Vintersol 2018

192:nd mechanized battalion finex Photo: Mattias Hellgren/Swedish Armed Hellgren/Swedish Forces Mattias Photo:

193:rd ranger battalion finex

Photo: Mats Nyström/Swedish Mats Armed Forces Photo: 91:st artillery battalion refreshment training

vintersol 2018

Photo: Samuli Haapala/Finnish Samuli Photo: Forces Defence - Enhancing winter warfare capabilities winter warfare - this is where we excel Vintersol strenghtens the artillery Winter has come, bringing clear cold days and snow in abundance. With the winter co- As a part of Exercise Vintersol, the Artillery Regiment will, together with the units mes the annual invitational live exercise Vintersol. This year’s focus is the refreshment from the Boden Garrison, conduct refreshment training for 91:st Artillery Battalion. training for the 91:st Artillery Battalion, supporting the mechanized forces offensive This refreshment training creates an opportunity to form and train a whole artillery and defensive operations with indirect fire. The exercise is conducted under the confi- battalion, something that has not been done in a very long time. dent command of Third Brigade and supported by helicopter units and logistic support from the Third National Support Element and Logistics Regiment. All the personnel attached to the battalion are therefore gathered for this exercise event. The participants includes active duty, reserve and conscript personnel as well These excellent conditions that northern Sweden holds are part of the reason why ten as the recruits conducting basic training. To gather all of the personnel categories si- different Armed Forces units from all over Sweden gather in the Boden area during this multaneously for this exercise is a challenge in itself! exercise. Apart from approximately 1200 Swedish participants, the exercise is also at- tended by a platoon from the United States Marine Corps, enabling mutual sharing of It is both favorable and necessary for these refreshment trainings to be reinstated. experience and knowledge. Vintersol 2018 is also a valuable stepping-stone and oppor- Units in full material and personnel capacity, with all subsystems and functions mobi- tunity for these units to develop desired capabilities before the Swedish Army Exercise, lized enable a correct assessment of the unit’s combat effectiveness. Also developed Northern Wind 19, held in northern Sweden and Finland March 19. are the capabilities of all the units within the Boden Garrison subtasked to support the exercise. Vintersol 2018 officially starts with the Ranger Battalion’s Mountain Exercise at Keb- nekaise, followed by a live fire exercise and infiltration in the Boden area during week 9 I look forward to the refreshment training and Exer- and 10. During week 11, we combine all our forces to initiate the combined large-scale cise Vintersol. We now get the opportunity to train operations stage of the exercise. During this stage the battalions, functions and support the whole chain; from mobilization to combat, inclu- elements will, under the Commander of the Third Brigade, conduct offensive operations ding recuperation and maintenance, also important from Boden towards Vidsel, delay the opposing forces counter-attack and finally conclu- elements within the refreshment training. Vintersol de with double-sided combat at Boden Södra. The fighting is followed by recuperation, gives us perfect opportunities to cooperate and evaluation and the ever so important subsequent maintenance. develop our capabilities together with other units. Priority during the exercise will be the integration of Usage of civilian terrain offers the possibility for large scale units to operate over an indirect fire support in the brigade operations. This extensive area of unknown terrain. This gives all participants excellent opportunities to exercise will set the foundation for the oncoming develop our capabilities, from the individual soldier and marine, to unit, battalion and Swedish Army Exercise, Northern Wind. Photo: Mats Engfors brigade command. These capabilities will further, through synergy between units form a Deputy EXDIR, Colonel strong, effective fighting force capable of conducting high intensity combat operations These exercises give us the ability to, cooperatively Jonas Lotsne, Commander of the Artillery Regiment in the challenging Arctic environment. with other units develop our capabilities and become stronger! However, with these opportunities comes great responsibility. We will operate with units and heavy vehicles in a dark, cold environment with lots of snow, icy roads and civilian traffic which makes risk assessment and safety actions even more important.

