vintersol Enhancing winter warfare capabilities

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1 Photo: Mattias Hellgren/Swedish Armed Forces 192:nd mechanized battalion finex Photo: Mats Nyström/Swedish Armed Forces 193:rd ranger battalion finex Photo: Samuli Haapala/Finnish Defence Forces 91:st artillery battalion refreshment training vintersol Enhancing winter warfare capabilities

2 winter warfare - this is where we excel Winter has come, bringing clear cold days and snow in abundance. With the winter comes the annual invitational live exercise Vintersol. This year s focus is the refreshment training for the 91:st Artillery Battalion, supporting the mechanized forces offensive and defensive operations with indirect fire. The exercise is conducted under the confident command of Third Brigade and supported by helicopter units and logistic support from the Third National Support Element and Logistics Regiment. These excellent conditions that northern Sweden holds are part of the reason why ten different Armed Forces units from all over Sweden gather in the Boden area during this exercise. Apart from approximately 1200 Swedish participants, the exercise is also attended by a platoon from the United States Marine Corps, enabling mutual sharing of experience and knowledge. Vintersol 2018 is also a valuable stepping-stone and opportunity for these units to develop desired capabilities before the Swedish Army Exercise, Northern Wind 19, held in northern Sweden and Finland March 19. Vintersol 2018 officially starts with the Ranger Battalion s Mountain Exercise at Kebnekaise, followed by a live fire exercise and infiltration in the Boden area during week 9 and 10. During week 11, we combine all our forces to initiate the combined large-scale operations stage of the exercise. During this stage the battalions, functions and support elements will, under the Commander of the Third Brigade, conduct offensive operations from Boden towards Vidsel, delay the opposing forces counter-attack and finally conclude with double-sided combat at Boden Södra. The fighting is followed by recuperation, evaluation and the ever so important subsequent maintenance. Usage of civilian terrain offers the possibility for large scale units to operate over an extensive area of unknown terrain. This gives all participants excellent opportunities to develop our capabilities, from the individual soldier and marine, to unit, battalion and brigade command. These capabilities will further, through synergy between units form a strong, effective fighting force capable of conducting high intensity combat operations in the challenging Arctic environment. 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 careless or violate safety regulations! Never hesitate to slow down and reevaluate possible risks or hazards Safety first! To all participants, I wish you a rewarding exercise filled with challenges and possibilities to develop your individual capabilities and with that, the overall effectiveness of all the units. Photo: Mattias Hellgren EXDIR, Colonel Ulf Siverstedt, Commander of the Norrbotten Regiment and the Military Region Command North. Vintersol strenghtens the artillery As a part of Exercise Vintersol, the Artillery Regiment will, together with the units from the Boden Garrison, conduct refreshment training for 91:st Artillery Battalion. This refreshment training creates an opportunity to form and train a whole artillery battalion, something that has not been done in a very long time. 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 as the recruits conducting basic training. To gather all of the personnel categories simultaneously for this exercise is a challenge in itself! It is both favorable and necessary for these refreshment trainings to be reinstated. Units in full material and personnel capacity, with all subsystems and functions mobilized enable a correct assessment of the unit s combat effectiveness. Also developed are the capabilities of all the units within the Boden Garrison subtasked to support the exercise. I look forward to the refreshment training and Exercise Vintersol. We now get the opportunity to train the whole chain; from mobilization to combat, including recuperation and maintenance, also important elements within the refreshment training. Vintersol gives us perfect opportunities to cooperate and develop our capabilities together with other units. Priority during the exercise will be the integration of indirect fire support in the brigade operations. This exercise will set the foundation for the oncoming Swedish Army Exercise, Northern Wind. These exercises give us the ability to, cooperatively with other units develop our capabilities and become stronger! Photo: Mats Engfors Deputy EXDIR, Colonel Jonas Lotsne, Commander of the Artillery Regiment

