Reflections of a Former Attaché

The increased focus on security throughcooperation has a stabilizing and productive impact on Swedish security policy.This is one of the conclusions drawn by Bruce Acker when reflecting on his timeas US Defense Attaché to Sweden from June 2007 to May 2011.

My military service began in the 70’s, andas a result the chess game of the cold war heavily influenced myexperiences. Nearly simultaneously withthe events of 11 Sept 2001, I began my time as an Attaché, first in Malaysia,and most recently four years in Sweden, whose foreign and security policy alsobore the clear influence of the Cold War and the great power struggle. The events of a decade ago drasticallychanged the security policies of most nations and this anniversary remembranceof the attack on western democracy gives me cause to reflect on my time here inSweden.

To help illustrate, I’d like to use theallegory of the World Trade Center in New York, where the actors played manyroles across a wide spectrum of participation: the perpetrators, the planners, the jubilant masses, the neutral orindifferent, the horrified television audiences, those who assisted theevacuating victims, and the victims themselves. And one other very special group, the police and fireman who chargedinto the burning towers. They made a decision, they faced great danger, andthey strived to make a difference. Therewere 110 floors in the World Trade Center, some of these heroes went to thetop, others made it only a few floors, but all risked everything, and many ofthem died.

This attack changed the world’s view ofstates led by tyrants, and countries began to align themselves in much the sameway as the actors did on the 11th of September. I’m honored to say that thatwhile I served in Sweden, the Swedish Parliament, Government, and Armed Forceschose to be counted among the most courageous, the Police and the Firemen. Whether it was Afghanistan, Gulf of Aden, orLibya, Sweden made a decision, faced great danger, and made a difference. These were not peace keeping actions, norwere they humanitarian, though peace and humanity sat firmly at the core ofSwedish intent. Sweden has a proudtradition of being a compassionate nation when these services are required, butI believe history will show that these years were different and perhaps a newbeginning. Sweden led, heading into thefire, risking not only criticism and failure, but their blood andtreasure. Regrettably, too many Swedeswho served, died. Many more bear lifelong physical and emotional wounds. Thatthese heroes and their families be comforted, and for those who continue toserve to find strength, demands that Sweden as a nation embrace these soldiersas a proud and brave extension of the Swedish democratic will and honor theirservice, as I was honored to serve with them.

But I would be remiss to focus only oninternational operations over the past four years. Sweden has long invested inand developed a technological edge and practical proficiency in securityaffairs that rivals any country when taken in context of national size. Critics and bystanders are quick to findfault, but overlook that the comprehensive defense reforms underway and theworld class Swedish defense industry are essential elements of continuedmeaningful Swedish participation internationally. Make no mistake, the tasks Sweden are undertakingin Gulf of Aden Libya, and Afghanistan are welcomed, necessary, dangerous, andnot possible without continued commitment to industry and professionalcompetence reflected in the defense reforms. Technology: Gripen’s are not commercial jets, they can do things fewother airplanes can do, and defend themselves and others in the process.Professional competence: There are those that opined that without deploying theEU Battle Group those efforts were wasted--not true at all. Training isreadiness, readiness costs money. Thosethat are ready are welcomed to international operations, those that are notready, are irrelevant. The Swedish media, like most media, are quick toaccurately note the absence of an olive in their martini as they make a longjourney, and yet fail to remark about the miracle of modern jet travel relativeto only a few decades ago. So it is withdefense reforms, there have been and will be hiccups, but the reforms areappropriate and with perseverance will succeed.

Finally, I offer a few words on policy.Sweden’s security has been dependent on cooperation with others fordecades. Sweden’s neighbors, friend andfoe alike, knew this, but were unsure if Sweden knew this, despite the factyour planners and strategists were aware, and tirelessly and professionallysought to overcome political barriers. The policies implemented in the last few years now reflect these truths,and those Sweden seeks to cooperate with can now build a clearer picture ofwhat to expect. This is stabilizing andproductive, and enhances Sweden’s ability to further develop its strengths inprofessional competence, defense industrial cooperation, and providing arespected Swedish voice in international security fora.

Bruce Acker served as the US DefenseAttaché to Sweden from June 2007 to May 2011, representing the United StatesArmed forces and Department of Defense to the government and Armed Forces ofSweden, as well as advising the US Ambassador to Sweden on defense and securitymatters. He retired from the US Air Force in 2011 and established residence inSweden.  The opinions expressed in thisarticle are his own and do not represent an official position of the UnitedStates.