Remember, there are no situations where we are in such a hurry that we have to take chances, be care- less or violate safety regulations! Never hesitate to slow down and reevaluate possible risks or hazards – Safety first! Photo: Mattias Hellgren To all participants, I wish you a rewarding exercise fil- EXDIR, Colonel Ulf Siverstedt, Commander of the Norrbotten led with challenges and possibilities to develop your Regiment and the Military individual capabilities and with that, the overall effec- Region Command North. tiveness of all the units. Vintersol 2018 operational stage vintersol 2018 709 710 711 712 713

finex 193:rd ranger battalion Mountain exercise live fire exercise operations in the Boden area post engagement stage kebnekaise arvidsjaur Recuperation evaluation finex 192:nd maintenance mechanized battalion preparation operational post engagement stage stage stage Recuperation boden, harads, evaluation ranger battalion finex vidsel maintenance mechanized battalion finex Refreshment artillery battalion refreshment training training 91:st artillery battalion preparation operational post engagement stage stage stage Recuperation mobilization boden, harads, evaluation vidsel maintenance

Vintersol - Enhancing winter warfare capabilities Exercise Vintersol 2018 is the collective term for the Artillery Battalion’s refreshment training, Mechanized Battalion’s Final Exercise and Ranger Battalion’s Final Exercise. Vintersol is concluded with an operations stage, where offensive and defensive operations, supported by indirect fire, are carried out in both civilian and military terrain.

Photo: Christian Adelbo/Swedish armed forces participating units the exercise area

Vintersol 2018 has a total of approximately 1200 participants from Norrbotten The operational stage of VINTERSOL will be conducted in both civilian and Regiment, Artillery Regiment, Logistic Regiment, Land Warfare Centre, Heli- military terrain. The possibility to train in civilian terrain gives the exercise an copter Wing, Armed Forces Logistics, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and extra dimension; the ability to fight in an unknown environment, with correct Africa and various supporting units. unit depth and distance. However, with this possibility comes further responsibility and extra consideration, in order for us to use these areas in the future.

Show consideration to landowners, reindeer herding, the forestry and the general outdoor life. Movement in civilian areas is permitted on roads, unplowed roads and unplowed Norrbotten Regiment, I 19, participates Helicopter Wing participates with Com- pathways. with parts of 192:nd Mechanized Battalion, mand and a combined Helicopter Squ- Driving in civilian off-road terrain is only allowed in areas permitted by EXCON. parts of 193:rd Ranger Battalion, parts of adron with Helicopter 14, 15 and 16 from Third Brigade Recce Coy, Third Brigade First Helicopter Squadron in Luleå and Restriction areas are marked on maps. They may only be crossed by road. HQ, EXCON as well as evaluation personnel Second Helicopter Squadron in Linköping. Heavy vehicles shall, while driving on forest roads, use the middle of the road in from the Swedish Armed Forces Unit for order to prevent damage on culverts. Cold Weather Operations. Show consideration to the reindeer herding. Due to this year’s harsh snow and herding conditions, the overall health situation of the reindeer is reduced after months of malnutrition. When in civilian terrain it is U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and important to document and Africa participates with approximatley report all deployment areas, Harads Artillery Regiment, A 9, participates with 50 soldiers who train together with the damage, grievances etc. ac- 91:st artillery battalion, conducting refres- Swedish 192:nd Mechanized Battalion. cording to exercise orders. If hment training and live firing of approx- we wish to be welcome back imately 900 artillery grenades. in the future, we shall make right for ourselves. Logistic Regiment from Skövde partici- Lule älv pates with the Logistics Battalion, also conducting winter preparation training before the exercise starts. Armed Forces Logistics participates with the Third National Support Element. Vidsel Boden Their main task is to support the Logistics Brännberg 374 Battalion with fuel transportation and other important logistics.

Land Warfare Centre in Skövde partici- Also: Swedish Defence Materiel pates with their battle training trailer that Administration - FMV supports the units Älvsbyn monitor unit movement and action during with repairs, spare parts and other ser- the exercise. vices during the exercise. Questions, damages in the terrain or concerns from the local population? contact environment and protection cell on 076-133 47 43

