It’s early autumn and instructor Meya Johansson at Boden Artillery Regiment A8 has busy days. She spends much of her working time in the field, training groups of conscripted men and women – barely younger than herself.
A TRANSITION
Everything is new for the future soldiers. They must learn to follow orders, march in step, stand guard, sleep in tents, cook meals, and even use the bathroom outdoors. Everything happens together with completely new comrades. Meya knows that the new life as a recruit is a major challenge for most.
“I remember how it was in the beginning. It was something completely new that I’d never done before. The hardest part was the adjustment – having to adapt to a group and not knowing what would happen all the time. But it’s part of military life that I’ve gotten used to. I’ve been in the Armed Forces for three years now and learned to take everything as it comes,” she says.
Meya is 22 years old and grew up in Bollnäs in Hälsingland. She’s a true sports enthusiast who has played both handball and football since childhood. After three years at a sports high school, she was placed in Boden when it was time for military service.
“At first, I didn’t really want to do military service,” she says. “But I knew that Boden is a prominent sports city with skilled teams in both my favorite sports, so I thought it could be fun. And it was. Ten months of basic training at Boden Garrison left me wanting more. When Meya completed her service, she wanted to continue in the defense forces.
“I have what’s called a continuous employment as an instructor. My job is to train and instruct other soldiers,” she explains.
VIBRANT COMMUNITY LIFE
After starting work, Meya returned to sports. She joined a colleague for football practice and started playing with Unbyns IF. When the summer season ended, it was perfect to combine it with handball during the winter. For the past year, she has been playing for Bodens BK.
Several of her teammates are colleagues from the regiment. Through sports, she has also met young women her own age and made many new friends. Meya appreciates the great interest in sports in Boden.
“It’s especially fun to play sports when so many people watch the matches, get involved, or play sports themselves. The municipality’s identity has long been military, so it’s good that there are other things that create community and belonging. The vibrant community life is an important reason why I want to stay and live here in Boden.”
GROWING OPERATIONS
This year, around 30,000 young men and women were called for enlistment. Of these, approximately 8,500 were enrolled for basic training at one of the country’s twenty or so regiments. Boden Garrison consists of the Norrbotten Regiment (I19) and Boden Artillery Regiment (A8). About 700-800 soldiers are trained here each year.
The unstable world situation means that Sweden, like the rest of Europe, is working intensively to strengthen its defense capabilities. Boden Garrison is growing with more conscripts each year.
“We do what we can to keep up. Of course, I see the development positively and am happy that more people are coming to Boden. Even if not everyone stays permanently, it’s significant that so many new people come here, participate in community life, and contribute.”
Meya Johansson wants to recommend military service to all young people who have the opportunity. Even if it doesn’t become the start of a career, she believes everyone should at least try the ten-month basic training.
“First of all, you get to break from your routine and do something completely different,” she says. “Military service gives you new perspectives – you get to know yourself and develop as a person. You’re very close to your comrades in unusual and often challenging situations. It creates strong bonds and you make friends for life. Military service is also a great merit in your future working life.”
READY FOR THE FUTURE
Meya doesn’t regret for a second taking the step to move north. The opportunity to combine military work with involvement in sports has been valuable and given her a stable foundation in the local community.
“I want to advise all young people who are new to a place to join community activities. It’s a natural way into society. You make friends right away and avoid feeling lonely.”
When Meya Johansson looks to the future, she sees a continued path within the Armed Forces.
“Now I’ve worked with this for a few years and am ready to continue my education. I hope to start officer training as soon as next summer. It will be in another location, but then I’d like to return to Boden. This is where I feel at home.”
TEXT: ANNA ALMQVIST
