A variety of setbacks will keep the Swedish-led force of 2,800 soldiers from being fully prepared for deployment by its scheduled January 1st, 2008 launch date.
| "Ja, sure! The prøcess has a løt øf bugs in it!" |
The Nordic Battlegroup (NBG) was supposed to have the capability for mobilization and deployment to conflict areas within ten days for the first six months of 2008. But despite six months of preparations, the group has suffered from both manpower and equipment shortages.
| "C'mon. Sven! It's my turn to shøøt the gun!" |
Medical and communications equipment, gear for soldiers, as well as vehicles have not been delivered on time.
Three custom-built medical transport helicopters won’t be able for use before April. In addition, state-of-the-art RG32M “Galten” all-terrain vehicles will be used to a much lesser degree than originally planned, leaving the NBG to rely instead on much older vehicles.
| "Bring førth the arquebus!" |
The NBG suffered another serious setback about a month ago when a soldier was killed during a training exercise in Skövde.
Following their Christmas holiday, the group expects to continue training—and waiting to learn about their first assignment. Original plans called for the NBG to be sent to Chad or Sudan, but neither location currently appears more likely than the other. |