Mobiltelefon och andra För säkerhets skull sambandssystem Alla ska aktivt medverka till att säkerhetsbestämmelser följs. Anmäl direkt Där det saknas mobiltäckning fungerar till din chef om du är olämplig att delta i övningen på grund av trötthet eller antingen RAKEL eller de taktiska sambands- systemen. För din egen och andras säkerhet bristande kunskaper avseende materielens eller säkerhetsbestämmelsernas så ska du använda dessa för att varna eller tillämpning. Kort sagt: Ingrip mot risker, tänk efter före! Är du för trött eller kalla på hjälp. känner att du inte har koll på läget, säg till din chef innan olyckan är framme. Tänk på att det är förbjudet att prata i mobil Kom ihåg att fara varsamt fram i terrängen. när du framför fordon i tjänsten om du inte Om du trots allt orsakar mark- och miljöska- har handsfreefunktion. dor ska du alltid snarast anmäla detta till ditt befäl. Det är viktigt att du hela tiden vet var Artilleriskjutning du är. Det finns en mängd våtmarker som kan Använd alltid hörselskydd inom 300 meter Håller bron? Övningarna genomförs till del utanför det utgöra faror. Det är även viktigt att dina che- från artilleripjäsen. Ingen, förutom pjäsper- sonalen, ska vara närmare än 50 meter från allmänna vägnätet. Det betyder att vissa fer vet var du är och kan nå dig. Se till att du Respektera avspärrningarna på skjutfältet! pjäsen och för dessa gäller dubbla hörsel- vägar och broar i området byggts huvudsakli- har tillgång till karta där restriktionsområden Innanför dessa sker bland annat skarpskjut- skydd. gen för timmertransporter där både bärighet är utmärkta eller att din chef informerar dig ning med artillerigranater samt körning med och vägunderhåll varierar. Det är mycket om restriktioner i området du befinner dig i. fordon med avskärmad/släckt belysning. viktigt att broarna i området klarar fordonets Under övningen ska du vara utrustad med Naturskyddade områden, fornminnen m.m. vikt. Är du osäker, stanna FÖRE och kontakta ficklampa, hörselskydd, första förband, re- som kräver särskild hänsyn är markerade som närmaste övningsledare! flex och mobiltelefon där så är lämpligt. ”Förbjudet område för all militär verksamhet”. Kör mycket sakta mitt på bron så minskas Vattentäkter är markerade på kartorna. Driv- belastningen och kontrollera om bron verkar Karta och märkning i terräng medelshantering får inte genomföras i närhe- ta skada vid upprepade överfarter. På övningskartan ten av vattentäkt eller vattendrag. Genomfart är restriktionsom- på plogade vägar är i regel tillåten. Förbered dig på: råden markerade. Dessa är inte Renar Att väglaget är halt och vägarna smala markerade ute i Det finns renar i området. Stressa dem inte med plötsligt uppträdande faror i form av terrängen. Obser- Militär verksamhet utan låt dem gå av vägen i lugn och ro. Samövning med stridsfordon allt från stridsfordon till timmertranspor- vera att det kan förbjuden För att undvika att bli påkörd ska du alltid ter och renar. förekomma restriktioner som inte framgår av Trafik närma dig stridsfordonet vinkelrätt mot Att fordon som går från terrängen till kartan. Dessa är då markerade i terrängen. Som chef ska du överväga vilken stridsut- den sida där vagnchefen sitter. Du får inte vägbanan för med sig grenar, isbitar och rustning förare och passagerare ska bära i kliva upp på fordonet utan medgivande från snöklimpar. Detta måste tas bort snarast Skyltar med svart kryss på vit botten är en förhållande till risker, läge och uppgift. vagnchefen. för att inte orsaka olyckor. Se till att du förbudsskylt och markerar att ingen militär har varningstrianglar och spade lätt Det finns smala och krokiga vägar i området Oavsett situation ska du alltid resa dig upp verksamhet får bedrivas inom markerat om- tillgängliga på fordonet. råde. Övade enheter eller enskild soldat får var noga att sätta ut varningstriangel på lämp- och ge dig till känna om det finns risk för att Att du blir trött. Låg vakenhetsnivå, dåligt således inte passera dessa skyltar. lig plats om du blir stående. du eller dina kamrater kan bli påkörda. väder, dålig sikt, halt väglag och dålig Förbjudna områden kan även markeras med Är du som förare undantagen från kör och vilo- Under mörker och nedsatt sikt ska du blinka lokalkännedom ökar risken för olyckor. tider vilar ett extra stort ansvar på dig och din mot fordonet med din ficklampa! Säker- röd-gula plastband. Att det finns lågt hängande elledningar chef när ni tillsammans bedömer viloläget. hetsavstånden du inte ska underskrida och järnvägsövergångar så tänk på att är 30 meter dagtid och 60 meter i mörker. Under övningen har olika fordon och fordons- fälla fordonsantenner när du passerar. Stridsfordonen svänger med tornen och har kombinationer reducerade hastigheter särskilt begränsad sikt. Att tjäldjupet kan vara litet vilket medför när slirskydd nyttjas. Tänk även på att vägar i att bärigheten är begränsad i våtmarker- solen snabbt kan övergå till hala vägar i skug- Som vagnchef ska du iaktta särskild försik- na. Var säker på att du inte färdas med giga partier och skapa helt olika väglag på ett tighet samt visa att du uppmärksammat att fordon över våtmarker. ögonblick. oskyddad trupp finns i anslutning till vagnen. Vintertips När du deltar i övningar i vintermiljö är det viktigt att vara väl för- beredd och hela tiden vara noggrann med små detaljer som att ha 112 torra strumpor och tillföra vätska. Försvarsmaktens vinterenhet lämnar här några värdefulla tips.

