Norwegian army service member rides a snowmobile in Setermoen, Norway, March 12, 2026. The service member was present during a capability demonstration between Norway, the United States, France, and Germany for exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO’s enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Norway plans to expand the number of young people completing first-time military service at KNM Harald Haarfagre from around 5,200 this year to 6,100 annually. But the Madla recruit camp in Stavanger has already reached capacity and cannot accommodate additional recruits.

Camp commander Egil Vasstrand says expansion is impossible until infrastructure catches up. Madla faces too few instructors, insufficient sleeping accommodation and an overcrowded mess hall, while its ageing sports facilities also need replacement.

Read the entire piece in Forsvarets Forum.