Military: Arnland

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Military Overview

The Arnland Armed Forces consists of two distinct components, the Active Defense Force (ADF) and the Standby Defense Force (SDF). The ADF comprises the regular Army, Navy and Air Force units subordinated to the General Staff. The SDF comprises a regionally based reserve force, which in peacetime answers to the regional governor. In wartime, the SDF is also controlled by the General Staff.

Nominally, there are in total, some 29,000 ADF personnel in uniform. If the SDF is mobilized, the force expands to a theoretical strength of 56,000 (including 4,000 border guards) or approximately 0.7% of the population. In principle, there are a further 200,000 people with a reserve commitment that could be called to arms for a total national mobilization, but the structures to put a national mobilization into effect are virtually non‐existent.

Arnland’s military forces are essentially dysfunctional. Although there are pockets of excellence, the majority of the force is poorly trained, poorly equipped, badly paid and ineffective. The situation is not helped by an overabundance of senior officers, and a command structure that is seriously over-ranked. In size, the forces are on a rough par with nations of similar size, but the command structure is much larger and more complicated than is justified by the forces themselves. In addition, each command represents a power base for its commander with spheres of influence that overlap and compete with those of other commanders and non‐military individuals and groups. Corruption within the forces is widespread. At approximately 1.3% of GDP, expenditure on the military is not unreasonable, but it is clear that not all of the money voted for defense actually reaches its intended destination. Money is siphoned off at all levels and positions of authority are seen as opportunities for personal enrichment with advancement to these posts subject to ‘facilitation payments’ of increasing value to match the influence of the post.

Political Context

More than 20 years after the overthrow of the communist regime, the Arnland military is still not under full political control. The Military is able to slip the tight rein that the communists had kept on them during their reign; during the period of social and political turmoil that followed, various elements of the military carved out a series of personal fiefs which sought influence and power in the political, criminal and economic arenas – with varying degrees of success. It is conceivable that some of these activities included selected political assassinations. From 2007 onwards, the government has made increasingly coherent efforts to bring the military back under control. Military and retired military officers have now been virtually eliminated from a series of ministries and government offices outside the MOD. In 2009, Morgan Sten was appointed the first non‐military Minister of Defense.

Minister Sten has been able to use his control of the overall MOD budget to forge the MOD into a more coherent organization. The actual budget allocation remains fragile, however, and other interested parties have some influence on how it is spent.

Strategic Perception

Arnland’s strategic perception is skewed by its view of Torrike and its assessment that Torrike’s ultimate aim is to suppress Arnland and re‐establish control over the nation. As the ‘Greater Skolkan’ movement within Torrike has become more prominent and more vocal, so this perception has become more pressing. This plays into deep seated fears that date back to the declaration of independence in 1917. Arnland has always considered Torrikan acceptance of their state to be grudging; as Torrike has prospered and Arnland floundered, so this perception has started to verge on an obsession that colors all other strategic issues. As Arnland considers Framland to be in Torrike’s pocket, Framish efforts to promote stability in the region and assist the democratic development of Arnland are seen as backdoor attempts to unduly influence Arnland. Bothnia is considered a proxy for Torrike and viewed as a proxy threat. The view of the European Union (EU) is also affected by this perception. EU membership is considered to be a useful shield against Torrikan ambitions, although it would also bring serious outside attention on Arnland’s own failings. Membership is seen as a distant prospect at best, but even engagement in the process seeking membership is considered to have benefits vis‐à‐vis the Torrikan ‘threat’.

Defense Policy and Priorities

Arnland’s Defense Policy has traditionally been focused on the threat from the north. The political turmoil that followed the fall of the communist regime was not conducive to the formulation of a coherent defense policy beyond the defense of the State. Since the formation of a more stable government in 2007, consensus has been achieved and a new and more relevant Defense Policy issued.

Restatement of Defense Policy identified the following priorities for Defense making a clear allocation of responsibilities of the Active Defense Forces (ADF) and Standby Defense Forces (SDF):

• DP1 ‐ The protection of the territorial integrity of Arnland against external aggression (ADF supported where necessary by SDF).
• DP2 ‐ The protection of the constitutional order as determined by law (ADF supported where necessary by SDF).
• DP3 ‐ The provision of assistance to local government in times of crisis (SDF assisted where necessary by ADF).
• DP4 ‐ The provision of assistance to the population in the event of natural or industrial disasters. (SDF assisted where necessary by ADF).

Military Doctrine

Arnland military doctrine is exclusively defensive. The doctrinal framework is focused only on defending the Arnland territory and the Arnish population within its boundaries.

Arnland’s standing military doctrine has not been formally updated since the transition to democracy started in 1992. Strategically, it envisages a defense in depth using the SDF to blunt any aggressor’s incursion while Special Forces (SOF) inflict further attrition prior to the massed armor of the Army defeating the invaders. International experts assess that currently Arnland possesses few of the resources to even contemplate such a course of action, even if it were still relevant.

Arnland considers the application of harassment warfare against any aggressor to be the only feasible option, with the ADF being used to degrade the initial attack. Under this concept, the SDF and SOF would engage the opposing forces in a constant series of attacks intended to inflict the maximum degree of attrition on their forces. Additionally, the Military are called to assist the police against combating terrorist activities and to a lesser extent organized crime. (Armed Forces – Military Code of Conduct).

National Command Authority

Under the 1992 Constitution, the President of the Republic of Arnland acts as the ceremonial Commander‐in‐Chief of the Arnish armed forces. In terms of formal control, the Minister of Defense holds supreme command authority over the Military.

Arnland Ministry of Defense

Ministry of Defense

The ministry is charged with the political leadership of the Armed Forces. It comprises a series of departments and directorates. The ministry is responsible for the implementation of the Arnland Government defense policy.

The current Minister of Defense is Mr. Morgan Sten of the Arnland Socialist Party (ASP). Morgan Sten was appointed in 2009 as the first non‐military Minister of Defense since 1984. After the 2012`s elections, Morgan Sten was retained in the position by ASP to continue the reform of the Military.

After a relatively short time in office, Morgan Sten succeeded to establish a modern structure for the Ministry of Defense and to obtain the formal control of the military intelligence (still under the command of the Chief of Defense [CHOD]), military higher education and military medical services.

The Minister of Defense is responsible for the political control and the overall strategic direction of the Armed Forces. The CHOD is the professional head of the Military.

Military Forces Overview

Arnland has an adequate, if somewhat antiquated, set of armed forces. In addition to a regular Army of six all‐arms brigades, a Ballistic Missile Force (BMF) and a Special Forces Brigade (SFB), there is a reserve force, the Standby Defense Forces (SDF) of six regional brigades plus a battalion in Ölland Island. Additionally, there is a small Air Force and Navy structured to support the Army in the defense of the count.

The Active Defense Forces of Arnland comprise three services: the Army, Air Force and Navy and three distinct entities: the Directorate General Procurement and Logistics (DGPL), the Human Resources Management Directorate (HRMD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MISS). MISS is double hatted covering tasks from strategic, operational to tactical intelligence. MISS components considered to be part of the Active Defense Forces consist of the intelligence branch from the General Staff and other unknown elements distributed throughout the ADF with both intelligence and counterintelligence responsibilities and tasks.

