Norwegian Armed Forces: Disconnected with the Norwegian Security Policy?
Abstract
This paper addresses one aspect of Norwegian security policy: the Norwegian Armed Forces. It looks into the contemporary state of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and examines if they are organized, equipped, and trained in a manner that serves their primary purpose: to be one of Norway's most effective tools in securing its vital interests. Norwegian sovereignty and the safeguarding of its offshore wealth are vital objectives, so it is understandable that the Norwegian government has given priority to the Navy and the Air Force. However, Norway also needs a trustworthy land component to support the two other Services. Current Norwegian Security Policy is outlined in White Paper 48, which clearly states that working with its allies is vital and that Norway will continue to rely on and cooperate with the United Nations, NATO, and the United States. Since most of this cooperation is related to ground operations, the author contends that the Army should be given more priority than it has today. A new and somewhat more potent Army will ensure that a possible future aggressor cannot easily seize key infrastructure needed by the two other Services in Northern Norway, or natural resources offshore in the North. The Northern strategy needs an adequate land component to be feasible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA517926
Entities
People
- Kjell I. Baekken
Organizations
- United States Army War College