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Weeks 16 - 20: First woman to win prize
For the first time ever, a woman received the Norwegian Defence's equality prize. - It's about time, commented General Sverre Diesen.
By Ole Kåre Eide, Norwegian Defence Media Centre
| | CONGRATULATED: Colonel Kristin Lund was honoured with the Defence's equality prize. She was the first woman ever to claim it. Photo: Mariann Dybdahl |
- It is great to be acknowledged for the work I have put down, says Colonel Kristin Lund.
She is credited for her endurance and go-ahead spirit, and for having motivated others to devote their time to the Defence.
- I have never liked people being treated differently, and I have always worked for equal rights for women in the Defence, she says.
Lund started her military career in 1979, two years after the first officer candidate school opened up for women. This Colonel has a long military career in both Norway and abroad. She feels that men can learn a lot from women, also in the Defence.
- We are often better at saying what we need, she says.
Historic farewell
On May 11th, the regional command in Trondheim was formally closed. Nearly 400 years of Defence history is coming to an end. Local bishop Finn Wagle described the decision to close as a great loss to the city. Local Mayor Rita Ottervik also expressed regret that many years of military presence was coming to an end.
| | AGREEMENT SIGNED: As General Major Kjell Narve Ludvigsen (right) signed the paper, the regional command in Trondheim was transferred to General Lieutenant Tomas Colin Archer (left) and the Joint Operative Headquarters. Photo: Mariann Dybdahl |
As the regional commmand was shut down, the command's work tasks were transferred back to the Joint Operative Headquarters in Stavanger.
Since 1628, the Defence has more or less had a General stationed in Trondheim.
- The last General, Kjell Narve Ludvigsen?
- It feels sad, said the General Major, as he received gifts and praise from Administrative officers, Mayors and Police chiefs in the Trondheim region.
- The command has organised important national operative exercises. We have also made a considerable contribution to society's safety, Ludvigsen said.
The closing is part of the current modernization process. General Lieutenant Tomas Colin Archer, chief of the Joint Operative Headquarters, emphasized that the tasks previously conducted, will be maintained in the future.
- But many things must be done in a different way, he said.
The General Lieutenant underlined the importance of continuing the good work accomplished in Trondheim.
- The command has held a high level of quality, and I am grateful for the job they have done in making the transfer as smooth as possible, said Archer.
Tough task
The Norwegian government suggests in its adjusted budget for 2005 that the Defence cover half its excess consumption from 2004. Thus, the year promises continued reduction in activities and increased focus on financial control.
- What does this imply for the Defence?
- In an already tight financial position, this means that we must work harder to avoid further excess spending, says General Lieutenant Arne Bård Dalhaug, Chief of Staff.
The Defence has already put into action a number of measures in order to avoid red figures in 2005. In addition to reduced activity and fewer exercises, the Chief of Defence has already been forced to make cuts to administrative services, travel activity and use of external counseling.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the cuts are realistic, and an attempt to protect the ongoing modernization process and the Defence's operative ability.
The government suggests that 20 million kroners be added to the budget, in order to take care of local councils affected by the modernization process. An additional 10 million kroners intend to cover Norwegian contributions to UN-led operations in Sudan.
Agree on Nordic force
Norway, Sweden and Finland have agreed on the guidelines for establishing a battle group. Estonia will also take part.
The EU has decided to establish 13 battle groups to be put into action in crisis situations on short notice. Sweden and Finland asked Norway to take part in such a force, and in November 2004, the Norwegian parliament said yes to join the plans. The new agreement establishes the practical aspects of the partnership.
| | NORDIC BATTLE GROUP: Norwegian, Sweden and Finland will join forces in an EU-run battle group. Photo: FMS Archive |
The Minister of Defence, Kristin Krohn Devold, says the deal marks a strengthening of Nordic cooperation within Defence and security politics.
- We have plenty of experience when it comes to Nordic military cooperation. We have operated alongside Finland and Sweden in the Balkans and in Afghanistan. A Nordic battle group will extend our military cooperation and bring the countries closer, she said.
The Nordic battle group will be ready by January 1, 2008, and take part in a rotation system with the other battle groups. Each group will be on duty for six months. When not on duty, the battle group can be used in other relevant tasks. The Norwegian contribution is expected to count 150 soldiers.
Given credit
- The Defence played a significant role in the Tsunami crisis, confirmed a report, presented on April 20th.
Shortly after the Tsunami hit South-East Asia on Boxing Day last year, the Defence was on its way to the region, bringing both injured Scandinavians home and assisting the Norwegian Red Cross. Two transport planes contributed to create a valuable air bridge between Indonesia and Singapore.
When asked about the Defence's contribution, Jan Reinås - who led the selection conducting the report, said:
- Individuals took from their time, both day and night, and performed to their capability.
General Major Harald Sunde participated in writing the report.
- In the Defence, we are used to offering aid in situations of civil crisis, he said.
- Could the Defence have played an even bigger role?
- This catastrophy took place far from our own territory. The most important thing was that the effort was made locally, he said.
Impressed Chief
In the beginning of May, Chief of Defence Sverre Diesen visited Norwegian troops in Afghanistan. He was impressed by their high professional level.
| | PROUD CHIEF: General Diesen (right) is proud of his troops. - We are significantly more professional today, both with regards to equipment and the way we handle tasks, than we were 10 to 15 years ago, he said. Photo: Kjetil Eide |
- I am delighted to see the job that the Norwegian forces do, and that we have come a long way since I was a company commander, he said.
The Chief of Defence believes that the Defence has a lot to gain from its involvement in Afghanistan. He considers the operation to be modern, exciting and representative of a new Defence.
- Additionally we gain experience within traditional military disciplines. Our PRT-concept (Provincial Reconstruction Team) has also turned out to be a successful factor in stabilizing the province – and that is, after all, the reason we are here, he says.
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