The ability of the Military to conduct a coherent and effective defense of Arnland is open to question. For the most part, their equipment is old and poorly maintained and the run of the military conscript is poorly trained and poorly motivated. Conversely, junior officers and NCOs are well schooled in the theory of combat and are certainly capable of conducting low level warfare effectively.

Endemic corruption represents a major challenge to military cohesion and efficiency. At unit level, a combination of severe discipline and forceful leadership keeps the conscripts in line. From a conscript point of view, military service is seen as something that must be endured and keeping a low profile by fulfilling basic military tasks is a standard survival strategy. Those who cannot cope often go Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and a percentage cross the border into Torrike or Denmark. All attempts to date to rein in the corruption have been unsuccessful. Ten years ago, a specialist Internal Audit Commission was set up reporting directly to the Minister of Defense. However, this was disbanded after an investigation had shown that paying off the auditors had merely added an extra 2 to 3% to the overall operating costs of the MOD. The President has outlined proposals for a new body to investigate and tackle corruption within the government, but details of this are limited at present.

Although the President has made the reform of the Military one of his top priorities, there is no sign as yet on how this will be tackled, let alone achieved. There is also considerable disagreement within the political establishment on what needs to be achieved and how this should best be done. The prominent reformists believe that a comprehensive program backed by adequate funding would be the most effective approach. Others argue that, given the economic situation of the country, severe cutbacks would be more effective. There is no current agreement on the way ahead.

The Military is largely made up of conscripts. The total personnel (including 12,000 civilian employees) numbers are approximately 41,000. The strength of the services is as follows:

• Army: 21,000 personnel
• Air Force: 3,500 personnel
• Navy: 4,500 personnel

Women make almost 13% of the Military (3,700 persons), but there are few female senior and flag officers. Being a minority, military women are often treated with excessive attention or positively discriminated.

General Staff

The General Staff of the Military is Arnland's highest military headquarters. The General Staff was established to ensure that the Defense Policy of the Government, is implemented by the military forces. The General Staff is responsible for the conduct of strategic and joint military planning in order to meet the Defense Policy requirements.

General Staff main responsibilities are as follows:

1. Developing the military command structure
2. Planning and observing the conscription
3. Planning and observing the training of the military active and reserve forces
4. Conducting military joint operations strategic planning
5. Coordinating military joint operations
6. Performing other tasks determined by National Defense Law

The General Staff is headquartered in Alsstad, it is responsible for coordinating the joint effort of the Active Defense Forces and its three major branches Army, Air Force and Navy. The General Staff also has staff and coordination responsibilities for the Standby Defence Force. The SDF is regionally based and although commanded by the SDF brigades` commanders, they are under the control of the regional governor, or Län Governor. A Län is a region(s) or county (counties). Arnland six administrative entities (Lån), Skåne, Halland, Jönköping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Blëkinge and Kalmar. In times of peace, the regional governor can mobilize the SDF units for disaster relief operations. Nevertheless, in times of crisis or war, the command and control of the SDF is held by the Chief of Defense through the General Staff.

General Staff organization:

1. Chief of the General Staff
2. Office of Chief of the General Staff
3. Deputy Chief of the General Staff
4. Joint Operations Centre
5. Sergeant Major of General Staff
6. Human Resources Branch (similar to NATO J‐1)
7. Intelligence and Reconnaissance Branch (similar to NATO J‐2)
8. Operations Branch (similar to NATO J‐3)
9. Logistics Branch (similar to NATO J‐4)
10. Planning Branch (similar to NATO J‐5)
11. Telecommunications and IT Branch (similar to NATO J‐6)
12. Training and Doctrine Branch (similar to NATO J‐7)
13. Finances Branch (similar to NATO J‐8)
14. CIMIC Branch (similar to NATO J‐9)
15. Units under direct command and control of General Staff
16. Military Police
17. Communications Battalion
18. Center for Electronic Effects

Arnland Military Command Structure

Command and Control

The Military command structure has evolved continuously in complexity and number over the past 20 years. One of the priorities announced by the Minister of Defense upon his nomination in 2009, was to reform and modernize the command and control structure. Nevertheless, for the time being, little change has been observed.

In peacetime, the President of the Republic performs the ceremonial role of Commander‐in‐Chief, but operational control of the Armed Forces rests with the Minister of Defense. In times of war, or after the declaration of a military state of emergency, the President assumes full control of the Armed Forces, both ADF and SDF.

The Chief of Defense (CHOD) sits in the central MoD and reports to the Minister of Defense. Beneath the MoD and the CHOD subordinates both the Active Defense Forces and the Standby Defense Forces. The General Staff in charge of the ADF including the Army, Navy and Air Force which have separate service headquarters. For operational purposes and training General Staff controls both the ADF and the SDF. The Directorate for General Procurement and Logistics (DGPL), Human Resources Management Directorate (HRMD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) also possess their own, independent, organizations which also theoretically report to the Minister through the CHOD. The Ballistic Missile Force and the Special Forces report directly to the CHOD, although the support is provided by the Army through General Staff.

Roles and Missions

The primary mission of the Military is the defense and preservation of the Arnish State. This translates into the following tasks:

1. The surveillance and patrol of the territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone, and airspace of Arnland.
2. The preparation of defense plans for Arnland against external aggression.
3. The training and equipping of the Military to discharge the defense plans.
4. The organization and training of the Standby Defense Forces.
5. The provision of suitable military advice to the Minister of Defense and the Government.
6. The provision of military force in assistance to the Arnland Civil Defense Agency (ACDA)

The Military’s role in internal security is neither clearly defined, nor explicit.

Leadership

The current senior leadership of the Military were all junior officers during the upheaval that eliminated the communist regime. The only exception is the recently created politico‐military leadership led by the Minister of Defense, Morgan Sten.

The current senior staffs in appointment are:

the Military Senior Leaders

Position

Minister of Defense

Chief of Defense

Chief of the General Staff

Commander of the Army

Commander of the Navy

Commander of the Air Force

Director General Procurement and Logistics

Director of Human Resources Management Directorate

Director of Military Intelligence and Security Service

Director of the War College

Commander of the Ballistic Missile Force

Commander of the Special Forces

Commander of the Standby Forces

Surgeon General

Strategic Capabilities

Arnland’s sole strategic capability consists of the BMF, commanded by a Major General. Despite its impressive title, in reality it comprises four batteries of SCUD B with a total of 24 launchers (TEL – Transporter Erector Launcher). Arnland originally bought some 72 missiles in 1980, but several have been fired and it is thought that not all the remaining missiles are serviceable.

Military Intelligence

The Military Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) is headed by a Lieutenant General and is structured according to the provisions of the National Defense Law. The MISS follows the main goals outlined on the Defense Policy. The responsibility of the MISS includes but it is not limited to: collection of intelligence both within and outside Arnland borders. The MISS is the MOD’s primary agency for military intelligence, counter‐intelligence and internal security within the Armed Forces.

