Fänrik

Fänrik (second lieutenant) is a rank in the Swedish Army, Swedish Air Force and in the Swedish Navy (Coastal Artillery 1902–2000, Amphibious Corps 2000–present).

History

Fänrik was already during the latter part of the Middle Ages the name of the officer at the fana or fänika, who carried the colour. Later the fänrik was relieved of this duty, and he became the closest man of the höfvitsman (commander) or captain. During the 17th century, the lieutenant, who had previously been the assistant of the fänrik, rose above him, and the name then came to denote the lowest officer rank in the infantry. In Sweden it was exchanged in 1835 for underlöjtnant.^[5] With the 1914 Army Order, Naval Plan and Plan for the Fixed Coastal Defence Organization (1914 års härordning, flottplan och plan för fasta kustförsvarets ordnande), the rank of fänrik was reintroduced as a name for a newly commissioned officer, who completed two years of probationary service. The fänrik would have underlöjtnant's position and salary benefits but be appointed by Warrant of Appointment.^[6]

In Bill 1924:20, the 1st Special Committee of the Riksdag (Riksdagens 1. särskilda utskott) stated that, in the committee's opinion, a satisfactory order would be obtained if the existing rank of fänrik and underlöjtnant were divided into two ranks. After receiving written authorization, sergeants would be assigned the rank of fänrik with the title retained. The question was re-examined by the 1924 Non-Commissioned Officer Expert Investigation (1924 års underofficerssakkunniga), whose proposal (SOU 1925:7) essentially corresponded with the above-mentioned committee opinion, however, that sergeants should not be given a higher rank. The staff representatives among the experts, however, insisted that sergeants by written authorization should receive the rank of fänrik.^[7] General Order No. 1806/1925 regulated for the army^[b] the position of non-commissioned officers in accordance with guidelines issued by the Minister of Defence (Bill 1925:50). These meant that the rank of fänrik and underlöjtnant was divided into two ranks.^[8] The 1930 Defense Commission (1930 års försvarskommission) proposed (SOU 1935:38) that the rank of fänrik and underlöjtnant should be merged into one rank, fänrik. The rank of underlöjtnant was formally abolished in 1937.^[9]

According to the 1972 reform, holders of the rank of fänrik were given the rank lieutenant in the regimental officers corps. Holders of the following ranks of fanjunkare (with less than 3 years of service) and sergeant (with less than 3 years of service) were given the rank fänrik, in the separate company officers corps. In the 1983 reform, the meaning of the term officer broadened to include all professional and reserve military personnel. Fänrik was subsequently set to be the lowest rank for professional and reserve military personnel. To be employed as an officer in the Swedish Armed Forces, the candidate was required to complete two years of Officers College (OHS). The objective of the 2009 reform was to produce officers who are specialized at commanding troops at platoon, company and higher level as well as providing officers of academic status.

Promotion

According to Chapter 2, Section 1 of FFS 2018:7, a person who is eligible for promotion has served in the Swedish Armed Forces to such an extent that assessment of suitability, knowledge and skills could be carried out, is deemed suitable for promotion, possesses the knowledge and skills required for the higher rank, and meets time requirements according to Section 2 (must have held the rank for at least two years).^[10] After having passed the Career Officer Programme, the cadet will be promoted to second lieutenant and be posted to a job.^[11] For promotion from second lieutenant to lieutenant may take place if the second lieutenant holds an academic degree at the undergraduate level. A second lieutenant who has completed the Swedish Armed Forces' pilot training with an approved result may be promoted to lieutenant without holding an academic degree at the undergraduate level.^[12] In the case of reserve officers, promotion of second lieutenant to lieutenant may take place if the second lieutenant holds an academic degree at the undergraduate level, or at least 180 higher education credits (högskolepoäng) if the program comprises more higher education credits than 180.^[12]

Uniform

Collar patches

• 

  Collar patch m/58 for a second lieutenant

Shoulder marks

Air Force

• 

  (?–present)

Army

• 

  Shoulder mark m/39
  (13 = Dalarna Regiment)

• 

  Shoulder mark m/1923
  (13 = Dalarna Regiment)

• 

  Shoulder mark m/1910
  (13 = Dalarna Regiment)

Navy (Amphibious Corps)

• 

  Embroidered shoulder mark (Navy)
  (?–present)

• 

  Woven shoulder mark (?–present)

Sleeve insignias

Air Force

• 

  Mess jacket sleeve insignia for a second lieutenant
  (?–present)

