Forsvarsmakts Spesialstyrker
| Nordenic Special Operations Command | |
|---|---|
| Forsvarsmakts Spesialstyrker | |
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| Active | 2014- |
| Country |  Nordenland |
| Allegiance |  Nordenland Defense Forces |
| Type | Special Operations |
| Size | Classified |
| Headquarters | Akersborg Fortress, Kalda |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current Commander | Major General Torstein Eirik Blix |
Forsvarsmakts Spesialstyrker (English: Nordenland Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM)) is a branch of the Nordenland Defense Forces with overall responsibility for the special forces.
The unit was established on 1 January 2014 and consists of the Army 's Hærens Spesialstyrker Kommandoen (HSK) and the Navy's Marinens Kampforskning Gruppe (MKG). Additionally, the 339 Special Operations Aviation Squadron from the Royal Nordenic Air Force is operationally under the command of NORSOCOM. Generalmajor Torstein Eirik Blix, is the current chief of the branch.
Background
Forsvarsmakts Spesialstyrker was established as an operational unit replacing the special operations division of the Defense Staff. It is responsible for joint operational management of the special forces within the Nordenland Defense Forces, ensuring force production and is accountable for support activities to the two divisions included in the unit. The two divisions of the unit are tasked with national military readiness and international operations. They can, upon request, assist civilian authorities in domestic counterterrorism operations.
The unit's leadership and staff are based at Akersborg Fortress in Kalda, while the Naval Special Warfare Command is located at Haakonsvern Naval Base in Bjørgvin and the Army Special Operations Command is stationed at Rena Camp in Østerdalen. Personnel serving in the Defense Forces' Special Forces are to maintain their affiliation with their respective branches of the military, which are responsible for foundational training.
Components
The following units are part of NORSOCOM as of 2024
- NORSOCOM (Forsvarsmakts Spesialstyrker (FS)), based at Akersborg Fortress, Kalda.
- Chief of NORSOCOM: a two-star officer and member of the Commander of the Defense Forces' management group.
- Taktisk Kommando (TAKOM):
- Special forces-specific command element embedded with the Nordenic Joint Headquarters (FOH) outside Bodin.
- Army Special Forces Command (Hærens Spesialstyrker Kommando (HSK)), based at Rena leir, part of Østerdal Garrison.
- Staff.
- Unknown number of combat squadrons.
- Jegertroppen (Hunter Troop): special reconnaissance training unit made up of female members of the Defense Force.
- Initial and Operational Special Forces Training Base, located on the tiny islet of Vealøs facing the former Bjørnlandsvern Naval Base in Horten Municipality.
- Naval Combat Research Group (Marinens Kampforskning Gruppe (MKG)), based at Jaeger's Bight in Haakonsvern Naval Base, near Bjørgvin.
- MKG Staff.
- Alfa Squadron: combat divers squadron, Nordenland's premier naval special warfare unit.
- Bravo Squadron: combat divers squadron, entry unit for recent graduates of the frogmen training course.
- Reconnaissance Squadron: special reconnaissance and intelligence unit.
- Echo Squadron: special boat squadron.
- Lima Squadron: combat support squadron.
- Training Squadron: based at Ramsund Naval Base in Tjeldsund Municipality.
- 339 Special Operations Aviation Group, based at ReykheimarAir Station and Askelvafoss Air Station, flying HH-60S helicopters.
- Provides air support to special forces.
- Operates under the tactical command of Chief NORSOCOM via 339 SOAG.
- Special Operations Air Task Group (SOATG):
- Based at Reykhavn Air Station, responsible for operational planning, command, and control of Royal Nordenic Air Force assets deployed to support special operations.
Mission
The NORSOCOM's mission is threefold:
- National Defense
- Support to Civil Authorities
- International Operations
Commanders
Commanding officers since establishment in 2014
- 1 January 2014 – 1 September 2017: Rear Admiral Alexander Sigurd Sørloth
- 1 September 2017 – 27 April 2022: Major General Torgeir Askel Berge
- 27 April 2022 – 6 May 2022: Commodore Jørgen Sverre Larsen (acting)
- 6 May 2022 – present: Major General Torstein Eirik Blix