In accordance with the Law of Arnland on the intelligence agencies of Arnland, the MISS conducts its activity in the military, political, technical, economic, informational and environmental spheres.

The major missions of the MISS are:

1. Obtaining, analyzing and dissemination of the intelligence information to the senior civil and military authorities
2. Performing special tasks in order to promote the national interests and policy in economic, political, military, technical, environmental and informational areas
3. Contributing to the national defense, fostering the economic development, promoting science and technology, protecting the State borders
4. Contributing to operations against terrorism, international organized crime, drug, arms and technologies trafficking, illegal immigration
5. Counteracting external threats with potential to affect the national security, lives and health of its citizens and the state facilities abroad

Medical

Although nominally headed by a Surgeon General in the Ministry of Defense, the military medical services are distributed throughout the single services, their structure being rather fractured and disorganized. The Surgeon General is the head of Medical Directorate and the Chief of the Central Military Clinic located in Alsstad. The Medical Directorate is responsible for the equipping priorities for all military medical facilities. The equipping planning is conducted in corroboration with DGPL guidance. The management and subordination of each military facility varies from service to service.

Primary care is delivered by facilities in the major bases but the military maintains a number of small military hospitals for the provision of secondary care. Medical officers are reportedly very well trained and experienced. Compared to civilian hospitals the military medical facilities are very well equipped and the medical services are provided at a high quality level. The best doctors and medical personnel in Arnland are attracted to join the military medical services by the good pay and numerous allowances.

Training

The major element of the joint training budget is the War College. The Director is responsible for the professional intellectual development of the senior military and politico‐military leadership of the Military. The War College runs basic, intermediate and advanced staff courses exclusively for senior officers and the military leadership of all three services. The War College ensures as well a number of distance learning courses. Most courses of an academic nature, such as military logistics and administration are run by the War College. The College possesses relatively modern facilities which are more than adequate for their task. A new campus at Halmstad was completed ten years ago at approximately three times the original estimated cost.

The initial theoretical formation of the officers and non‐commissioned officers is conducted in the single service educational institutions, which, although under the command of each service, are directed, guided and controlled for academic purposes by the military education and training directorate from within the Ministry of Defense.

Other training components with the exception of each unit’s internal facilities and programs are represented by the single service military schools. The Army, Air Force and respectively Navy training schools provide the theoretical and practical environment specific to each service`s cadres, both for officers and non-commissioned officers. The career courses such as for company and battalion commanders are conducted in these training institutions as well.

A form of basic military training is conducted during the final two years of secondary education, but this equates to only some four weeks training spread over two years. On completion of secondary schooling, nominally all citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 are liable for National Service of 8 months, followed by a reserve commitment up until their 54th birthday. In reality, evasion is widespread. Call‐up papers are issued to most citizens, but on payment of an appropriate fee, these are waived. In a carryover from the former Communist regime, certain occupations and the allocation of a university place require a certificate of completion of Military Service; this again can be obtained on payment of a fee. Family connections and influence can also be called on to achieve the same result. The net effect is that the average quality of the conscripts who actually serve is low and their education standards equally low.

In contrast, the quality of the officer corps is surprisingly good. A career in the Military as an officer is attractive to a certain segment of the population. While pay is not good, it is both regular and guaranteed and the perks are seen as significant. Even for those who do not opt for a full career in the military, service as an officer opens a wide range of opportunities in civilian life after their military engagement. Networking and sponsorship opportunities are enhanced by establishing a ‘good’ reputation within the relevant service and this is best achieved by demonstrating a professional and conscientious outlook. Additionally, the obsession with the Torrikan ‘threat’ pervades the military mind‐set and as a result, notwithstanding the nefarious elements of the system, military training for officers and SNCOs is both professional and rigorous. In essence, the officers` corps knows what can and should be done, even if they lack the necessary tools to do it.

Joint Logistics and Capabilities

In theory, all joint logistics throughout the Military come under the auspices of the Directorate for General Procurement and Logistics (DGPL). This establishment is charged with the research, acquisition, storage and distribution, maintenance and disposal of all supplies and equipment for both the ADF and the SDF. Each of the single services has its own organizations for operational and tactical level logistics which include storage and maintenance facilities. DGPL also plans and coordinates all support activities throughout the Military.

Although the MISS, the DGPL and HRMD activity affects or is connected directly or indirectly to all entities of the Military, the only real joint capability is the General Staff with its directly subordinated units (Military Police, Communications Battalion and Center for Electronic Effects).

Through its Joint Operations Center (GS JOC) General Staff is the unique headquarters planning and controlling operations and training at the joint level. Notwithstanding this the Special Forces and the Ballistic Missile Force have little operational interaction with any of the single services or the SDF.

Main Military Headquarters (HQ) and Locations

Name of Facility	City
Ministry of Defense	Alsstad
General Staff	Alsstad
Directorate for General Procurement and Logistics	Alsstad
Army HQ	Jönköping
Air Force HQ	Alsstad
Navy HQ	Karlskrona
Skåne Mechanized Brigade HQ	Lund
Halland Mechanized Brigade HQ	Halmstad
Jönköping Mechanized Brigade HQ	Eksjö
Kalmar Mechanized Brigade HQ	Kalmar
Kronoberg Mechanized Brigade HQ	Växjö
Blekinge Mechanized Brigade HQ	Kristianstad
Skåne SDF Barracks	Alsstad
Halland SDF Barracks	Halmstad
Jönköping SDF Barracks	Jönköping
Kalmar Mechanized SDF Barracks	Kalmar
Kronoberg Mechanized SDF Barracks	Växjö
Blekinge Mechanized SDF Barracks	Kristianstad
Special Forces Brigade HQ	Växjö
Military Intelligence and Security Service	Alsstad
Central Military Clinic	Alsstad
Presidential Guard	Alsstad
War College	Halmstad
Air Force School	Ronneby
Navy School	Karlskrona

Arnland Army Structure

Army Overview

The Army is the most important branch of the Military. The Army is comprised of six regular Brigades, the Ballistic Missile Force and the Special Forces Brigade (SFB) , with a total strength of around 21,000 personnel, although called the Special Forces “Brigade”, the SFB are in reality a reinforced Battalion. The structure consists of a headquarters, a training squadron, a reconnaissance squadron and four ‘intervention’ companies.

Five of the regular brigades have a standard structure of three motorized infantry battalions, with integral armor, artillery, reconnaissance and logistics support. The sixth brigade, stationed in Blekinge region, is in fact just a reinforced battalion, consisting of a HQ and an air defense regiment. The nominal strength of an infantry battalion is around 950 troops.

The Army is equipped for conventional warfare, where their tactics and procedures are designed to utilize the equipment in a defensive delaying conflict against a more powerful neighbor. At the operational level the design for battle will be to fight a conventional war. But aging equipment and manning concerns have developed a more irregular style of tactics at the lower level which are well developed, practiced and understood and may prove effective. The inevitable consequences of this disconnect between the operational and tactical level is that the Military will fight incoherently.

