- It is the security policy situation that affects, says Colonel Thomas Karlsson, head of the Central Military Region.
He has seen interest increase in several stages.
In January, when Swedish soldiers were sent to Gotland, applications increased by more than 150 percent compared with the same month last year.
- Then it was further noticed when the Russian threat to Ukraine became more apparent and then when the invasion was a fact.
Challenge take care of all applications
On Monday, more than 7,000 applications had been received from all over the country.
- It is more than what we get in a year.
We have over 1,500 applications for the four Stockholm battalions alone.
The challenge will be to take care of all applications.
Those who apply must be assessed for suitability, security interviews must be conducted and home visits and applicants who have not done military service need to be trained.
Extra staff are now being hired to speed up management.
- It is methodology and resources that determine whether we succeed.
Not everyone can expect to get an answer about a safety interview within a few days, but the goal is to have zero in line at the end of the year.