• 

  Flight suit sleeve insignia for a second lieutenant
  (2003–present)

Navy (Amphibious Corps)

• 

  Sleeve insignia on innerkavaj m/48 ("inner jacket m/48") for a second lieutenant.
  (?–present)

Hats

• 

  Hat (Mössa m/1923) for a second lieutenant

• 

  Camp hat (Lägermössa m/1865-99) for a second lieutenant

• 

  Hat (Mössa m/1865-99) for a second lieutenant in the Life Guards infantry

• 

  Rank insignia for a second lieutenant on hat (Hatt m/1910-14) in the army

• 

  Hat badge (Mössmärke m/1946) for a second lieutenant in the army

• 

  Hat badge (Mössmärke m/1940) for a second lieutenant in the army

• 

  Hat badge (Mössmärke m/1914) for a second lieutenant in the army on fur hat (pälsmössa m/1909-14)

Discover more about Army/Air Force/Navy related topics

Swedish Army

Swedish Army

The Swedish Army is the land force of the Swedish Armed Forces.

Swedish Air Force

Swedish Air Force

The Swedish Air Force is the air force branch of the Swedish Armed Forces.

Swedish Amphibious Corps

Swedish Amphibious Corps

The Amphibious Corps is the maritime land force arm of the Swedish Navy, with an emphasis on coastal defence. Until 2000 it was known as the Coastal Artillery, but the name was changed to reflect its different role in a post-Cold War world, where its amphibious special operations arm, Kustjägarna, has grown in significance while its coastal batteries have been decommissioned.

Fähnlein

Fähnlein

The Fähnlein was an infantry unit approximately equivalent to the company or battalion which was used in parts of Europe during the Middle Ages. The size of the unit varied; originally a Fähnlein could consist of as many as 1,000 soldiers, but numbers were generally less, around 500. It was sub-divided into sections or Rotten of between 6 and 12 men.

Military colours, standards and guidons

Military colours, standards and guidons

In military organizations, the practice of carrying colours, standards, flags, or guidons, both to act as a rallying point for troops and to mark the location of the commander, is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt some 5,000 years ago. The Roman Empire also made battle standards a part of their vast armies. It was formalized in the armies of Europe in the High Middle Ages, with standards being emblazoned with the commander's coat of arms.

Sergeant (Sweden and Finland)

Sergeant (Sweden and Finland)

Sergeant is a Swedish (OR6) and Finnish (OR5) military rank above överfurir in Sweden and alikersantti in Finland; and below översergeant in Sweden and ylikersantti in Finland.

Statens offentliga utredningar

Statens offentliga utredningar

Statens offentliga utredningar (SOU), "Swedish Government Official Reports", is the name of an official series of reports of committees appointed and convened by the Government of Sweden for the analysis of issues in anticipation of a proposed legislation before the Riksdag or the issuance of ordinances.

Minister of Defence (Sweden)

Minister of Defence (Sweden)

The Minister for Defence of Sweden is a member of the Government of Sweden. The Minister heads the Ministry for Defence and is appointed and dismissed at the sole discretion of the prime minister of Sweden.

Löjtnant

Löjtnant

Löjtnant is a company grade officer rank. In the army/airforce, it ranks above second lieutenant and below captain. In the navy, it ranks above acting sub-lieutenant and below lieutenant. It is equivalent to the specialist officers rank of förvaltare. The rank has been used in Sweden since the Middle Ages.

Fanjunkare

Fanjunkare

Fanjunkare (OR-7) is a Swedish military rank above Översergeant and below Förvaltare. The word 'Fanjunkare' is derived from German 'Fahnenjunker', and denotes a standard-bearer, hence 'Colour Sergeant'.

Shoulder mark

Shoulder mark

A shoulder mark, also called rank slide, or slip-on, is a flat cloth sleeve worn on the shoulder strap of a uniform. It may bear rank or other insignia. A shoulder mark should not be confused with a shoulder board, shoulder knot or epaulette, although these terms are often used interchangeably.

Dalarna Regiment

Dalarna Regiment

The Dalarna Regiment, designation I 13, is a Swedish Army infantry unit that traced its origins back to the 16th century. The regiment's soldiers were originally recruited from the province of Dalarna, where it was later garrisoned. The unit was disbanded as a result of the disarmament policies set forward in the Defence Act of 2000. The regiment was re-raised as Dalarna Regiment in 2021. The unit is based in Falun.

