Major (Sweden)

The rank of major was introduced in the middle of the 16th century in the Spanish and German armies, and its holders were assigned to the regimental commander. After the introduction of the battalion division, the major was eventually given command of a battalion in all armies, as was the lieutenant colonel. After the division of the regiment was established in Sweden in 1634, each regiment with regimental officers had a colonel (regimental commander), a lieutenant colonel and a major, of whom the latter often commanded the colonel's battalion. Like the 2nd major added in 1757 and the 3rd major added later in several regiments, the major had company commanders position until the 1833 pay regulation. All the regimental officers, with the exception of the regimental commander, were then called majors (1st, 2nd and 3rd major), of whom the 1st major usually had the rank of lieutenant colonel. The 2nd and 3rd major were changed to major in 1875, at the same time as the positions of lieutenant colonel and 1st major were firmly united in the infantry and cavalry; the term 1st major was removed in 1901.^[4]

Major has also existed as a rank in the Swedish Navy. During the 17th century, it appeared as a designation for the lowest flag officer rank in the navy.^[5]

The major acts as a commander or deputy battalion commander both in the war organization or in basic training. In staff service, the major works as a section head, head of function or qualified administrator. The major can also serve at schools in various management, teacher and staff positions. The depth of competence can vary depending on time in the position and other abilities. The lower level refers to the start of the position.^[6]

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).^[7]

Promotion of a captain to major may take place when the captain has completed applicable promotion training with approved results. After completing a tactical staff course at the Swedish Defence University, a captain who is OFSK may only be promoted to major if the position is within the functional area where the captain's special competence is and the position's rank code is OF 3. Promotion of a major to lieutenant colonel may take place when the major has completed the applicable promotion training with approved results.^[8] Responsible head of promotion to major is the unit commander.^[9]

In the case of reserve officers, promotion of a captain to major may take place when the captain has completed applicable promotion training with approved results. Promotion to positions higher than major may take place after placement until further notice in a position at a higher position level than that corresponding to the individual's current rank, provided that the officer in the reserve has an academic degree at advanced level.^[10]

Collar patches

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  Collar patch m/58 for a major

• 

  Collar patch

• 

  Collar patch

Shoulder marks

Air Force

• 

  
  (2003–present)

• 

  
  (–2003)

Army

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  Shoulder mark m/1923
  (13 = Dalarna Regiment)

• 

  Shoulder mark m/1910
  (13 = Dalarna Regiment)

Navy (Amphibious Corps)

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  Embroidered shoulder mark (Navy)
  (2003–present)

• 

  Embroidered shoulder mark (Navy)
  (–2003)

• 

  Wowen shoulder mark (2003–present)

Sleeve insignias

Air Force

• 

  Mess jacket sleeve insignia for a major
  (2003–present)

• 

  Mess jacket sleeve insignia for a major
  (–2003)

• 

  Flight suit sleeve insignia for a major
  (2003–present)

• 

  Flight suit sleeve insignia for a major
  (–2003)

Army

• 

  Sleeve insignia on uniform m/1906 for a major.

Navy (Amphibious Corps)

• 

  Sleeve insignia on innerkavaj m/48 ("inner jacket m/48") for a major.
  (2003–present)

• 

  Sleeve insignia on innerkavaj m/48 ("inner jacket m/48") for a major.
  (–2003)

Hats

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  Hat (Mössa m/1923) for a major.

• 

  Camp hat (Lägermössa m/1865-99) for a major.

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  Hat (Mössa m/1865-99) for a major in Life Guards infantry.

• 

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

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  Hat badge (Mössmärke m/1946) for a major in the army.

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  Hat badge (Mössmärke m/1940) for a major in the army.

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

Discover more about Rank insignia related topics

Gorget patches

Gorget patches

Gorget patches are an insignia in the form of paired patches of cloth or metal on the collar of a uniform (gorget), used in the military and civil service in some countries. Collar tabs sign the military rank, the rank of civil service, the military unit, the office (department) or the branch of the armed forces and the arm of service.

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.

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.

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.

Flight suit

Flight suit

A flight suit is a full-body garment, worn while flying aircraft such as military airplanes, gliders and helicopters. These suits are generally made to keep the wearer warm, as well as being practical, and durable. Its appearance is usually similar to a jumpsuit. A military flight suit may also show rank insignia. It is sometimes used as a combat uniform in close quarters battle or visit, board, search, and seizure situations, for its practicality.