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Kustjagare Coastal RangersSweden's strategically located coastline presents a ripe target for any potential enemy. To prevent an enemy force from exploiting this perceived vulnerability, the Swedish Navy maintains an elite commando force with which to strike at any attempted amphibious assault directed at its shores. Known as the Kustjagare, or Coastal Rangers, this specially selected and highly trained group of men is tasked with conducting operations in support of the Swedish Navy. In the event of hostilities Kustjagare units would disrupt enemy lines of communications by conducting raids and ambushes against enemy units operating near the coastline, perform coastal reconnaissance missions, retaking territory that had been captured along the Swedish coastline, and act as shock troops during an amphibious landing conducted by Swedish naval forces. Coastal Rangers are selected from the top 10% of the 18 year old conscripts reporting for their mandatory 1 year period of national service. Those conscripts wishing to volunteer for service with the Coastal Rangers must first pass stringent medical and physical exams before being allowed to continue on with their training. Upon passing their initial selection, the new trainees then report to Vaxholm Coast Artillery Regiment 1 for ten months of training.
The first phase of Kustjagare training lasts six months and consists of basic military and assault training. Students also undertake an intensive physical training program to prepare them for the harsh environment that they will be required to operate in.
To advance to the next phase the prospects must successfully complete a "Ranger march". The Ranger march is actually a week long series of long distance endurance marches and physical tests similar to the Swedish Army's Eagle march. During the march students are pushed to their physical and mental limits. Those students surviving the Ranger march are awarded the commando green beret adorned with the golden Neptunes Trident qualification badge, and the remainder of the trainees then advance to the more specialized portion of their training. During the next phase of Kustjagare training students will receive instruction on the use of kayaks, long distance kayak paddling, urban combat training, long distance land navigation, demolitions, CQB, while physical training is conducted to keep troops at their peak. Upon completion of their training Kustjagare are released to the reserves, and war posted to one of the six Amphibious Battalions assigned to coastal defense duties. Extensive training exercises are conducted to allow troops to maintain their level of proficiency. Joint training is conducted with the other units assigned to the Amphibious Battalion, the Bassak counter SOF unit, and with other military units.
Each Amphibious Battalion consists of a HQ company, an Amphibious company, a mortar company, and two companies of Kustjagare. Kustjagare companies are divided into three platoons of three squads each and two support sections.
The Kustjagare squads are armed with standard Swedish weapons including the AK5 5.56mm assault rifle (Belgian FNC), AK5B (scoped AK5), AK5C (AK5 with M-203 40mm GL), KSP-90 5.56mm LMG (Belgian Minimi). The support section provide the unit with its heavy weapons such as the KSP-58 7.62mm GPMG (FN MAG), and Carl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifles. For water-borne transportation Kustjagare units are equipped with various inflatable rubber boats, Klepper two-man kayaks, high speed assault boats, and for long distance transport they have access to the Navy's fleet of vessels and transport aircraft.
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