Tillför vätska Skydda fötterna Du ska inte dricka enbart när du är Dina skor skall vara så stora att du får in ett par törstig, då får du för dålig vätske- extra strumpor och ändå kan röra på samliga balans. Du ska dricka minst 2,5 liter tår. Iakttag varandra. Ha koll på dina kamraters om olyckan är framme vätska/dygn och i kyla ännu mer. Helst ansikten. Vita hudfläckar tyder på kylskador. ska vätskan vara minst lika varm som Tina upp fläckarna med en varm hand. Ge nödvändig medicinsk första hjälp. din kroppstemperatur. Ring 112 för att larma ambulans, polis och Skarpa olyckor Klä dig korrekt brandkår. Rapportera därefter till din chef. Krisledning - Krisstöd I din grundutrustning finns Spärra av vid behov och var beredd på att 7S alt 5W många bra plagg. Det är eff- lämna vägvisning för utryckningsfordon or METHANE ektivare med många tunna eller helikopter. plagg i stället för få och Tänk på att du befinner dig i glesbygd och tjocka. att alla vägar i området inte är plogade. Närmaste chef Pluton - Bataljon Använd alltid mössa. Huvu- Planera alltid för att kunna föra en skadad 112 det fungerar som en skor- till plogad väg eller plats där helikopter sten. Är det en temperatur möter. på minus 20 grader och du saknar mössa sker en Var beredd på kontakt från både polis och värmeförlust på 70‑75%. massmedia. Kontakta inte anhöriga till den olycksdrabbade och lämna inte detaljer till andra än polisen och dina chefer. Det finns särskilt avdelad personal i öv- Väder ningsledningen som kommer till din hjälp Övningsledning VB MRN Normala väderförhållanden i mars är Snöförhållanden så snart som möjligt. Det är viktigt att 070-878 34 86 0921 - 34 91 00 varierande kallt - soligt - blåsigt. Normal Snödjupet i övningsområdet ligger i kunna ange platsen där du befinner dig. månadsmedeltemperatur ligger på mars mellan 40-80 cm. minus 6-9°C i området med mildast temperatur ner mot Boden. Kraftigt snöfall kan förekomma. Under mars månad är det cirka 10 timmar dagsljus Tänk efter - före... med skymning cirka en timme. Tempe- Olyckor sker inte – de orsakas. Alla som deltar i övningen ska raturen ligger på dagen mellan minus göra rimliga riskbedömningar; det som vanligtvis kallas att 15°C och någon plusgrad. Nattempe- ratur ligger på mellan minus 20°C och ”använda sunt förnuft”. minus 5°C. Utgå från att dina medtrafikanter inte ser dig om du stannar Vägförhållanden ditt fordon. Använd därför alltid varningsutrustning och välj Vägarna i övningsområdet förväntas vara snö- och isbelagda och därmed en så säker plats och placering vid fordonet som möjligt. hala. During the exercise, different vehicles and safety first vehicle combinations will be limited in speed, especially when wearing terrain chains. Note It is everyone’s responsibility to actively follow safety regulations. Report imme- that sunlit roads might quickly turn slippery diately if you are in any way unsuitable to participate in the exercise, i.e. if you in shady areas, where the temperature drops. are too tired or due to lack of knowledge regarding material or safety regulations. In short: Actively neutralize risks and hazards, and think twice before action! Artillery live firing Always use ear protection within 300 meters Remember to move with caution in the ter- of firing artillery. It is forbidden to be located rain. If you cause environmental damage, closer than 50 meters from firing artillery, always report the incident through the chain with the exception of the operating crew for of command as soon as possible. It’s impor- whom double ear protection is required. Is the bridge strong enough? tant that you always know your location, as The exercise is performed partly outside of there are a number of wetlands that can pose Cellphones and other means of the public road