Within the Armed Forces, the Army is responsible for Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD), although the overall lead for dealing with IEDs rests with the Arnland State Police Service (ASPS). Within the Army, while the ADF has some Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD) capability, it has no Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) capability. The SDF has no EOD capability. The the Military has limited exploitation capabilities and although the EOD teams have some basic knowledge of Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) and level 1 exploitation, this is not widespread. The ADF does not possess an Electronic Counter Measures or Counter Remote‐Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (ECM/CREW) capability. Additionally, the ADF EOD (CMD) staff can only conduct CMD manually and has no remote capability or route clearance capability.

The Presidential Guard, consisting of two battalions, is stationed in the capital Alsstad. The Presidential Guard is under the administrative command to the Chief of Defense but under the direct control of the Presidential Administration of Arnland.

Army Size and Structure

The size of the Army is, as published in the Military Almanacka 2010, around 21,000 men and women, excluding the BMF and SFB of which numbers are not public. The numbers do not include the military and the civilian personnel composing the command structure above brigade level.

At first examination, the command structure of the Army is complex, but straightforward. The Army is under the direct command of the Chief of Defense whereas the operational control is ensured by the General Staff. The Army is headed by the Commander of the Army, whose HQ is located in Jönköping. The Army HQ comprises two distinct commands, one for operations and one for support:

• Land Operations Command (LOC). In peacetime, Land Operations Command is responsible for the command and control of the regular Brigades and for war and emergency planning for the Army in their entirety. The LOC incorporates liaison elements from the SDF HQ and SF HQ. In war, the separate HQs merge to form a Supreme High Command (SHC) which assumes responsibility for all land operations. However, the SBF will continue to plan their operations under the broad direction of the LOC.

• Land Support Command (LSC). The LSC is responsible for personnel, engineering, logistics and medical support to the Army. As such, it controls the Army contracting and estate management functions and is another source of the diversion of funds to nefarious ends. It is also responsible for Army training and runs the Army Training School (ATS) which covers the full gamut of functional courses from basic training through infantry and artillery to reconnaissance.

Special Forces Brigade. The SFB are headed by the Major General Malte Gradholm. The SF commander is responsible for all aspects of organization, training and operations. Theoretically the SF is tasked by General Staff, while the Army is supposed to provide only logistics and support to SF operations through the Land Support Command. In practice, the SF reports directly to the CHOD.

Ballistic Missile Force. As is the case for the SF, the Army provides only administrative support and assistance to the Ballistic Missile Force (BMF) through the Land Support Command. On paper the operational tasking comes directly from the General Staff; in practice the BMF reports directly to the CHOD. The support arrangements work reasonably efficiently on a day to day basis, but any exceptional support requirements are staffed through Army HQ and the General Staff before they are authorized.

Army Roles and Missions

The prime mission of the Army is the defense of the territorial integrity of Arnland against any aggressor. In addition to its main broad mission the Army has a number of other tasks:

1. In times of war, or emergency, the protection of critical infrastructure against attack or sabotage, with a special emphasis on the country’s nuclear plants. In peace time this task falls under the Minister of Interior responsibility
2. The preparation and training of the Army to meet its designated mission
3. In times of war or emergency the provision of armed assistance to the Police Forces and other authorities to preserve law and order
4. The provision of protection and assistance to the populace in the event of natural disasters, in coordination with other governmental agencies

The Army has no formal role or designated task in countering terrorism; however, elements do operate in conjunction with the Minister of Interior on specific operations. However, the increased effectiveness of the Arnish Popular Front (APF) terrorist organization has led to increasing Army assistance to the Ministry of Public Order (MOPO).

Army Leadership and Intent

The formal declared intent of the Chief of the Army is to transform the Army into a modern, adaptive, agile force properly trained and equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. There is little sign of any program that would achieve this intent. In practice, the drive is twofold. Firstly, General Staff is attempting to improve the quality of the equipment of the Army, with an initial emphasis on reviving and re‐equipping the infantry with modern armored vehicles, followed closely by the Artillery. Secondly, he is attempting to improve the quality of the troops under his command through the application of more focused training. A proposal to professionalize the Army was put forward in 2010, but an initial assessment showed that it would be affordable. The senior leadership of the Army fully supports the Chief of General Staff in his declared intent and current program.

The current main influential senior officers are:

Arnland Army Senior Officers

Position	Rank
Commander of the Army	Lieutenant General
DCOS Operations Army Staff	Major General
DCOS Support Army Staff	Major General
Commander Land Operations Command	Major General
Commander Army Support Command	Major General
Commander of the Ballistic Missile Force	Major General
Commander of the Special Forces	Major General

Army Training and Readiness

The Army is responsible for practical (military skills, etc) training, while training of a more academic bent (staff work) is delivered by the War College. Within the Army, training is organized and managed by the Army Training School, which runs induction training and specialist military skills courses. Each unit is responsible for the integration training of new conscripts and for continuation training. Formation training is conducted periodically and there is a formal program of all arms training that culminates in an annual Army exercise, which lasts for two weeks each summer.

Army Equipment and Weapons

The majority of Arnland’s military equipment is old but relatively serviceable. Most of the equipment was sourced from Donovia and Dushman and little of it is newer than 30 years old. The reliability of the equipment is derived more from the robust nature of Donovian design than the quality of the Army’s maintenance organization. The main obstacle to updating the inventory is a lack of funds.

From the period after the collapse of the communist regime until around 2000, there was little money in the Government’s coffers and re‐equipping the Military has not been a priority. Since then, there have been a number of proposals to replace antiquated weapon systems, but these have had little success. The Army’s current priorities are the replacement of the MBT fleet and the modernization of the artillery. However, the actual process may be long and complicated. The initial success in placing an order for 100 Type 88 main battle tanks (MBT) with Dushman seem to have hit finance related difficulties and only some 20% have been delivered to date. It is not clear what level of spares and technical support has been established for these vehicles. All the Type 88s have been allocated to the Halland Brigade, but their operational status is currently uncertain. The other major program running at present is a bid to source an effective Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS). Arnland retains a sizeable number of BM21 Grad rocket launchers, but the Army leadership feels these are verging on obsolescence and would prefer something more effective. Contacts have been made with Dushman, Republic of Korea, Singapore, India and Donovia, but no firm proposals have been made to date.

Less ambitious programs have been generally successful, although the relationship of costs paid to capability delivered probably does not pay too close an examination. The Army is well equipped with relatively modern Man‐portable air‐defense systems (MANPADS) and general purpose vehicles.

Traditionally, air defense has been the poor relation within the Army, receiving at best minimal command interest and funding. The systems in service are almost exclusively point defense, relying on twin 23mm anti‐aircraft artillery (AAA) and MANPADS. The sole exception to this approach was the 712th Air Defense Regiment and the 412th Air Defense Brigade of the Skåne Brigade which are charged with the air defense of the capital. These latter units operate the obsolescent S‐75 Dvina (NATO reporting name SA‐2 GUIDELINE) system. In 2013, Bothnia proposed an affordable program to upgrade these systems to SA‐75M Volga standard and to further enhance Arnland’s air defense system with a number of 9K37 Buk (NATO reporting name SA‐11 GADFLY) mobile missile units which had been rendered surplus to requirements by the Bothnian’s own upgrade program. This prompted a series of objections and complaints from both Denmark and Torrike. In the event, Arnland could only afford a single battery and placated the protests of its neighbors by offering to base the unit in southern Kalmar, thus not offering an immediate threat to either Torrike or Denmark. The unit was stood up in early 2014 and was due to reach operational status in mid-2015. Whether Arnland possesses the skills to operate the equipment effectively, remains open to question.

