Logotyp: till Försvarshögskolans hemsida

What was the expertise of a naval officer during the 16th century? How did the naval officers’ expand, and what was the power relations like? These questions asked initially in the dissertation, try to capture the essence of the actual purpose, namely to investigate the development, power relations and the competence of a naval officer in the Swedish Navy during the 16th century (1522-1595).

There was a correlated relationship between the military strategic choice of the operational area, naval tactical choices vessel types for customized naval warfare and the need for naval officers. A naval officer was a person who was delegated the state power to lead all fleets or individual warships. The fleet was considered as a significant State organization. Periodically, it belonged to one of the most expensive items of expenditure, which each year would be maintained. Naval officers were only added to command if the ship was on a military missions. They were responsible for combat, maintaining lines of communication, carrying out trade war, transporting supplies, patrolling and customs duty. War regulated if the Navy was properly equipped and manned.

Naval expertise was clearly evident in the Admiral instructions during the Northern Seven Years War. The instructions included military strategy, tactics and actions during sea combat. The court material shows that the naval officer should fight (bravely) and not dishonorably.  A Naval officer should be loyal in terms of reliability, but also to exercise authority, implement and lead naval operations, and artillery and sea combat. He should also ensure that the supplies were distributed in a proper manner and that the Christian sermon should be conducted in accordance with current standards. The naval officer could even be responsible for recruitment, payroll and other administrative activities.

Overall, this meant that the naval officer would be responsible for money, safety, discipline and legal issues, and be prepared to exercise the power of state force against the enemy. However, he did not need to navigate or set sail; it was instead the specialists further down the hierarchy chain who were responsible for navigation. In many ways, it was all about supply and demand when a naval officer was to be appointed. And this mirrored social hierarchy in general.