Company Commander Interview: Johan
- Nordic Milsim
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Name: Johan Forsberg
Callsign: X
Military background: Swedish Armed Forces Engineer Regiment (ING2) Event: The Segezha Strike
Faction: NATO
Position: Company HQ, NATO
Role: Company CO
Nordic Milsim Staff positions "The Segezha Strike"
NATO
CO: JOHAN FORSBERG
XO: TBA
1ST SERGEANT: TBA
1ST PLATOON SERGEANT: TBA
2ND PLATOON SERGEANT: TBA
RUSFOR / PMC KARPOVA
CO: CAMERON STEVENS
XO: TBA
1ST SERGEANT: TBA
1ST PLATOON SERGEANT: TBA
2ND PLATOON SERGEANT: JIMMY BODMAR
Introduction
You will serve as the Company Commander (CO) for one side during The Segezha Strike. Under your command are two infantry platoons, one logistics/QRF element with multiple vehicles, and a recon unit.
This interview gives our players insight into your leadership philosophy, your approach to milsim, and what kind of experience they can expect under your command.
Section 1 – Background & Identity
Background
How would you describe your background in leadership, coordination, or mentoring roles?
I am only in my third year as an airsofter and still new to it all. Even so, I have attended all of the Nordic Milsims since the first one, and it felt like coming home. I was a squad leader in the Swedish Home Guard’s task force platoon and led the regiment’s marching group for two years, the best leadership training I have ever had.
I have taught bushcraft and survival for 18 years and am accustomed to working with small groups.
Path to Company Command
What motivated you to take on the role of Company CO at The Segezha Strike?
Nordic Milsim gives you the opportunity to push your limits and step outside your comfort zone, and that means very different things to different people. For me, taking on this role is a big step outside my comfort zone, but it is also the only way to grow as both a person and a leader.
Leadership experience
Have you previously led at company level or equivalent in milsim or real-world contexts? What did you take away from that experience?
I have no previous experience at company level, but I have extensive experience at squad and platoon level. This will therefore be a new and challenging experience.
Section 2 – Leadership & Command Philosophy
Your leadership style
How would you describe your leadership style as a Company Commander?
I have high expectations of myself and can sometimes find it difficult to let go of control and avoid micromanagement. It is important to me to do a good job and to ensure that people are having a good time. Most people find me relaxed, and some even find me funny.
Command intent vs micromanagement
How do you balance giving clear intent while allowing platoon leaders freedom to act?
By using a structured order format that makes my intent clear and easier to understand for those receiving the order. Good structure also provides platoon leaders with a solid framework to work within.
Decision-making under pressure
When things go wrong (and they will), how do you prioritize decisions during intense gameplay?
My goal is to always have backup plans that we can fall back on. If that is not possible, I will make a decision, stick to it, and follow it through. Whether it turns out to be right or wrong can be discussed afterwards, doing something is better than doing nothing.
Section 3 – Company Structure & Gameplay
Managing multiple elements
How do you see infantry, logistics/QRF, and recon supporting each other? Infantry, logistics/QRF, and recon only function effectively when they are treated as interdependent parts of the same system rather than separate units. Recon provides the eyes and early warning, identifying enemy movement, terrain challenges, and opportunities before contact occurs. That information allows infantry to maneuver with purpose instead of reacting blindly.
Logistics and QRF enable tempo and endurance. They ensure the infantry can keep fighting by maintaining resupply, casualty support, and rapid reinforcement when the situation changes. When these elements communicate clearly and respect the chain of command, the company can act decisively, maintain momentum, and adapt faster than the opposition.
Logistics and tempo
How important are logistics, resupply, and movement tempo in a Nordic Milsim event like this?
Extremely important. Without BBs and medical water, our players cannot stay in the fight.
Recon integration
What role do you expect recon to play in your decision-making and mission planning?
Recon will operate far behind enemy lines and can provide crucial intelligence. They give us valuable information about the enemy, terrain, and likely conditions, allowing us to create solid plans and ensure our players are well prepared.
Section 4 – Immersion & Player Experience
Immersion-first mindset
What does “good immersion” mean to you as a commander?
Taking it seriously and doing your best, even when it involves tasks that are unpleasant, like standing guard in the middle of the night. It may be a game, but I treat it the same way I would a military exercise.
I also know many people appreciate when players act out their wounds or deaths. For both friends and enemies, this greatly increases adrenaline and immersion.
Player well-being
How do you ensure players stay motivated, included, and engaged throughout a long milsim weekend?
We must all remember that we do this because it is fun, and that the hardest moments often create the strongest memories. Laughing and joking together is a fantastic way to relieve stress.
Handling friction
How do you handle misunderstandings or friction within the chain of command during the game?
In my experience, it is best to stop, gather everyone involved, let all parties speak, and then work toward a solution. Lack of sleep and fatigue often make people irritable, and small issues can quickly grow into big problems. It is best to deal with them directly, this is everyone’s responsibility.
Section 5 – Nordic Milsim & The Segezha Strike
What sets Nordic Milsim apart
What makes Nordic Milsim different from other milsim organizers?
It is the entire experience- you have to take part to truly understand it. This is as close as you can get to a real military exercise.
Expectations for The Segezha Strike
What scale and intensity should players prepare for?
When Segezha starts, it will have been a full year since Pechenga, and it has been a long wait. There will be many new players, as well as old friends and enemies who are also friends. I am really looking forward to being together again and being miserable together, because that is where strong friendships and good memories are made.
Command culture
What do you expect in terms of discipline, communication, and teamwork?
Three simple things that make everything run smoother, reduce friction, and create a better experience. It is important to work on these before, during, and after the game.
Section 6 – Message to Your Company
To your platoon leaders
What do you expect from your PLs, and how can they best support you as Company CO?
Clear and consistent communication so HQ understands what is happening on the ground and can stay one step ahead. A good example is sending LACE reports so that when a platoon is running low on BBs or medical water, logistics can be prepared in advance.
To the players
What do you want every player under your command to feel when the event ends?
The same feeling I get a few days after the event- when you are clean, warm, and well rested, and you start to miss being out there with everyone, fighting and working together. It is a kind of happiness that is hard to beat. And then you start planning for the next event.
Final words
Any final message to your company before deployment at The Segezha Strike?
If you have questions, ask them. We have many experienced players who are happy to share their knowledge. If you have not signed up yet, do so! I am really looking forward to seeing you in April.
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