systems were replaced in the late 1990s by a reduced number of SCUD D (24 launchers). The argument was that the increased accuracy of the weapon gave it strategic effect (although the range had not increased). The Air Force now operates the force and its focus is very much a strategic one.
Torrike had hoped to replace the SCUDs with more modern weapons by late 2013/early 2014. However, although the original deadline has passed, Torrike is still negotiating with potential suppliers for a modern system. Day‐to‐day control is vested in a specialist cell within the Special Means Division of the General Staff Operations Directorate, but authority to fire is retained by the Minister, who in turn needs Presidential approval.
As part of the TBM strategic plan, Torrike is working to establish bases for missile systems on the island of Gotland. The objective of the program is to create the "Gibraltar of the Baltic Sea." Regional reaction to its attempt to base long-range missile units on Gotland caused Torrike to remove the force but it does continue the construction of supporting infrastructure on the island.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN)
Torrike has no known stockpiles of biological weapons and the only known chemical ammunition was phased out in the late 1960s.
Cyber
In early 2004, a National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), a nominally independent body designed to protect national IT infrastructure from outside attacks such as that experienced by the Baltic States, was established. At the same time, the Defense Cyber Security Directorate (DCSD) was established. These agencies operated as a single entity, with collocated headquarters and shared facilities. Torrike possesses all the necessary talent and capability to launch effective cyber-attacks and to protect itself against such attacks.
Electronic Warfare (EW)
Torrike’s extensive electronics industry lends itself to the construction of competent EW capability and this is reflected in the Torrikan force structure.
Information Warfare
Torrike has no formal information warfare doctrine as such; however, the non-Military departments have experience of ‘planting’ stories and manipulating the internal media.
Space
Torrike has no known military space capability.
Coast Guard
Torrike’s Coast Guard is small, but effective. Responsibility for long range search and rescue (SAR) rests with the Navy and the Air Force and the Coast Guard is only responsible for inshore patrols and rescue. It has two patrol vessels and some 20 RHIBs and similar craft to patrol the coastline of the country. The emergency response coordination center is located within the Operations Cell of the MOD’s Operations Command.
Military Industrial Complex
Torrike has a thriving arms industry that provides its forces with most of their requirements. National purchases alone would not be sufficient to sustain the industry at its present capacity and therefore, considerable effort is expended on gaining export contracts. The industry covers a wide arc of capabilities, but shipbuilding, aircraft manufacture, the full range of electronic systems and missile systems have been particularly successful.
Research & Development
National policy is to concentrate on the high end of the technology spectrum (although there is a thriving truck industry) and R&D is targeted in this area. The current emphasis is on reliability, interoperability and integration of systems and there is a clear imperative to make equipment as straightforward to use as possible. This effort has clearly paid off as Torrikan equipment is renowned for its ease of use and reliability.
National Arms Production
The majority of Torrike’s weapons requirements are sourced in‐house, both for the purposes of self‐sufficiency and because this is seen as an area that can make a significant contribution to the Torrikan economy. Torrike has a number of world class defense companies with an emphasis on the higher end of technology and dual use technologies. Examples include the aircraft industry, missiles and especially advanced underwater remotely piloted systems. In certain areas, such as the application of Stirling cycle engines to submarines, Torrike’s capabilities are unique. The shipbuilding industry has produced a variety of designs incorporating stealth capabilities, while the electronics industry produces products that are on a par with anything in the world. Torrike also has a very successful missile industry that has enjoyed considerable export success over the last 20 years.
Chemical Program
Torrike has no known stockpiles of biological weapons and the only known chemical ammunition was phased out in the late 1960s.
Foreign Arms Trade
Torrikan arms exports have been a major earner of hard currency for over 40 years. Considerable success has been achieved in the area of defense electronics, missile and heavy weapons systems and at the lower end, trucks.
Maintenance
As part of its policy of sustaining a healthy defense industry, all in depth maintenance of Military equipment is performed in industry. The Military are responsible for all 1st and most 2nd level maintenance; beyond that, all servicing and repair is done by the manufacturer, or authorized license holder; the intent is to both support local industry and minimize the number of servicemen.
Procurement
The Torrikan procurement policy is based on control of the source of production wherever possible. High technology, high value equipment should be either home sourced, or manufactured under license. Lower value equipment may be purchased from any reliable source. For the most part, the home industry can meet most of the country’s needs.
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