network. This means that hazard when moving with vehicles in the ter- Respect the barrier gates on the military ex- communication some roads and bridges in the area were built rain. It is also important that your comman- ercise field. Within these, both artillery live fi- Where there is no cellphone coverage avai- mainly for timber transports, and the level of der know where you are and can reach you ring and vehicles operating with dimmed or no lable, either RAKEL or the tactical communi- road maintenance may vary. It is of utmost if you are not reporting back in time. You will lights are taking place. cation systems will work. Use these systems importance that the bridges in the area can be informed by your commanders regarding to warn or call for assistance. handle your vehicles weight. If unsure, stop restrictions within the area you are opera- Areas which require special consideration ting. Make sure that you have access to a map It is strictly forbidden to use your cellphone BEFORE and contact the nearest umpire/EX- such as nature conservation areas, heritage while driving a vehicle, unless hands-free is where these restriction areas are marked. areas etc. are marked with ”Förbjudet område CON (blue/yellow markings)! used. During the exercise you must be equipped för all militär verksamhet”. Water source areas Drive very slowly in the middle of the bridge with flashlight, ear protection, first aid kit, re- are marked on the maps. POL-activities are not to decrease load. Check if the bridge seems flector and cell phone where appropriate. allowed near water sources or streams. Trans- to take damage on repeated crossings. Map and markings in the terrain it on plowed roads is usually allowed through Restricted and these areas. Prepare for and be aware of: prohibited areas Reindeers That the roads are slippery and narrow, are marked on There are reindeers in the area. Do not stress as well as the risk of sudden encounters the exercise them, but instead allow them to calmly get out with combat vehicles, timber transports map. These are of the way. and reindeers. however not mar- Cooperation with armored That vehicles moving from the terrain ked in the terrain. No military activities allowed Traffic vehicles to the road, might bring branches, ice Please note that As heavy combat gear might increase perso- In order to avoid accidents, you should and snow blocks on to the road. These there also might be restrictions not shown nal damage in a collision, commanders should always approach vehicles from the side whe- must be removed urgently not to cause on the map, but in the actual terrain. Signs consider the level of combat gear worn by dri- re the Commander is sitting. Do not climb or with a black cross on a white background accidents. vers and passengers in relation to risks, loca- enter the vehicle without permission from states that no military activities may be con- tion and task. There are narrow and crooked the Commander. The need to have warning triangle and ducted within the marked area. roads in the area. Therefore, if your vehicle is shovel easily accessible on the vehicle. Forbidden areas might also be marked with stationary on or in proximity of such roads, pla- Regardless of the situation, in the risk of red-yellow plastic tape. Fatigue and how low level of alertness, ce a warning triangle on an appropriate loca- harm for you or others, always stand up and bad weather, poor visibility, bad road tion. make yourself noticed to the vehicle. If in the conditions and poor local knowledge All drivers are to fill in the form regarding dri- dark, make yourself visible with a flash of increases the risk of accidents. ve and rest time. If you, as a driver are exempt your flashlight! The safety distance to vehic-

