In the shadow of war Ukraine, only 100 miles away, around 500 volunteer Home Guard soldiers have gathered for six days to practice, among other things, shooting, medical care and cooperating in smaller and larger group formations. One of those who signed up for the exercise is paramedic Johanna Dröscher, who joined the Home Guard last year.
– I have worked for many years in healthcare and have felt that I want to contribute that knowledge to Sweden, she says.
The Home Guard’s main task is to be able to gather within six hours in case of war or crisis to help the rest of the Armed Forces protect and guard Sweden. Today, Sweden has around 22,500 Home Guard soldiers and interest in joining is growing.
Record number of applicants
In the first four months of the year alone, roughly 4,600 people applied, which is as much as a normal year. And it is basically possible for anyone to apply.
– We are primarily looking for those who have done military service and have solid knowledge with them. But there is also the possibility for those who have no military background, even if it is a smaller part of them who are accepted. Then it can be about being a nurse, cook, dog handler or another type of specialist, says Henrik Lundberg, major and battalion commander within the Home Guard.
“About the state of the world around us”
And for him, the increased interest in the Home Guard comes as no surprise.
– No, it is obviously about the situation in the world and that many people want to be involved and contribute to Sweden’s security when there is a war in Europe. There are many who feel that it is an important matter.
For the soldiers, the main task of the day has been to handle and shoot with the AK4 assigned to each soldier. And despite the fact that Johanna Dröscher is a paramedic tasked with saving lives, she sees no conflict in training to kill.
– No, we have to know that in order to protect ourselves and others who are injured. But of course I hope there will be no war.