Elements of a potentially effective air defense system exist, and some of the equipment sourced from Torrike could provide the foundation. The Arnish version of the Giraffe system is a capable platform, although the Arnish forces still need assistance and specialized expertise from Torrike or other specialized nations to organize these sensors into an effective functioning air control and reporting system. Technically the system is capable of detecting low‐flying, low signature objects, although the Arnish ability to use these capabilities to the full is doubtful. When fully integrated, the various elements could provide Arnland with a comprehensive air and sea picture. However, there have been distinct challenges in achieving that level of integration and reportedly some compatibility problems between equipment of various ages and origins.

The current major equipment in service in the Army are shown in the table below.

Arnland Army Major Equipment

Equipment

MBT

MBT

MBT

Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)

IFV

Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)

APC

Self-Propelled Artillery

Artillery

Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MLRS)

Mortar 120mm

Mortar 82mm

Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Manpack

73mm Recoilless Gun

Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Launchers

MANPADS

Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA)

Army Logistics and Medical

The Logistics Staff Division (under the LSC) is organized in separate staff branches covering fuels, maintenance, transportation, engineering and storage. Weapons storage and distribution is covered by the Ordnance Division. The logistic troops on Army level are organized in a Central Logistic Base (CLB) which counts four battalions (Maintenance battalion, supply and storage battalion, infrastructure engineering and medical support battalion). Although part of the Army logistics system, the CLB is directly subordinated to DGPL. Each brigade in both the ADF and the SDF has its own support battalion with a maintenance company, an engineering company and a supply and transport company in it. There is no medical unit on brigade level, but each battalion has its own doctor and some nurses (equivalent to NATO Role 1). Each battalion has a small maintenance platoon and a supply and transport platoon. Surprisingly, perhaps, the logistics organization has the reputation of being both efficient and effective, albeit not very flexible. Stocks of spares, weapons, ammunition and most of the essentials of warfare are considered to be more than adequate. The degree to which Army`s stocks are sold for non‐military use is difficult to determine, although fuel and transportation services are particularly prone to abuse. Elements within the Ordnance Division certainly appear to sanction a trade in weapons, both to OC gangs and potentially also the terrorists. Some weapons recovered from gangs in Europe have also been traced back to Arnland.

Medical. The current head of the Medical Corps is doing his best to ensure that the Army units are well supported. Unfortunately he is fighting both corruption and self-interest, having to compromise at every turn with other heads of branches in the Army and with his medical counterparts in the MoD and other Services.

Each brigade has an organic NATO Role‐2 equivalent field hospital providing emergency surgery with subsequent transfer to an established military hospital. Each Army brigade has access to a deployable field hospital. In theory this can be rapidly deployed, although it requires the employment of key surgical personnel working in the military hospitals, which would take several days. The field hospital is air‐transportable on helicopters or planes and fills the equivalent of six NATO pallets. Total manpower consists of 55 staff including medics, electricians and cooks. The structure of the field hospital is shown below:

Arnland Army Field Hospital

Capability	Personnel	Equipment
General surgery	2 X Surgeon	2 X surgical tables
Orthopedic surgery	2 X Surgeon
Damage control surgery
Anesthetic	2 X anesthetist	2 X machines
Radiography	1 X radiographer	1 X X-ray
Biomedical science	1 X BMS	Diagnostic capability
Intensive care	4 X ICU nurses	4 X beds
Ward care		25 X beds

Casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) instead of medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) is the norm given the lack of adequate paramedical or nursing staff. Environmental Health services are non‐existent or extremely limited, thus exposing the Military to a much higher risk from disease and non-battle injuries (DNBI) than other militaries in the region.

Arnland Naval Structure

Naval Forces Overview

From a naval perspective, Arnland is highly vulnerable. With the exception of the northern border Arnland is surrounded by water. The very busy international shipping route running through the exceptionally narrow strait between Denmark and its shore, presents it with some extremely demanding maritime defense challenges. The naval force has fared slightly better in terms of equipment and funding in comparison to the Army. Although the small fleet is not terribly modern, it operates a limited number of vessels that are well suited to the kind of operations with which it is charged. An additional bonus (in every sense of the word), is provided by the shared naval base at Karlskrona. Part of the fee for the lease to Torrike includes common training with Navy and partial maintenance of the facilities.

Naval Forces Size and Structure

At some just under 5,000 personnel, the Navy is one of the smallest in Europe. For the most part, its personnel are on a full time engagement, initially for four years with the opportunity for a full career. Conscripts are called up to the Navy, but few actually serve. Those conscripts that do serve are usually employed as security guards at the bases, or in the Coastal Artillery units. Almost all seagoing personnel are professionals.

In keeping with the other Navies in the region, the Arnish Navy uses ranks and insignia derived from the Skolkan Empire.

The structure is less complicated than that of the Army. The Commander of the Navy – Vice Admiral, divides his time between Naval Operational Command (NOC) located in Helsingborg, and the Navy HQ (NHQ) in Alsstad. The NHQ incorporates all normal HQ functions (equivalent to NATO N1 to N9). Within the NHQ, there is a separate office responsible for the Karlskrona Base ‐ Karlskrona Base Office which handles relations with the Torrikan forces located in Karlskrona. The chief of the office is directly subordinated to the Comander of the Navy and works in close coordination with the Karlskrona Base Commander. The Karlskrona Base Office Head is the sole Commodore position within the Navy. The Commander of the Navy is supported by the Deputy Navy commander.

Beneath the Navy Headquarters (NHQ), similarly to the Army HQ, there are two commands: one for operations ‐ Navy Operational Command – (NOC) and one for support – Navy Support Command (NSC). NOC is responsible for the command and control of 3 operational Squadrons (Corvette; Patrol; FPB) and controls the navy training establishments. Both are commanded by two‐star Deputy Chiefs who are responsible for coordinating aspects of operations and support respectively.

Although the Coast Guard is not subordinate to the Navy, or indeed, the MoD, there are close links between the two services. Both have a role in combating smuggling and illegal immigration and work in close connection with the Customs Service. This, of course, is an area that is open to abuse.

Naval Forces Roles and Missions

The mission of the Navy is to train, organize and deploy naval capabilities to defend Arnland against any external maritime threat both in peacetime and in times of crisis. This includes the following primary tasks:

1. Deter external aggression against Arnland
2. Provide forces in peacetime to ensure the territorial integrity of Arnland and the protection and security of the Exclusive Economic Zone
3. Maintain freedom of navigation through the international waters between Arnland and Denmark
4. Support the Coast Guard in operations against criminal trafficking (counter narcotics, drugs, weapons, human and illegal goods)
5. Contribute to humanitarian operations in the wider Baltic region Supporting tasks include:
6. Maintain the integrity of the shared naval base at Karlskrona and ensure the associated relationship with Torrike remains mutually beneficial;
7. Provide support to the civil authorities in times of civil emergency;
8. Provide maritime advice to the CHOD. There are no specified tasks requiring the Navy to support or operate with either of the other services in joint operations.