Fänrik (acting sub-lieutenant) is a rank in the Swedish Navy.

Duties

During the acting sub-lieutenant's first two years, his specialization – profiling will begin/continue towards the intended focus/trade/function. This specialization is determined by the unit according to the unit's specific needs for competence. The content of this period shall form a basis for developing the abilities described in order to be promoted to sub-lieutenant. The acting sub-lieutenant should be supervised during this period. Positions during this period are e.g. platoon commander, operator positions on board a ship.^[13]

Promotion

According to Chapter 2, Section 1 of FFS 2018:7, a person who is eligible for promotion has served in the Swedish Armed Forces to such an extent that assessment of suitability, knowledge and skills could be carried out, is deemed suitable for promotion, possesses the knowledge and skills required for the higher rank, and meets time requirements according to Section 2 (must have held the rank for at least two years).^[10] After having passed the Career Officer Programme, the cadet will be promoted to acting sub-lieutenant and be posted to a job.^[11] For promotion from acting sub-lieutenant to sub-lieutenant may take place if the acting sub-lieutenant holds an academic degree at the undergraduate level. An acting sub-lieutenant who has completed the Swedish Armed Forces' pilot training with an approved result may be promoted to sub-lieutenant without holding an academic degree at the undergraduate level.^[12] In the case of reserve officers, promotion of acting sub-lieutenant to sub-lieutenant may take place if the acting sub-lieutenant holds an academic degree at the undergraduate level, or at least 180 higher education credits (högskolepoäng) if the program comprises more higher education credits than 180.^[12]

Uniform

Shoulder marks

The top galloon is shaped like a "loop" for an officer in the Swedish Navy (the loop is shaped like a "grenade" for an officer in the Swedish Amphibious Corps).^[14] The rank insignia is worn on the shoulder mark to jacket and coat (jacka m/87, kappa m/87), as well as to blue wool sweater (blå ylletröja m/87), trench coat (trenchcoat m/84), sea coat (sjörock 93, black raincoat and to white shirt (vit skjorta m/78).^[15] Rank insignia on shoulder mark (axelklaffshylsa 02B) is worn on all garments with shoulder straps.^[16]

1. The shoulder mark (Axelklaffshylsa m/02B) is designed as galloons sewn directly to another shoulder mark (axelklaffshylsa m/87 blå).^[16]

2. The woven shoulder mark (AXELKLAFFSHYLSA M/02 INVÄVD KAPTEN FLOTTAN) is worn on the naval combat dress (sjöstridsdräkt m/93), duty uniform (arbetsdräkt m/87 (blå)) and combat uniform (Fältuniform m/90 lätt, m/90 lätt blå, m/90 tropik (green, beige and blue)).^[17]

• 

  1. Embroidered shoulder mark (2003–present)

• 

  2. Woven shoulder mark (2003–present)

• 

  2. Woven shoulder mark (2003–present)

Sleeve insignias

Rank insignia is worn on both sleeves for inner suit jacket (innerkavaj m/48) and mess jacket (mässjacka m/1878).^[15]

1. On the sleeve an 12,6 mm rank insignia (gradbeteckning m/02) and galloon (galon m/02). The distance between galloons should be 6 mm. The distance from the bottom edge of the sleeve to the bottom edge of the top galloon should be 100 mm.^[18]

• 

  1. Sleeve insignia for an acting sub-lieutenant (2003–present)

Hats

Peaked cap

An acting sub-lieutenant wears a peaked cap (skärmmössa m/48) which is fitted with a hat badge (mössmärke m/78 off för flottan) and with a lacing in form of a golden thread (mössnodd m/82).^[19][20]

• 

  Hat badge

Side cap and winter hat

An officer wears a hat badge (mössmärke m/78 off) for the navy and another (mössmärke m/87 off) for amphibious units on the side cap (båtmössa m/48) and on the winter hat (vintermössa m/87).^[21]

Epaulette

An acting sub-lieutenant wears epaulette's (epålett m/1878) to white tie (frack m/1878) and to coat (rock m/1878). On the epaulette, an acting sub-lieutenant wears 2 mm fringes in two rows.^[22]

Discover more about Navy related topics

Swedish Navy

Swedish Navy

The Swedish Navy is the naval branch of the Swedish Armed Forces. It is composed of surface and submarine naval units – the Fleet – as well as marine units, the Amphibious Corps.

