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. Major General 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 the joint operational management of special forces within the Nordenland Defense Forces, ensuring the production of specialized forces and overseeing support activities for the two primary divisions under its command. These divisions are tasked with national military readiness and international operations. They can, upon request, assist civilian authorities in domestic counterterrorism operations and other emergencies requiring elite capabilities.
The unit's leadership and staff are headquartered at Akersborg Fortress in Kalda. The Naval Combat Research Group (Marinens Kampforskning Gruppe, MKG) operates out of Jaegersbukt Fortress near Bjørgvin, while the Army Special Forces Command (Hærens Spesialstyrker Kommando, HSK) is stationed at Rena Camp in Østerdalen. Personnel serving in the Forsvarsmakts Spesialstyrker maintain their affiliation with their respective military branches, which are responsible for foundational training and basic force generation.
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 Hegra Fortress, near Nidaros
- 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 at Haraldsvern Naval Base in Horten Municipality.
- Naval Combat Research Group (Marinens Kampforskning Gruppe (MKG)), based at Jaegersbukt Fortress, 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 Squadron, based at Reykheimar Air Station and Askelvafoss Air Station, flying the Sikorsky HH/MH-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