Naval Forces Leadership and Intent

The Commander of the Navy’s declared intent is to establish and maintain the Navy at a level of efficiency that enables it to discharge its tasks. In pursuit of this intent, he plans the gradual modernization of the fleet and hopes to be able to purchase a number of more modern vessels as they are declared surplus by other navies. The current economic downturn is seen as providing opportunities, even as it puts pressure on the State’s already limited funding. Ideally he would wish to acquire a helicopter capability beyond that the Coast Guard occasionally lends to the fleet. This may not be financially achievable.

The Navy Staff is considerably smaller than that of the Army and its senior leadership correspondingly small. The current flag officers are:

Arnland Naval Flag Officers

Position	Rank
Commander of the Navy	Vice Admiral
Deputy Commander of the Navy	Vice Admiral
Deputy Chief Operations	Rear Admiral
Deputy Chief Support	Rear Admiral
Karlskrona Base Commander	Commodore

Naval Forces Training and Readiness

Basic sea training and military skills are the responsibility of the Naval Training Establishment (NTE). Many of the courses in seamanship and the basics of naval operations are provided by Torrike and run in joint Torrikan/Arnish courses at Karlskrona. Advanced professional courses are provided either by academic institutions, or the Danish, Polish or Torrikan Navies. However, the training budget is small and few places are actually taken up. Integration into a ship’s crew and practical training in operating both at individual ship level and in formations is the responsibility of the operational squadrons. There is an annual squadron level exercise and a biennial fleet exercise. The training programs for individual ships and the units build towards these exercises. Periodic informal exercises with the Coast Guard and the Air Force also take place. Combined training with the Army is limited to base defense exercises and liaison visits.

Naval Forces Equipment and Weapons

The major surface vessels are Soviet or Warsaw pact designs purchased during the height of the Cold War. The Parchim class corvettes were designed in East Germany and built by Wolgast Peene‐Werft in Rostock. These were purchased as part of a complicated arrangement whereby Donovia was subsidizing the East German shipyard.

Notwithstanding the demise of a communist regime in Arnland, the deal was completed and the ships delivered from 1982 – 85. These vessels are designed for coastal anti‐submarine warfare although the Navy has adapted them for broader use. The Pauk class vessels are even older, having been purchased from Donovia in 1979 – 81. Although designated corvettes by the Navy, in reality they are coastal patrol boats. The balance of the Navy’s fleet consists of eight missile patrol boats and a small number of inshore vessels that can be armed when required.

The defensive nature of the Navy is apparent from its equipment table. The final defensive element are the mine countermeasure units and the two coastal artillery squadrons that are actually RBS15 Mk2 batteries. These were purchased in the late 80s to provide protection for Alsstad and Karlskrona against amphibious assault.

Arnland Naval Fleet

Type	Class
Corvette	RAS:
	Shark
	Barracuda
	Orca
	Swordfish
	Marlin
Corvette	RAS:
	Walrus
	Sea Lion
	Leopard Seal
	Sea Otter
	Narwhal
Anti-Ship Missile (ASM) Patrol Boat	RAS:
	Basilisk
	Gripen
	Chimaera
	Unicorn
	Draken
	Wyvern
	Salamander
	Lindworm
Fast Patrol Boat	RAS:
	Fulmar
	Shearwater
	Cormorant
	Gannet
	Pelican
	Albatross
	Sea Eagle
	Black Petrel
	Skua
Minesweeper	RAS:
	Halland
	Skåne
	Kalmar
	Blekinge
	Öland
RHIB
Coastal Artillery SSM	RBS15 Mk2

Navy Logistics and Medical

The Naval logistics set up is straightforward. Major programs and common use items are dealt with by the Director General Logistics’ department in the MoD while routine resupply, fuel, spares, etc. are in the province of the Logistics Branch in Navy Staff. Each of the naval bases incorporates its own depots and spares that are specific to type are centralized at the main operating base for the type. Transportation of logistics needs between bases is mainly by contracted commercial services.

The Naval medical establishment is very limited. Each base has a small medical center and each ship has one rating reportedly trained in advanced first‐aid, though standards are believed to be variable. There is a medical advisor on the staff of the Deputy Chief Support in the Navy Staff who, by virtue of his position, is able to provide access to well‐equipped military hospital facilities for the families of Service personnel, thus giving him greater influence than otherwise might have been the case.

Organization of the Arnland Air Force

Air Force Overview

The Arnland Air Force (AAF) is small and far from effective. Its aircrafts are old and verging on the obsolete and for the most part, poorly maintained. Spares support is adequate, but operating funds are tight. There are a number of proposals for the modernization of the force, but whether any of these are affordable remains open to question.

As an organization, the Air Force is largely moribund. Promotion is slow to non‐existent and majority of the senior officers have been in place for too long. Relations with the other elements of the forces are poor and the Air Force is viewed as unresponsive and unreliable. There are justified views within the other forces that the tactical transport capabilities are more dedicated to commercial enterprise than meeting the needs of the Army or Navy.

Air Force Size and Structure

The command structure is simple. Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ) in Alsstad directly commands the small number of largely single role squadrons. AFHQ covers the normal range of staff functions; the manning is thin, but adequate for the purposes of the AAF. AFHQ has underneath two so called commands which in fact are merely 2 departments within the AFHQ. The AAF Operations Command (AOC) and the AAF Support Command (ASC).

Although the squadrons are coordinated through the air bases they are stationed at, there is no intermediate level of command, with each of the squadrons reporting directly to AFHQ. The AOC directs day to day operations. The AOC, in effect acts as the operations center, directly tasking the operational squadrons and monitoring and assessing their reports in return. The defense air and sea surveillance mechanisms are obsolete and barely functional. The AAF maintains a limited operational picture of Arnland’s air and maritime Areas of responsibility (AOR) and Areas of Interest (AOI). This relies heavily on commercial air traffic systems and the maritime AIS vessel tracking system (VTMIS), supplemented by reports from the military systems and naval and Coast Guard patrols to give it a slightly more operational focus. The JOC of General Staff in turn feeds information deemed of importance to the Naval HQ in Karlskrona. Besides its main operating base in Ljungbyhed in Skåne region, the AAF has other two bases in Kallinge, in Blekinge region, where the helicopters squadron is stationed, and Hagshult in Jönköping region where the ATC and Tactical Transportation Squadrons are stationed

The current organization of the Air Force is shown at:

Air Force Roles and Missions

The prime function of the AF is to discharge its responsibilities under the identified Defense Priorities which can be summarized as the preservation of the territorial integrity of the State against aggression. Specifically this means the policing of its airspace both in the nation’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) and Area following tasks:

1. The provision of Air Defense to the country
2. The provision of support to Army or Naval operations
3. The provision of maritime surveillance support
4. The provision of appropriate assistance to civilian authorities for disaster relief
5. The provision of a VIP transportation service to Government ministers In pursuit of these roles, the following secondary tasks have been identified:
6. The preparation and organization of the force to meet the designated missions
7. The preparation of appropriate contingency plans in conjunction with the Army and Navy
8. The provision of appropriate specialist air advice to the other services, the MOD and the Government

Air Force Leadership and Intent

The current Commander of the Air Force has been in post since 2011 and fails to fulfil a positive leadership role. The top levels of the AF represent a tight coterie of likeminded individuals who have effectively blocked any advancement within the force for over 10 years. Innovation has been stifled and the most promising individuals in the next level down have left for other more satisfactory employment. The current incumbent is already 54 but shows no signs of being willing to retire and his cronies are roughly contemporary, so radical improvement in the direction of the AF is unlikely in the near future.

