Kapten

Finnish Defence Forces rank of Kapteeni is comparable to Ranks of NATO armies officers as OF-2

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 commissioned 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)

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Finland

In peacetime training, a kapteeni is the commander of a company. (Majors can also be in this role, but usually majors work in command staff rather than in individual companies.) The rank requires additional training to obtain, in addition to the preexisting military university degree.

It is also possible for reservists to obtain the reserve rank of kapteeni.

References