![All participating nations’ flags are present.]()
All participating nations’ flags are present.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
![Military vehicles in different forms and from foreign countries can be seen in Småland during the exercise Bison Counter.]()
Military vehicles in different forms and from foreign countries can be seen in Småland during the exercise Bison Counter.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
![Gathering all participants outdoor for a Review.]()
Gathering all participants outdoor for a Review.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
![Colonel Patrik Ahlgren, Commanding Officer of Ing 2 welcome everyone.]()
Colonel Patrik Ahlgren, Commanding Officer of Ing 2 welcome everyone.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
All participating nations' flags are present; there is excitement and anticipation in the air. Colonel Patrick Ahlgren, Commanding Officer of Ing 2, gathered all participants outdoors to present the exercise and welcome all.
– Sweden's security is created through cooperation with others, this exercise is an example of that, said Colonel Patrik Ahlgren.
Important skills
From 15 to August 26, important skills will be practiced and trained between the units in an exercise C-IED, Counter Improvised Explosive Device. The threat from IEDs effect everybody within the Armed Forced, not limited to C-IED specialists. In recent conflicts the use of IED has been the single most effective enemy weapon. All personnel who operate in an IED environment need to have C-IED knowledge.
Twenty-one nations
The first Bison Counter was conducted in Holland in 2013 and then attended five countries and the exercise this year involved 21 nations! Foreign units participate in the exercise as training audience and observers. 1000 soldiers and sailors are in Skillingaryd but events also take place in Karlskrona, Eksjö and Jönköping.
The soldiers with different camouflage uniforms stand in straight lines and listening to Colonel Patrick Ahlgren's closing words.
– Together we contribute to a safer world!