from “driving and rest periods”, there is an in- les is 30 meters in daytime and 60 meters in Low-hanging power lines and railroad creased responsibility on you, and your Com- darkness. crossings, so remember to lower vehicle mander when making decisions regarding your antennas as you pass. suitability to drive. As Vehicle Commander you shall exercise The ground frost depth might be significant caution, as well as clearly indica- shallow, leading to limited buoyancy in te, that you have noticed eventual unprotec- wetlands. Do not pass areas marked blue ted personnel in the vicinity of the vehicle. on the map, meaning wet areas. WINTER ADVICE When conducting winter warfare exercises, make sure to be well 112 prepared and always pay attention to the details, such as always have dry socks and stay hydrated. Here are some valuable tips from Swedish Armed Forces Unit for Cold Weather Operations.

Stay hydrated Protect your feet Do not only drink when feeling thirsty, Your shoes shall be of enough size to fit an this is not enough and you will get extra pair socks and still admit full movement In the event of an accident dehydrated. You shall drink at least of your toes. Monitor each other. Check your 2,5 liters/day, and in cold weather, colleagues face for white spots. These are Provide the necessary first aid and call 112 No play accidents even more. signs of frostbites and can be thawed with a to alert ambulance, police or fire brigade. warm hand. Report the incident trough the chain of crise management and support Dress correctly command. Clear all incoming roads for the You have been issued good 7S alt 5W equipment, use it. A larger incoming help. Be prepared to leave direc- or METHANE tions for emergency vehicles or helicopter. number of thin fabrics in layers are more effective Keep in mind that you are in a remote area commander than few and thick layers. and that not all the roads in the area are platoon - battalion Always cover your head, plowed. Therefore, always plan ahead for 112 it works like a chimney. In a a way to get injured personnel to a plowed temperature of -20°C, your road or suitable helicopter landing site. head will radiate a heat loss of 70-75%. Be prepared to address both the police and media. Do not contact relatives to accident victims and never dispatch details unless they are confirmed by your com- Weather manders or the police. EXCON VB MRN The weather in March is normally va- Snow conditions 070-878 34 86 There are specially assigned crises mana- 0921 - 34 91 00 rying between cold, sunny and windy. Snow depth in the area is during March gement teams in Excon. Monthly average temperature lies between 40-80 cm. around -6 to -9°C. Heavy snowfall may occur.

Think. Before. During the month of March, there is Accidents don’t just happen by themselves – they are caused. about 10 hours of sunlight and 1 hour Everyone participating in the exercise shall make reasonable risk dusk. Day temperatures are between -15°C and +1°C and night temperatures assessments; commonly called ”common sense”. between -20°C and -5°C. Always assume that your fellow road-users are unable to see you if you stop your vehicle. Therefore, always use warning signs and Road conditions equipment and choose the best possible place and positioning for The roads in the area are expected to you and your vehicle. be covered in snow and ice, making them slippery. PIC Press and information center During exercise Vintersol, a press and information center is being manned with commu- nications personnel from I 19, The Command and Control Regiment and Land Warfare Centre. Articles are published on forsvarsmakten.se/vintersol, pictures on facebook. com/initton • facebook.com/artreg • facebook.com/pansarbataljon • facebook.com/ armensjagarbat • instagram.com/i19norrbottensregemente • instagram.com/artilleri- regementet • instagram.com/armensjbat • instagram.com/i19pbat - other participating units can share these posts in their own channels

if you post on social media, please use the hashtags #svfm and #vintersol2018

Before publishing on social media, remember: • Use your cellphone wisely. Turn off the location services and don´t use programs using that feature. • Always publish afterwards (what HAS happened, not what is GOING to happen). • Do not publish information about time, places, combat tactics/strategies, protection, our abilities or potential limitations in our abilities. • Do not take photos near places of importance, such as certain military facilities (ammunition storages etc). Do not photograph any sensitive material (registra- tion plates, technical equipment etc) or other information that may be restricted. • Not everyone wants to be in the photos. Respect that. • Think before publishing. If unsure about the suitability, refrain or ask your commander or EXCON. We know that other nations follow and register our activities. Sometimes even on location. If you suspect any form of intelligence gathering (including contact seeking on !social media by strangers), Individuals behaving suspiciously, for example documen- ting or asking questions, report through the chain of command.

PIC is responsible for crisis communication in case of accidents or any other un- foreseen event. PIC is reached via the EXCON.

important phone numbers Vintersol 2018 save them on your cellphone EXCON 070-878 34 86 Environmental protection 076-133 47 43 Boden Garrison 0921-34 80 00 In case of emergency 112