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Weeks 47 - 49: Norway joins European force
The Norwegian government has decided to join a European action force, to be deployed in crisis situations on short notice. The “Nordic” force, which includes both Swedish and Finnish troops, will also be operative outside Europe.
By Ole Kåre Eide, Norwegian Defence Media Centre
| | JOINT ACTION FORCE: The Norwegian contribution will count 150 soldiers. In addition, the force will consist of 1100 Swedes and 250 Finns, and exist under British head quarters. (Photo: Thorbjørn Kjosvold) |
Minister of Defence, Kristin Krohn Devold says there are many reasons why Norway is prepared to join such a force.
– The force supports the United Nations’ ability to handle crisis situations, and will enhance European nations’ ability to operate together. In addition, Norwegian participation in a Nordic action force will indicate further development of Nordic cooperation in peace time operations. We have previously cooperated in Kosovo and Afghanistan, she says.
The European Union is in the process of establishing 7-9 battle groups, each to be closely connected to the United Nations. Despite not being part of the EU itself, the framework of the force allows Norway to participate. Norway will receive rights regarding planning and execution of the EU operations in which they take part.
– Our participation will mark a natural extension of our previous support to the EU´s joint security and defence policy, says Krohn Devold.
F-16 planes to guard the Baltics
From January 12, 2005 and in the three following months, three Norwegian F-16 planes will regularly control the Baltic air space. The task is shared equally among Nato-members. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined Nato in April this year. At the moment they do not have the capacity to control their own air space, and therefore need Nato-assistance.
– The Nato Alliance has a collective duty to protect new members, and as long as a permanent solution for controlling the Baltic air space is not available, today’s temporary solution will be extended, says Martin Lohne in the ministry of Defence.
| | GUARDING THE BALTICS: Four Norwegian F-16 planes will in the first three months of 2005 guard the Baltic air space. (Photo: Mariann Dybdahl) |
Tough stuff in Meymaneh
Conditions in North Afghanistan are proving too tough for cars produced for Norwegian terrain.
– We have lost count of how many times we have had to take out the gas tank to fill holes in the vehicles, says Geir. He is part of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Meymaneh. After only six months of activity, the cars are already torn down, despite sufficient maintenance. The car frames are not strong enough, the dust damages the engine and the roof is not sufficiently built to carry all the equipment they need to transport.
The team covers the Faryab province, with more than two and a half million people. In order to be operative, the team need their vehicles to be applicable.
In late November eight new Land Cruisers, especially built for desert and difficult terrain driving, were transported from Norway to the PRT-team in Meymaneh: A perfect pre-Christmas gift.
– The PRT-team works under demanding conditions, and sufficient material is therefore a necessity in order to successfully complete the set tasks, says Colonel Per Rønning, in charge of the Norwegian forces in Afghanistan.
| | MERRY CHRISTMAS: A relieved Colonel was proud to present eight new Land Cruisers to the Norwegian troops in Meymaneh. (Photo: Christian Chramer) |
New clinic
Injured employees, soldiers having previously served in international operations as well as next of kin, will in the future receive better medical assistance. Next year, the military intends to open its own military-medical polyclinic.
Previously civil health services has been the best option.
– Some people have felt that they have not been treated well or neglected. We wish to meet their needs, says Brigadier Dag Hjelle, at the Defence’s medical services. They will be in charge of the new clinic, which is expected to be running by August next year.
The military-medical polyclinic will have several functions, varying from general medical services to specialist services within military psychiatry. The Defence has previously been critisised for lack of treatment for international soldiers, a topic that has even been debated in parliament.
– We have examined past incidents and know what we have to do in order to improve conditions. Our past problems have primarily been with regards to long-term treatment, says Hjelle.
| | SUCCESSFUL WOMEN: Norwegian women won bronze in this year's world championships in military pentathlon. The men however finished eleventh. Here is Øystein Sylta in the swimming competition. (Photo: archive) |
Norwegian women won bronze
The Norwegian women national team in military pentathlon finished third in this year´s world team championships. China won. The championships took place in Chile from November 14 to 19. The pentathlon consists of five events: shooting, obstacle race, hand granate throwing, swimming and cross-country running. The Norwegian women excelled in both shooting and swimming. Gunnhild Berntsen finished seventh in the individual rankings.
The Chinese also dominated the male class. Despite good individual results, the Norwegian men finished on a disappointing 11th place. They were second after the first two events, shooting and obstacle race, but a disastrous hand granate competition saw the Norwegian men down on 23rd. Strong running in the cross-country race however ensured 11th place overall.
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