Kapten

MilitaryRankBox


imageFinland = Kapteeni_kauluslaatta.svg
junior = Löjtnant (Sweden)
junior2 = Yliluutnantti
senior = Major
senior2 = Majuri
usmc = Master Sergeant or when disregarding the lack of a University degree of a Swedish Kapten even Second Lieutenant or First Lieutenant
official = Captain
comparison =
text = Kapten(Kapteeni in Finnish) (From Latin word capitaneus meaning head man or chief) is a professional military rank in Sweden and Finland, immediately above Löjtnant in Sweden and Yliluutnantti in Finland and just below Major in the Army ranks. In the Navy, the rank is immediately above Löjtnant and just below Örlogskapten. A Swedish Kapten may be responsible for the training of a platoon, but in most cases takes up duties common to senior NCO equivalents of the USA/USMC.

Obtaining the rank in Sweden

One year as Löjtnant and 40 weeks of tactical training.

History and related ranks

Origin

The basic military unit during the Middle Ages was the company raised by a vassal lord on behalf of his lord usually the King. The lord was comissioned by the king as Kapten to lead the unit. As the number of companies grew, one captain was granted overall (general) authority and named captain general, which was shortened to general.

Kaptenlöjtnant

Until 1750, a rank above Löjtnant and below Kapten to command the life guard company on behalf of its formal commadner - a Överste.

Stabskapten

The rank Kaptenlöjtnant changed to Stabskapten (Staff Captain) in 1750.

Ryttmästare

Now obsolete rank in the cavalry that corresponded to Kapten.

Reform 1972

Kapten with more than 11 years of service were elevated to Major

Holders of the following ranks were elevated to Kapten
* Löjtnant
* Förvaltare
* Fanjunkare (with a minimum of 7 years servcie)
* Sergeant (with a minimum of 7 years servcie)

See also

* Finnish military ranks
* Military ranks of the Swedish armed forces
* Swedish Armed Forces
* [http://www.mil.se/article.php?id=1239 Officer Training]

[http://www.mil.se/article.php?id=432 The Swedish Armed Forces official website - military ranks] (accessed on July 13, 2007) (in Swedish)]

http://www.goarmy.com/about/ranks_and_insignia.jsp USA enlisted ranks ] http://www.goarmy.com/about/ranks_insignia_officer.jsp USA comissioned officers ranks]

References