3 Vintersol 2018 operational stage vintersol finex 193:rd ranger battalion Mountain exercise kebnekaise live fire exercise arvidsjaur operations in the Boden area finex 192:nd mechanized battalion preparation stage ranger battalion finex mechanized battalion finex artillery battalion refreshment training post engagement stage Recuperation evaluation maintenance operational stage boden, harads, vidsel post engagement stage Recuperation evaluation maintenance Refreshment training 91:st artillery battalion preparation stage mobilization operational stage boden, harads, vidsel post engagement stage Recuperation evaluation 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

4 participating units Vintersol 2018 has a total of approximately 1200 participants from Norrbotten Regiment, Artillery Regiment, Logistic Regiment, Land Warfare Centre, Helicopter Wing, Armed Forces Logistics, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and various supporting units. Norrbotten Regiment, I 19, participates with parts of 192:nd Mechanized Battalion, parts of 193:rd Ranger Battalion, parts of Third Brigade Recce Coy, Third Brigade HQ, EXCON as well as evaluation personnel from the Swedish Armed Forces Unit for Cold Weather Operations. Artillery Regiment, A 9, participates with 91:st artillery battalion, conducting refreshment training and live firing of approximately 900 artillery grenades. Logistic Regiment from Skövde participates with the Logistics Battalion, also conducting winter preparation training before the exercise starts. Helicopter Wing participates with Command and a combined Helicopter Squadron with Helicopter 14, 15 and 16 from First Helicopter Squadron in Luleå and Second Helicopter Squadron in Linköping. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa participates with approximatley 50 soldiers who train together with the Swedish 192:nd Mechanized Battalion. Armed Forces Logistics participates with the Third National Support Element. Their main task is to support the Logistics Battalion with fuel transportation and other important logistics. the exercise area The operational stage of VINTERSOL will be conducted in both civilian and military terrain. The possibility to train in civilian terrain gives the exercise an extra dimension; the ability to fight in an unknown environment, with correct 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 pathways. Driving in civilian off-road terrain is only allowed in areas permitted by EXCON. Restriction areas are marked on maps. They may only be crossed by road. Heavy vehicles shall, while driving on forest roads, use the middle of the road in order to prevent damage on culverts. 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 important to document and report all deployment areas, damage, grievances etc. according to exercise orders. If we wish to be welcome back in the future, we shall make right for ourselves. Vidsel 374 Harads Brännberg Lule älv Boden Land Warfare Centre in Skövde participates with their battle training trailer that monitor unit movement and action during the exercise. Also: Swedish Defence Materiel Administration - FMV supports the units with repairs, spare parts and other services during the exercise. Älvsbyn Questions, damages in the terrain or concerns from the local population? contact environment and protection cell on

