Last spring, the Crown Princess completed the basic military training at the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment, largely a repetition of her basic soldier training from 2003.
The green uniforms seemed to suit her, as in April, the Swedish Armed Forces announced that she would begin special officer training in the fall. During the year, she has been reading an adapted education for those who already have 180 higher education credits and have been employed by the Swedish Armed Forces.
It has been enormously rewarding. Very interesting and quite intense. But it has also felt very valuable and important in the time we live in today, she says to TT.
The Wish: More Time
She notes that the pace has been higher than expected and says with a laugh" that she is "a bit older" nowadays.
I would have wished that the education was twice as long so that you would have had twice as much time maybe. Because just discussions in these contexts are very important and interesting. So I would have wished that there was more time for just discussions and conversations.
The Crown Princess has undergone the education in a turbulent time, with rearmament and great war in Europe.
We live in the same time we do and we are highly affected in different ways by what happens in our surroundings. And getting to read this education during this time has given other perspectives on what happens.
Continues in the Fall
Now that the education is completed, she can title herself second lieutenant, and serve as a professional or reserve officer. The military educations will also continue already in the fall.
It will happen quite naturally, as it is a constant education if you say so. However, it will not be the school bench in the same way as it has been.
Hopes the Crown Princess inspire others to apply for the military?
Yes, maybe. At least maybe awaken the thought and that it is not too late even if you are a bit older.
And how far can she herself go within the military?
I think the time for studies, it is at least a bit limited, she says with a laugh.
2003: Basic soldier training at Swedint (the Swedish Armed Forces' International Centre).
2004: Courses at the Swedish Defence University in Stockholm with a focus on statecraft, international relations, and conflict resolution.
2024: Basic military training at the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment.
2024-2025: Special officer training in connection with the officer program, the Swedish Defence University. During the fall semester, Introduction to war studies, maritime tactics: basic course and military strategy basic course.
Source: The Royal Court, the Swedish Defence University
