Bengt Gustafsson (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bengt Gustafsson
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| Birth name | Sten Bengt Gustaf Gustafsson |
| Born | 2 December 1933 Hästveda, Sweden |
| Died | 15 March 2019 (aged 85) Stockholm, Sweden |
| Allegiance | Sweden |
| Service/ |
Swedish Army |
| Years of service | 1955–1994 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held |
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General Sten Bengt Gustaf Gustafsson (born December 2, 1933 – died March 15, 2019) was an important officer in the Swedish Army. He was the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces from 1986 to 1994. This means he was the top leader of all of Sweden's military forces.
Early Life and Education
Bengt Gustafsson was born in Hästveda, Sweden, on December 2, 1933. His father was a radio technician. When he was young, Bengt loved playing football, handball, chess, and bridge. He also enjoyed running and high jump.
After finishing primary school, he went to secondary school. He found it a bit hard to get along with some teachers and to stay quiet in class. But he still graduated in 1950.
After school, he worked at a gas station, but it was too cold and didn't pay well. Then he worked at a social insurance office, which he found boring. For a long time, Bengt wanted to become a pilot, maybe even an officer pilot. He also thought about becoming an engineer. He took courses in math, aerodynamics, and airplane engines to prepare.
Military Career
Bengt Gustafsson started his military journey as a sergeant pilot. He was accepted for pilot training. However, he found flying difficult. His instructors noted that he had a "poor sense of speed" and was "immature" in the air. But on the ground, they said he had "good ability, initiative and energetic."
Many years later, when he was a general, Gustafsson joked about this. He said it showed that he was "best on the ground" when comparing his ratings from air and ground teachers.
He became an officer in 1959. He joined the Norrland Engineer Battalion in Boden. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1961 and captain in 1967. From 1966 to 1979, he worked in important roles in the Army Staff and the Defence Staff. He also worked at the Swedish Civil Defence Board from 1970 to 1973.
Gustafsson continued to rise through the ranks. He became a major in 1972 and a lieutenant colonel in 1974. In 1981, he was promoted to colonel and became the commander of the Svea Engineer Regiment.
In 1982, he became a senior colonel. He then worked as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence until 1984. On October 1, 1984, he was promoted directly to lieutenant general. He became the military commander of the Upper Norrland Military District. He held this important role for two years.
In 1986, Bengt Gustafsson was promoted to general. He then became the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces. This was the highest military position in Sweden.
His time as Supreme Commander was very important. At first, it involved dealing with submarine hunts. But it soon became about big world changes. These included the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Warsaw Pact. These events changed the world and Sweden's defense plans.
In 1992, his time as Supreme Commander was extended. He retired on July 1, 1994.
Gustafsson became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences in 1979. This is a group where military experts share knowledge. In 1990, he also became an honorary member of the Royal Swedish Society of Naval Sciences.
Personal Life
In 1957, Bengt Gustafsson married Inger Gustafsson. They had three children together: one son and two daughters.
Death
Bengt Gustafsson passed away at his home on March 15, 2019. His funeral was held in Stockholm on April 5, 2019.
Images for kids
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Bengt Gustafsson in uniform.
