Preparing Sweden's army for entry into NATO
Mathias Wallin on his time at the Joint Advanced Command and Staff Programme:
It is the combination of military expertise and academic competence that defines the strength of the Joint Advanced Command and Staff Programme at the Swedish Defence University.
So says Mathias Wallin, a former participant in the programme.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the academic environment and believe it is an obvious and highly important part of the officer profession."
Mathias Wallin attended the Joint Advanced Command and Staff Programme at the Swedish Defence University from 2021 to 2023. It was a turbulent time for Sweden, as the class began their education remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and shortly thereafter, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Mathias Wallin finds the Swedish Defence University a stimulating place to be and describes an education where the focus is placed entirely on critical analysis without dictating what is right or wrong.
"It’s easy for things to become black and white when it comes to conflicts, but at the Swedish Defence University, it’s instead been endless shades of grey in a very enriching way."
Development through Endless Shades of Grey
The years at the Swedish Defence University allow students to develop their intellect and delve deeply into academic theories in a way that is unlikely to happen during the rest of their careers.
"That’s why it’s important to make the most of and fully embrace the opportunity when it arises," Mathias Wallin emphasises.
The most significant aspect of the programme has been the university's collaborative approach, where both civilian and military instructors work alongside participants to ensure the education is as effective and enriching as possible.
Camaraderie as the Key to the Profession
Initially, Mathias Wallin viewed his mandatory military service as an unwelcome interruption in a civilian career, but he was quickly and positively surprised. It was primarily the camaraderie that made him want to continue in the military, but also the variety the profession offers.
"As an individual officer, your capacity to influence is limited compared to the impact you can have as part of a team."
Mathias Wallin explains that the moral dimension of contributing to something greater for our country and democratic values has grown over time. But in the beginning, it was the team spirit that mattered most—something he carried with him into his studies in the Joint Advanced Command and Staff Programme.
"It is an incredible asset to foster a sense of community and contribute to an environment where everyone supports one another."
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From military history to concrete defence planning
Mathias Wallin advises those who are going to study the Joint Advanced Command and Staff Programme to approach it with an open mind and not to have overly rigid plans. He describes himself as something of a nerd, easily drawn into any subject he immerses himself in—a trait that proved advantageous during the programme. For instance, he initially had limited interest in the course on military history but quickly grew to appreciate it.
"You can draw direct connections from the military history course to actual, concrete defence planning."
This has been particularly beneficial in his current role as Deputy Head of the Defence Planning Section at the Army Staff in Enköping. Among other responsibilities, he is helping to prepare Sweden's army for entry into NATO. His position allows him to be a key player in an entirely new security policy context.
"I’m genuinely proud of that!"
Education for a Lifetime in Service
The years at the Swedish Defence University prepare participants not just for their next role in the Armed Forces but for the rest of their professional lives. Most students of the Higher Officers Programme will serve in the Swedish Armed Forces for another 20 to 30 years.
"You can be certain that by the time I retire, this profession won’t look the same as it does today, and I need to be able to adapt to that."
Mathias Wallin describes good leadership in the military as a combination of personal qualities and academic knowledge developed at the Swedish Defence University. Trust is paramount, as is setting expectations for subordinates without micromanaging them.
He recommends the Swedish Defence University to anyone who enjoys being challenged. It is a place for growth—not only professionally but personally as well—and for the opportunities that the qualification unlocks, Wallin explains.
"You’ll work with people who are passionate about what they do, in an organisation that is constantly evolving. Plus, you’ll contribute to something bigger than yourself: defending Sweden, our freedom, and our right to live as we choose."
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- Published:
- 2025-01-27
- Last updated:
- 2025-01-27