Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Unit

The Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Unit (Swedish: Försvarsmaktens hundtjänstenhet, FHTE) is the central unit within the Swedish Armed Forces responsible for the breeding, training and supply of service dogs. It operates from two locations: Märsta (Boteleudd) and Sollefteå. The unit has existed in various forms since 1980, but its current organisation was established in 2004 following a government decision to locate breeding operations in Sollefteå and basic training in Märsta. Military dog service in Sweden dates back to 1911, and from 1936 to 1970 the Army Dog School in Sollefteå was responsible for the armed forces' service dogs. The unit breeds and trains dogs for weapons and ammunition search as well as patrol dogs (armed forces dogs). It provides dogs to various units within the Swedish Armed Forces and is responsible for ensuring they meet requirements. The breeding station in Sollefteå produces approximately 50 training candidates per year. The unit's motto is "Ingenio et Labore" (Through talent and effort). In 2015, the unit was awarded its current heraldic coat of arms. Originally part of the Army's Life Guards Regiment (Livgardet), the unit was transferred to the Swedish Air Force's Air Combat School (Luftstridsskolan) on 1 January 2022, while retaining its locations in Märsta and Sollefteå. The unit represents the Swedish Armed Forces in matters concerning dog service, assists the Armed Forces Headquarters in managing the subject area, and is responsible for central administration of dog service.

The Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Unit (Försvarsmaktens hundtjänstenhet, FHTE) has a history that can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first dogs for military purposes were trained in 1911. From 1936 to 1970, the Army Dog School (Arméns hundskola) in Sollefteå was responsible for the armed forces' service dogs. In 1980, a dog detail was established in Halmstad within the Basic Officer Training School (Basbefälsskolan), part of the Air Force's Halmstad Schools (F 14). After a few years, this detail became independent under the name Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Unit (Försvarets hundtjänstenhet), but remained subordinate to the commander of the Air Force's Halmstad Schools. In 1995, the dog service unit moved to Tullinge, taking over parts of the former air flotilla area where the Air Force's Södertörn Schools (F 18) had operated. At the same time, the unit was subordinated to the commander of Uppland Air Flotilla. In 2000, the operations moved to Märsta. In the spring of 2002, the unit in Märsta became part of the Life Guards Regiment (Livgardet). In 2004, the breeding station in Sollefteå was started for the production of service dogs. In June 2021, the Swedish Armed Forces Production Management decided to transfer the Dog Training Unit from the Army unit Life Guards to the Air Force and the Air Combat School (Luftstridsskolan). On 1 January 2022, the unit was transferred to the Air Combat School, while retaining its grouping in Märsta and Sollefteå. This was marked on 18 January 2022 with a ceremony for the unit change. The unit's motto is "Ingenio et Labore" (Through talent and effort). In 2015, the unit was awarded its current heraldic coat of arms.

• 2022

  On 1 January, the unit is transferred to the Air Combat School (Luftstridsskolan), retaining locations in Märsta and Sollefteå. A ceremony marks the change on 18 January.

• 2021

  In June, the Swedish Armed Forces Production Management decides to transfer the unit from the Army's Life Guards to the Air Force and the Air Combat School.

• 2015

  The unit is awarded its current heraldic coat of arms.

• 2005

  Breeding with own dogs begins in the summer.

• 2004

  The Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Unit is formed; breeding station in Sollefteå is started.

• 2002

  The unit in Märsta becomes part of the Life Guards Regiment (Livgardet).

• 2000

  Operations move to Märsta.

• 1995

  The dog service unit moves to Tullinge and is subordinated to the commander of Uppland Air Flotilla.

• 1980

  A dog detail is established in Halmstad within the Basic Officer Training School (Basbefälsskolan), part of the Air Force's Halmstad Schools (F 14).

• 1936

  Army Dog School in Sollefteå takes responsibility for the armed forces' service dogs (until 1970).

• 1911

  First dogs trained for military purposes in Sweden.

Central unit for military dog service within the Swedish Armed Forces

• Service dogs for weapons and ammunition search

• Patrol dogs (armed forces dogs)

1. 1Livgardetforsvarsmakten.se
2. 2Guards Regimentforsvarsmakten.se
3. 3Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Unitwikidata.org
4. 4Försvarsmaktens hundtjänstenhetsv.wikipedia.org