The formally stated intent of the Air Force is to be a modern, efficient and effective AF that makes a decisive contribution to the defense of Arnland and its strategic interests. This is simply verbiage as the force lacks the equipment, the combat power, the funding and above all the leadership to achieve this intent.

The current senior leadership of the Air Force is:

Arnland Air Force Senior Leadership

Position	Rank
Chief of the Air Staff	Lieutenant General
Air Force Operations	Major General
Air Force Support	Major General

Air Force Personnel, Training, Medical, and Readiness

The technical nature of most of the core AF activities means that it has little need for unskilled conscripts. Those who do serve fulfil menial roles for the most part. The majority of servicemen are full time professionals on 8 ‐10 year engagements, while most aircrew serve on 20 year engagements. One benefit of the disorganized command structure is that most pilots and other crew spend most of their service career flying. The downside is that the throughput of aircrew is low and the demand for new aircrew is correspondingly low. With a total strength of only some 3,500 personnel, the AF is a fairly intimate organization; with no deployment role and only three Bases, it is also a fairly static one.

Training within the AF falls into two categories; firstly professional training and secondly operational training. Professional training is delivered by a number of agencies. Basic military skills are learned in recruit training which is provided by the Army. Officers’ basic training is provided by the War College. The majority of technical training is delivered by commercial schools and basic flying training and all helicopters flying training is also provided by commercial organizations. Advanced jet flying training is delivered in‐house. Operational training is run against an annual program that integrates continuation training with unit and multi role exercises. The transport fleet exercise program feeds off the Army’s exercise program and contributes to the operational integration of the services.

Each base has a small medical unit and the Head of the AF Medical Branch is an aviation medicine specialist. Of interest, the current incumbent, despite being a political appointee and a member of the fairly moribund AF leadership, is actually professionally extremely competent has published a variety of cutting‐edge papers on his subject. He possesses the credibility (and political patronage) to liaise extensively internationally and has reported close professional links with his counterparts throughout the Skolkan region.

Air Force Equipment, Weapons, and Logistics

With the exception of the VIP Transportation Squadron, the Air Force’s aircraft are old and tired. Although the standard of maintenance is fairly basic, in operational terms the aircraft are adequate for their day to day purpose. There are essentially two shortcomings; there are too few aircraft to form an effective fighting force and the level of funding means that aircrew in the combat fleet only have the bare minimum of flying hours to be safe. The transport and helicopter fleet are more heavily used, but largely for non‐military purposes.

The AF has ambitions to replace the fighter force with a more modern and effective weapon system, but at present no funds are available for such a project. The current operating fleet comprises:

Arnland Military Aircraft Fleet

Role

Air Defense

Air Defense Trainer

Ground Attack

Jet Trainer

Tactical Transport

Maritime Surveillance

Battlefield Helicopter

Liaison Helicopter

VIP Transport

VIP Transport

AF logistics is the responsibility of the ASC. As is the case with the other forces, the main procurement responsibility rests with DGPL, while each service deals with the management of the specifics for their service. Each base has a storage facility and as each aircraft is operated from a single base, there is little storage redundancy. Transportation of spares, etc. is by commercial service. The AAF performs first and second line maintenance only; deeper servicing and maintenance is carried out commercially. Maintenance of the VIP Transportation Squadron fleet and the transport fleet is performed by Arnish industry. Availability of funds is a major constraint in maintaining the fleet at the required levels, although funds are always available to keep the VIP fleet in top condition.

The Air Force has never lacked pilots, not least because of the availability of training aircraft and the attractiveness of flying as a career. However, the effectiveness of the force is in inverse ratio to the technical complexity of the specific aircraft type. An alternative way of looking at it is that the availability of a specific aircraft type is in direct proportion to its ‘commercial’ prospects. The highest serviceability rates are found in the VIP fleet and the tactical transports, with the helicopter and flying training fleet lying in the middle. Serviceability and availability of the fast jet fleet is extremely low, partly due to a lack of spares leading to the cannibalization of some aircraft to support the others, and partly due to a lack of overall interest in their prime function. Dushman has been contacted with a view to modernizing the fleet, or at least bringing all the aircraft up to a safe standard. However, so far, no contracts have been signed.

Other Forces

Presidential Guard

The Presidential Guard Regiment, is a specialized unit that has both state ceremonial duties and a conventional military function. Notwithstanding its title, the unit is part of the regular structure of the Military and reports to the CHOD through the General Staff. The Regiment’s ceremonial duties comprise both standard tasks (formal guard at the Presidential Palace, at the opening of the Allting, etc.) and state tasks (honor guard for visiting heads of state, etc.). Its prime military function is the protection of the capital and in particular the government (as an entity) against external attack. To this end, the unit is structured and equipped more along the lines of an all‐arms battle group, than a conventional infantry unit. The ceremonial detachment is drawn from within the overall ranks on a rotational basis. Although conscripts do serve within the Regiment, all are carefully selected and the unit suffers none of the problems observed in other ADF organizations.

Based on the perceived importance of its role, the Presidential Guards Regiment has priority within the Military for funding and equipment. As a result it is the best equipped unit within the Arnish forces. The Regiment is structured along the following lines.

1. Regimental HQ (includes signals element with enhanced communications suite)
2. Ceremonial detachment (drawn from within the overall structure)
3. Armored squadron (12 x T88). Mechanized infantry company+ (BTR 70)
4. Anti‐aircraft company (SA17/18; ZU 23‐2). Anti‐tank and light artillery company (AT‐4/SPIGOT; 80mm mortar)
5. Close protection company (drawn from SFB)

Military Intelligence and Security Service (MISS)

The MISS is the oldest and only Arnish military special service, established in 1919. The MISS is directly subordinated to the Minister of Defense and has an important place in the national security and defense of the country. The mandated function of the MISS is to provide the military and political leadership with relevant strategic intelligence and early warning on the risks and threats to the national security of Arnland. It has close links with the intelligence branches of each of the services and recruits the majority of its staff from them.