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

6 om olyckan är framme Ge nödvändig medicinsk första hjälp. Ring 112 för att larma ambulans, polis och brandkår. Rapportera därefter till din chef. Spärra av vid behov och var beredd på att lämna vägvisning för utryckningsfordon eller helikopter. Tänk på att du befinner dig i glesbygd och att alla vägar i området inte är plogade. Planera alltid för att kunna föra en skadad till plogad väg eller plats där helikopter möter. Var beredd på kontakt från både polis och massmedia. Kontakta inte anhöriga till den olycksdrabbade och lämna inte detaljer till andra än polisen och dina chefer. Det finns särskilt avdelad personal i övningsledningen som kommer till din hjälp så snart som möjligt. Det är viktigt att kunna ange platsen där du befinner dig. Tänk efter - före Skarpa olyckor Krisledning - Krisstöd Övningsledning S alt 5W or METHANE Närmaste chef Pluton - Bataljon 112 VB MRN Olyckor sker inte de orsakas. Alla som deltar i övningen ska göra rimliga riskbedömningar; det som vanligtvis kallas att använda sunt förnuft. Utgå från att dina medtrafikanter inte ser dig om du stannar ditt fordon. Använd därför alltid varningsutrustning och välj en så säker plats och placering vid fordonet som möjligt. När du deltar i övningar i vintermiljö är det viktigt att vara väl förberedd och hela tiden vara noggrann med små detaljer som att ha torra strumpor och tillföra vätska. Försvarsmaktens vinterenhet lämnar här några värdefulla tips. Tillför vätska Du ska inte dricka enbart när du är törstig, då får du för dålig vätskebalans. Du ska dricka minst 2,5 liter vätska/dygn och i kyla ännu mer. Helst ska vätskan vara minst lika varm som din kroppstemperatur. Klä dig korrekt I din grundutrustning finns många bra plagg. Det är effektivare med många tunna plagg i stället för få och tjocka. Använd alltid mössa. Huvudet fungerar som en skorsten. Är det en temperatur på minus 20 grader och du saknar mössa sker en värmeförlust på 70 75%. Väder Vintertips Normala väderförhållanden i mars är varierande kallt - soligt - blåsigt. Normal månadsmedeltemperatur ligger på 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 med skymning cirka en timme. Temperaturen ligger på dagen mellan minus 15 C och någon plusgrad. Nattemperatur ligger på mellan minus 20 C och minus 5 C. Vägförhållanden Vägarna i övningsområdet förväntas vara snö- och isbelagda och därmed hala. Skydda fötterna Dina skor skall vara så stora att du får in ett par extra strumpor och ändå kan röra på samliga tår. Iakttag varandra. Ha koll på dina kamra ters ansikten. Vita hudfläckar tyder på kylskador. Tina upp fläckarna med en varm hand. Snöförhållanden Snödjupet i övningsområdet ligger i mars mellan cm.

7 safety first It is everyone s responsibility to actively follow safety regulations. Report immediately if you are in any way unsuitable to participate in the exercise, i.e. if you 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! Remember to move with caution in the terrain. If you cause environmental damage, always report the incident through the chain of command as soon as possible. It s important that you always know your location, as there are a number of wetlands that can pose hazard when moving with vehicles in the terrain. It is also important that your commander know where you are and can reach you if you are not reporting back in time. You will be informed by your commanders regarding restrictions within the area you are operating. Make sure that you have access to a map where these restriction areas are marked. During the exercise you must be equipped with flashlight, ear protection, first aid kit, reflector and cell phone where appropriate. Map and markings in the terrain Restricted and prohibited areas are marked on the exercise map. These are however not marked in the terrain. No military activities allowed Please note that there also might be restrictions not shown on the map, but in the actual terrain. Signs with a black cross on a white background states that no military activities may be conducted within the marked area. Forbidden areas might also be marked with red-yellow plastic tape. Respect the barrier gates on the military exercise field. Within these, both artillery live firing and vehicles operating with dimmed or no lights are taking place. Areas which require special consideration such as nature conservation areas, heritage areas etc. are marked with Förbjudet område för all militär verksamhet. Water source areas are marked on the maps. POL-activities are not allowed near water sources or streams. Transit on plowed roads is usually allowed through these areas. Reindeers There are reindeers in the area. Do not stress them, but instead allow them to calmly get out of the way. Traffic As heavy combat gear might increase personal damage in a collision, commanders should consider the level of combat gear worn by drivers and passengers in relation to risks, location and task. There are narrow and crooked roads in the area. Therefore, if your vehicle is stationary on or in proximity of such roads, place a warning triangle on an appropriate location. All drivers are to fill in the form regarding drive and rest time. If you, as a driver are exempt from driving and rest periods, there is an increased responsibility on you, and your Commander when making decisions regarding your suitability to drive. During the exercise, different vehicles and vehicle combinations will be limited in speed, especially when wearing terrain chains. Note that sunlit roads might quickly turn slippery in shady areas, where the temperature drops. Artillery live firing Always use ear protection within 300 meters of firing artillery. It is forbidden to be located closer than 50 meters from firing artillery, with the exception of the operating crew for whom double ear protection is required. Cellphones and other means of communication Where there is no cellphone coverage available, either RAKEL or the tactical communication systems will work. Use these systems to warn or call for assistance. It is strictly forbidden to use your cellphone while driving a vehicle, unless hands-free is used. Cooperation with armored vehicles In order to avoid accidents, you should always approach vehicles from the side where the Commander is sitting. Do not climb or enter the vehicle without permission from the Commander. Regardless of the situation, in the risk of harm for you or others, always stand up and make yourself noticed to the vehicle. If in the dark, make yourself visible with a flash of your flashlight! The safety distance to vehicles is 30 meters in daytime and 60 meters in darkness. As Vehicle Commander you shall exercise significant caution, as well as clearly indicate, that you have noticed eventual unprotected personnel in the vicinity of the vehicle. Is the bridge strong enough? The exercise is performed partly outside of the public road network. This means that some roads and bridges in the area were built mainly for timber transports, and the level of road maintenance may vary. It is of utmost importance that the bridges in the area can handle your vehicles weight. If unsure, stop BEFORE and contact the nearest umpire/ex- CON (blue/yellow markings)! Drive very slowly in the middle of the bridge to decrease load. Check if the bridge seems to take damage on repeated crossings. Prepare for and be aware of: That the roads are slippery and narrow, as well as the risk of sudden encounters with combat vehicles, timber transports and reindeers. That vehicles moving from the terrain to the road, might bring branches, ice and snow blocks on to the road. These must be removed urgently not to cause accidents. The need to have warning triangle and shovel easily accessible on the vehicle. Fatigue and how low level of alertness, bad weather, poor visibility, bad road conditions and poor local knowledge increases the risk of accidents. Low-hanging power lines and railroad crossings, so remember to lower vehicle antennas as you pass. The ground frost depth might be shallow, leading to limited buoyancy in wetlands. Do not pass areas marked blue on the map, meaning wet areas.

