Kapten (English: Captain in the Swedish Army/Air Force, Lieutenant in the Navy) is a company grade officer rank.

The name appeared quite early in the Middle Ages and then applied to the highest commander in an area, a city etc.

With the standing armies, which began to be established in the latter half of the 15th century, it was the name of the commander of a unit in both the infantry and the cavalry, which unit was first called company, then fana and from the latter half of the 16th century company again, whose strength was then still far less than before.

In addition to the army requiring a completed tactical course Army (TakA) for a future captain, the focus is on creating an officer who is skilled in, for example, leading combat training with his own company (within the battalion) and competent to work as a company commander or staff officer.

[6] According to Chapter 2, Section 1 of FFS 2018:7, a person who is eligible for promotion has served in the Swedish Armed Forces to such an extent that assessment of suitability, knowledge and skills could be carried out, is deemed suitable for promotion, possesses the knowledge and skills required for the higher rank, and meets time requirements according to Section 2 (must have held the rank for at least two years).

After completing a tactical staff course at the Swedish Defence University, a captain who is OFSK may only be promoted to major with a passing grade if the position is within the functional area where the captain's special competence is located, and if the position's rank code is OF 3.

The commander of a warship was always called kapten (captain), as is still the case on merchant ships.

The kapten's duties on land were company commander, adjutant, teacher, instruction officer, etc.

The idea was that the British system was more internationally viable and thus would facilitate contact between officers.

The navy specifies a total period of service of six (6) years before it is time to become a lieutenant.

[6] According to Chapter 2, Section 1 of FFS 2018:7, a person who is eligible for promotion has served in the Swedish Armed Forces to such an extent that assessment of suitability, knowledge and skills could be carried out, is deemed suitable for promotion, possesses the knowledge and skills required for the higher rank, and meets time requirements according to Section 2 (must have held the rank for at least two years).

The woven shoulder mark (AXELKLAFFSHYLSA M/02 INVÄVD KAPTEN FLOTTAN) is worn on the naval combat dress (sjöstridsdräkt m/93), duty uniform (arbetsdräkt m/87 (blå)) and combat uniform (Fältuniform m/90 lätt, m/90 lätt blå, m/90 tropik (green, beige and blue)).

A lieutenant wears a peaked cap (skärmmössa m/48) which is fitted with a hat badge (mössmärke m/78 off för flottan) and with a lacing in form of a golden thread (mössnodd m/82).

[18] A lieutenant wears epaulette's (epålett m/1878) to white tie (frack m/1878) and to coat (rock m/1878).