Norway’s military representative says the government’s “historic” defence buildup is not reflected in conscripts’ everyday experience. While billions are being invested in submarines, frigates and fighter aircraft, soldiers are reportedly being called up before sufficient beds, weapons and supervisors are available—and receive less training than they need. Representative Julie Buaas Male warns that the gap […]

Norway’s military representative scheme, which speaks for approximately 10,000 conscripts, says soldiers want more extensive weapons, field and role-specific training throughout their service. Some personnel, particularly those in support roles, report barely visiting a shooting range or conducting field exercises after basic training. National representative Erik Gullikstad argues that every conscript position should be clearly […]

Mikal Hem, acting news editor of Forsvarets forum, accuses the Norwegian Armed Forces’ communications staff of preventing personnel from speaking independently to journalists. Conscripts interviewed for a bachelor’s thesis reported that superiors attended interviews, instructed them beforehand to represent their units positively and participated in checking their quotations. Other conscripts were allegedly reprimanded or warned […]