31st Ranger Battalion
 |
| 31st Airborne Battalion | |
|---|---|
| 31. Luftburna bataljonen | |
| Active | 2008 - 2013 2015 - present |
| Country |  Sweden |
| Branch | Swedish Army |
| Type | Light infantry |
| Role | Direct action Air assault Sabotage Special Operations support |
| Size | Battalion |
| Part of | Life Regiment Hussars |
| Garrison/HQ | Karlsborg |
| Engagements | War in Afghanistan (2001-present) |
The 31st Airborne Battalion (Template:Lang-sv) is Swedish military elite light infantry unit mainly trained for air assault operations (similar to the U.S. 101st Airborne Division). The unit consists of a mix of full time professional soldiers and part-time reserves.
The unit was originally part of the Life Regiment Hussars. Founded in 2008, the battalion was disbanded in 2013. A new air assault unit with a somewhat different role was planned to be raised in 2015 as part of the Life Guards.
As of 2015 the battalion is intended to be reformed as a part of K3 again.
Operations and training
The battalion is a rapid reaction force and was to be supported by transport and combat helicopters. Advance to contact on the ground is to be carried out with the units own light all terrain vehicles or on foot. The unit is built on man-portable systems and operates in a, for the purpose, composed task force. It is considered the most mobile unit in the Swedish Army and have a good ability to use precision guided weapons. The battalion is also tasked with providing infantry support to the Special Operations Task Group.
All recruits applying for service with the battalion undergo the same basic training as every other recruit in the Armed Forces (3 months). Though they are required to undertake a roughly 3 days long selection in order to be considered for further training and service with the battalion. Further training to become a Ranger with the battalion is 6 months long, similar in length to what all soldiers/sailors undergo prior to joining their units.
Organisation
The battalion consists of the following squadrons:
- 311. Squadron: Rifle squadron
- 312. Squadron: Rifle squadron
- 313. Squadron: Rifle squadron
- 314. Squadron: Supply squadron
- 315. Squadron: HQ & support squadron
Each rifle squadron (311. 312. and 313.) consists three rifle platoons, one mortar platoon and one HQ/support platoon. The supply squadron (314.) consists of a pioneer platoon, a supply platoon and medical platoon. The HQ/support squadron (315.) consists of a command & control platoon (also includes the battalions TACP) and a reconnaissance platoon.