The MISS is able to use the full range of military collection facilities, but these are extremely limited. The only platforms for imagery collection Arnland possesses consist of the Air Forces two Antonov AN‐26 (Curl‐A). The aircrafts are camera equipped reconnaissance ‐ capable versions of the original AN‐26. The collection range is limited to the plane`s range i.e. 593 nautical miles (1,098 km; 682 miles). Both AN‐26 are currently stationed at Kallinge Air Base. Arnland has no strategic SIGINT collection platforms.

Arnland SDF Structure

Standby Defense Forces (SDF)

The Arnish reserve forces are called the Standby Defense Forces (SDF). In peace time, the SDF are under the control of the respective regions` regional governor. Although the Military are responsible for keeping track of the reservists, maintaining stockpiles of equipment for mobilization and periodically conducting combined training, for the time being, the SDF have only been mobilized and utilized for disaster relief activities.

The commander of the Standby Defense Force, is responsible for the organization, training and control of the SDF regional Brigades. The commander has a separate HQ staff and holds equal rank with the Chief of the General Staff. As such he does not regard himself as subordinate to the General Staff. On mobilization, however, the SDF HQ staffs are absorbed into the General Staff and the SDF brigades come under their direct command.

Arnland SDF Flag Officers

Position	Rank
Commander of the Standby Defense Forces	Lieutenant General
Assistant Director Support	Brigadier General
Assistant Director Operations	Brigadier General

Paramilitary Forces

There are no formally legal paramilitary troops within Arnland, although the police element of the SFB Hostage Rescue Company could be counted as paramilitary.

Military Industrial Complex

Arnland does not possess a functional formal military industrial complex as such. Arnish industry does produce a wide range of materiel that has potential military usage, such as vehicles (trucks) and some electronics and the shipyards at Karlskrona are capable of constructing or modifying small warships, however, there is no formal arms industry as such. Arnland industry does possess the ability to produce small arms and ammunition as well as to perform the overhaul and maintenance of complex equipment and vehicles. Arnland produces a version of the AK-47 under license obtained from Donovia in the 70’s. However, due to lack of orders from the international market and the financial scarcity on the national market, few weapons were produced by these capabilities in the last 10 years. Major weapons systems are supposed to be sourced from imports (when funds are available). All significant military purchases are managed through Director General Procurement’s establishment

Research & Development

Arnland has currently no significant military R&D programs.

National Arms Production

Production of arms is currently limited to license building of equipment and maintenance works of warships. The majority of the maintenance works are performed in the shared naval base in Karlskrona, minor operations like electric appliances and communication systems are performed either in Kalmar or Alsstad naval bases. These works are limited to the Arnish vessels and to some extent to the Torrikan vessels stationed or transiting Karlskrona base.

Arnland is self‐sufficient in terms of manufacturing small arms and basic ammunition but presently the production is suspended. The Arnish weapons factory – National Våpenfabrikk, located near Våxjø, Kronoberg, was primarily producing the Arnish version of the AK‐47, the Arnish version of RPG–7, the Arnish version of the Dushman`s automatic grenade launcher QLZ‐87 and the Arnish version of the UZI submachine gun (SMG).

Other development programs initiated but currently on hold due to economic crisis are the production of an improved version of the Israeli machine gun UZI SMG and an improved version of the RPG, initiated in in the past in cooperation with Dushman. Similar to other small arms factories, when the program was stopped due to lack of budget and orders, the experimental facilities were sealed and preserved.

As for exports, during the communist era the factory was thriving having contracts signed with clients all over the world, particularly in the former communist countries and the countries with dictatorial regimes in the Northern and Central Africa. Since 1991, only small, insignificant, sporadic orders from African or South American countries have kept the Arnish small arms industry alive. Many of the sections of the armament factories were sealed and preserved and the employees put in a technical contract suspension (sent home with no revenue but promised to receive their job back as soon a production contract is signed). It is believed that the National Våpenfabrikk can be easily switched active because the production lines are well preserved and the workforce is eager to return to work and earn money.

Chemical Program

A chemical weapons program was initiated by the communist dictator Lars Peterson in 1950. The program was actively maintained by Arnland until the fall of communism in 1991. Apparently the chemical weapons produced in this time span were decommissioned starting from 2001 when Arnland joined the SCO seeking to normalize relations with the SCO countries and the Western world. Arnland joined the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2001, and declared 20 tons of mustard gas and 1200 tons of chemical precursors, as well as 3100 chemical weapon munitions.

In 2001 Arnland has officially started a process of transformation of the 2 production facilities located in Skåne and Jönköping regions. The claimed intention was to turn these two facilities to food (in Skåne) and fertilizer (Jönköping) factories, respectively. The process was supposed to take less than 5 years but it has been systematically extended until present days with the Jönköping facility still under transformation.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been supervising the destruction of Arnland's chemical weapons caches since 2002. Allegedly, by 2013, the Arnish government had destroyed 60% of its precursor materials and 75% of its mustard gas, as well as the 90% chemical weapon munitions. In early 2013, OPCW said reports are indicating that the remainder is secured and the process continues to unfold appropriately.

Maintenance

The Arnish industrial base has the necessary capabilities to maintain and overhaul the majority of equipment and weapons system employed by the Military and currently is appropriately contracted. Only the most sophisticated equipment is to be sent abroad for servicing. The Karlskrona naval base lease expires in 2019 and initial negotiations for contract renewal have begun already.

Procurement

Maintenance of aircraft, weapons and systems is outsourced to the Arnish industry to the greatest extent possible, with the military performing only first and second line servicing. The intention is to boost local industry and also help counter the low quality of much of the conscript workforce. In fact, the DGPL has turned these contracts in significant sources of benefits. Fake tenders are organized and disadvantageous contracts are signed under the close monitoring of DGPL Director. Everything is a win‐win‐loss type of business where the loss goes for the state budget and the wins for the DGPL Director and respectively for the owners of the companies who "win" the contracts. Moreover, there is a political interference coming from opposite sides. However, the DGPL Director manages to stay politically neutral and follow only his self‐enrichment agenda.

Facilities

1. Former military chemical factory: Alsstad

2. Former military chemical factory: Jönköping

3. Arnish weapons factory – National Våpenfabrikk: Växjö

Special Considerations

Corruption is the most serious issue within the Military. Low level corruption is endemic with much of the conscripts pay to NCOs and junior officers to evade unpleasant duties or even to get leave approved. Pay is not centralized and units disburse wages directly to their own personnel. Not all of the pay reaches the intended recipient. Some units release conscripts early (often after as little as a quarter of their formal commitment) but continue to report them in their manpower returns and claim the salaries. The resultant ‘profit’ is then split between various members of the unit’s command and administration structure. Promotion within the officer corps depends on patronage and it is customary for the promoted to ‘thank’ his patron (and others in the chain) financially after each promotion. The situation has had a deleterious effect on the military efficiency of the Military and is discussed further below.

High level corruption is also pervasive. The procurement area is seen as an especially rich target and every major arms purchase has had allegations of bribery attached to it. Other alleged areas of 'unusual practice' include hiring out tactical transport aircraft to civilian companies, the illegal sale of Government property (including land and housing), the sale of fuel to commercial companies, hiring out conscripts as security guards and the use of SF personnel as bodyguards.