Galloon

Galloon

Galloon is a heavily-decorated woven or braided trim, typically made of, or featuring, gold or silver thread, which may be woven or embroidered. Galloon trim is used in the trim of military and police uniforms, ecclesiastical dress, and as trim on textiles, drapery, and upholstery. Galloon trim may also come in the form of lace, and is typically wide.

Swedish Amphibious Corps

Swedish Amphibious Corps

The Amphibious Corps is the maritime land force arm of the Swedish Navy, with an emphasis on coastal defence. Until 2000 it was known as the Coastal Artillery, but the name was changed to reflect its different role in a post-Cold War world, where its amphibious special operations arm, Kustjägarna, has grown in significance while its coastal batteries have been decommissioned.

Woven fabric

Woven fabric

Woven fabric is any textile formed by weaving. Woven fabrics are often created on a loom, and made of many threads woven on a warp and a weft. Technically, a woven fabric is any fabric made by interlacing two or more threads at right angles to one another. Woven fabrics can be made of both natural and synthetic fibres, and are often made from a mixture of both. E.g. 100% Cotton or 80% Cotton & 20% polyester. 60% spandex and 40% cotton could also be woven together. Woven fabric is typically used in clothing, garments, for decoration, furniture or covering purposes such as carpets. In the Midwest, it is popular to have woven wicker furniture in sitting areas such as a patio or a dining room.

Combat uniform

Combat uniform

A combat uniform, also called field uniform, battledress or military fatigues, is a casual type of uniform used by military, police, fire and other public uniformed services for everyday fieldwork and combat duty purposes, as opposed to dress uniforms worn in functions and parades. It generally consists of a jacket, trousers and shirt or T-shirt, all cut more loose and comfortable than more formal uniforms. Design may depend on regiment or service branch, e.g. army, navy, air force, marines, etc. In the army branches, fabrics tend to come in camouflage, disruptive pattern or else green, brown or khaki monochrome, in order to approximate the background and make the soldier less visible in nature. In Western dress codes, field uniform is considered equivalent to civilian casual wear. As such, field uniform is considered less formal than service dress uniform, generally aimed at office or staff use, as well as mess dress uniform, and full dress uniform.

Shoulder mark

Shoulder mark

A shoulder mark, also called rank slide, or slip-on, is a flat cloth sleeve worn on the shoulder strap of a uniform. It may bear rank or other insignia. A shoulder mark should not be confused with a shoulder board, shoulder knot or epaulette, although these terms are often used interchangeably.

Suit jacket

Suit jacket

A suit jacket, also called a lounge jacket, lounge coat or suit coat, is a jacket in classic menswear that is part of a suit.

Mess jacket

Mess jacket

The mess jacket is a type of formal jacket that ends at the waist. It features either a non-fastening double breast cut or a single-breasted version that fastens. The jackets have shawl or peak lapels. Used in military mess dress, during the 1930s it became a popular alternative to the white dinner jacket in hot and tropical weather for black tie occasions. It also was prominently used, in single-breasted form, as part of the uniform for underclassmen at Eton College, leading to the alternative name Eton jacket. Its origin was a spencer, a tail-less adaptation of the tailcoat worn by both men and women during the Regency period.

Peaked cap

Peaked cap

The peaked cap, peaked hat, service cap, barracks cover or combination cap is a form of headgear worn by the armed forces of many nations, as well as many uniformed civilian organisations such as law enforcement agencies and fire departments. It derives its name from its short visor, or peak, which was historically made of polished leather but increasingly is made of a cheaper synthetic substitute.

Epaulette

Epaulette

Epaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations. Flexible metal epaulettes are referred to as shoulder scales.

White tie

White tie

White tie, also called full evening dress or a dress suit, is the most formal in traditional evening western dress codes. For men, it consists of a black tail coat worn over a white dress shirt with a starched or pique bib, white piqué waistcoat and the eponymous white bow tie worn around a standing wing collar. Mid or high-waisted black trousers with galon, a braid of trim consisting of two silk stripes to conceal the outer seams of the trousers, along with court shoes complete the outfit. Orders, decorations and medals may be worn. Acceptable accessories include a black top hat, white gloves, a white scarf, a pocket watch, a white pocket square, and a boutonnière. Women wear full-length ball or evening gowns with evening gloves and, optionally, tiaras, jewellery, and a small handbag.

Fringe (trim)

Fringe (trim)

Fringe is an ornamental textile trim applied to an edge of a textile item, such as drapery, a flag, or epaulettes.