8 112 WINTER ADVICE When conducting winter warfare exercises, make sure to be well 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. In the event of an accident Provide the necessary first aid and call 112 to alert ambulance, police or fire brigade. Report the incident trough the chain of command. Clear all incoming roads for the incoming help. Be prepared to leave directions for emergency vehicles or helicopter. Keep in mind that you are in a remote area and that not all the roads in the area are plowed. Therefore, always plan ahead for a way to get injured personnel to a plowed road or suitable helicopter landing site. 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 commanders or the police. There are specially assigned crises management teams in Excon. No play accidents crise management and support EXCON S alt 5W or METHANE commander platoon - battalion 112 VB MRN Think. Before. Accidents don t just happen by themselves they are caused. Everyone participating in the exercise shall make reasonable risk assessments; commonly called common sense. Always assume that your fellow road-users are unable to see you if you stop your vehicle. Therefore, always use warning signs and equipment and choose the best possible place and positioning for you and your vehicle. Stay hydrated Do not only drink when feeling thirsty, this is not enough and you will get dehydrated. You shall drink at least 2,5 liters/day, and in cold weather, even more. Dress correctly You have been issued good equipment, use it. A larger number of thin fabrics in layers are more effective than few and thick layers. Always cover your head, it works like a chimney. In a temperature of -20 C, your head will radiate a heat loss of 70-75%. Weather The weather in March is normally varying between cold, sunny and windy. Monthly average temperature lies around -6 to -9 C. Heavy snowfall may occur. During the month of March, there is about 10 hours of sunlight and 1 hour dusk. Day temperatures are between -15 C and +1 C and night temperatures between -20 C and -5 C. Road conditions The roads in the area are expected to be covered in snow and ice, making them slippery. Protect your feet Your shoes shall be of enough size to fit an extra pair socks and still admit full movement of your toes. Monitor each other. Check your colleagues face for white spots. These are signs of frostbites and can be thawed with a warm hand. Snow conditions Snow depth in the area is during March between cm.

9 PIC Press and information center During exercise Vintersol, a press and information center is being manned with communications 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/artilleriregementet 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 (registration 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 documenting or asking questions, report through the chain of command. PIC is responsible for crisis communication in case of accidents or any other unforeseen event. PIC is reached via the EXCON. important phone numbers Vintersol 2018 save them on your cellphone EXCON Environmental protection Boden Garrison In case of emergency 112