Carl Eric Almgren | |
|---|---|
 Almgren as major general | |
| Born | 4 March 1913 Linköping, Sweden |
| Died | 20 May 2001 (aged 88) Täby, Sweden |
| Allegiance | Sweden |
| Service/ | Swedish Army |
| Years of service | 1934–1976 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | |
| Awards | Knight of the Order of the Sword[1] Knight of the Order of Vasa[1] and more |
General Carl Eric Åke Almgren (4 March 1913 – 20 May 2001) was a senior Swedish Army officer. Almgren served as Chief of the Defence Staff from 1961 to 1967, military commander of the Eastern Military District (Milo Ö) from 1967 to 1969 and as the Chief of the Army from 1969 to 1976.
Born to Captain Carl Almgren and Esther Tell, he excelled in school, displaying a keen intellect. Despite his theoretical abilities, he chose a military path over academia. Known for his voracious reading habits, Almgren devoured 198 books in 1930 alone. Almgren's military journey commenced when he became an officer cadet at the Life Grenadier Regiment, succeeding his father in 1931. Notably, he performed exceptionally at Military Academy Karlberg and the Royal Swedish Army Staff College, showcasing his talent. Fluent in Russian, English, German, and French, he pursued further studies in Tallinn in 1938-1939. In October 1939, Almgren became an assistant military attaché in Tallinn, Riga, and Kaunas. His career took a turn during the Soviet Union's invasion in 1940 when he observed Soviet tanks crossing the Estonian border. Throughout the war, he served in various roles, earning promotions and demonstrating linguistic versatility.
Post-war, Almgren held key positions in the Army Inspectorate and the Army Staff, contributing to the Swedish military's organizational and tactical aspects. His assignments included teaching at the Royal Swedish Army Staff College and the Swedish Air Force Flying School. In 1961, Almgren assumed the role of Chief of the Defence Staff, marking the beginning of a series of promotions. He became Chief of the Army in 1969, steering the military through challenging times, including the implementation of the Defence Act of 1968. Despite financial constraints, Almgren focused on enhancing leadership, staff treatment, and training methods, initiating reforms that, unfortunately, did not endure the restructuring in the 1990s.
Besides his military career, Almgren engaged in various investigations and special assignments, showcasing his commitment to national defence. His contributions extended to civilian roles, including his involvement with the Salvation Army after retirement. In later life, Almgren continued to actively contribute to defence advocacy, reflecting his enduring commitment to a strong military. His multifaceted career left a lasting impact on the Swedish military, characterized by leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to service.
- ^ a b Sveriges statskalender för året 1955 (in Swedish). Stockholm: Fritzes offentliga publikationer. 1955. p. 96.