The Briefing How Sweden is training its civilian reserve and a look at the future of European defence
Feb 20, 2026
Desiree Bandley, Monocle Radio producer in Zurich reporting Winter Olympics scenes. Raffaella Paniè, director of brand and look for the Games, on mascots, medals and visual identity. Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP and Army Reserve officer, on European defence, NATO and procurement. Elizabeth Braw, Atlantic Council fellow, on Sweden's civilian reserve and defending infrastructure against hybrid threats.
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Sweden's Unique Civilian Reserve
- Sweden has built a civilian reserve covering 19 key professions, beginning with electricians to repair infrastructure after attacks.
- Elizabeth Braw says this unique model readies non-military professionals for wartime tasks and rapid deployment.
Select Reserves From Registries
- Select reserve members from professional registries using age and geographic spread to ensure coverage and readiness.
- Use questionnaires and targeted selection rather than open volunteering to build an effective reserve.
Civilian Skills Counter Hybrid Threats
- Hybrid warfare targets civilian infrastructure, so trained civilian crews are vital to keep essential services running during attacks.
- Braw warns that uncoordinated volunteer responses after damage would be ineffective without prior organisation.