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Forsvarets Spesialkommando

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Forsvarets Spesialkommando
File:FSK-HJK-logo.gif
Forsvarets Spesialkommando Insignia
Active1982- current
CountryNorway
BranchNorwegian Army
TypeSpecial Forces
RoleSpecial Surveillance and Reconnaissance (SR)
Direct Action (DA)
Military assistance (MA)
Collateral Activities (CA)
Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR)
SizeClassified
Garrison/HQRena leir
EngagementsThe Troubles (rumoured)
Bosnian war
Kosovo war
2001 Macedonia conflict
Operation Essential Harvest[1]
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Anaconda
Decorations  Army Presidential Unit Citation
File:Fly37 13458a.jpg
Norwegian special forces during a hijacking-exercise.

Forsvarets Spesialkommando, FSK is the special forces of the Norwegian army. It was established in 1981 due to the increased risk of terrorist activity against Norwegian interests, especially the oil platforms in the North Sea. As with other special forces, little is known and most information is based on speculation and rumors.

History

FSK soldiers during Operation Anaconda

HSK was first officially revealed to the Norwegian media and the public after the military spoke of them in connection with the hijacking of an airplane at Fornebu in September 1993. Afterward, speculation about their past involvement in similar hostage situations flourished.

It is officially admitted that HSK supported American Special Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Norwegian special forces used newly developed and top secret methods and tools that gave the allied forces very important information [2]. They have also co-operated with other special forces such as British SAS, Delta Force and DEVGRU of US Special Operations Command and KSK of Germany. It's rumored that they were among the first soldiers inside Pristina during the Kosovo conflict, but this is based only on photographs taken and articles written by Norwegian, British and American journalists [3].

On August 20, 2007 Norwegian special forces soldiers helped Afghan police storm a house in Kabul to free kidnapped German aid worker Christina Meier. Meier had been kidnapped by a criminal gang on August 18 while working for Ora International. [The Norwegians had snipers on standby, ready to kill the hostage takers at a moment's notice. However, that was not necessary; the snipers provided the assaulting team with surveillance. http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1950007.ece][4]

General tasks

In peacetime they are a support element to the Norwegian Police force, acting when requested in serious incidents like hostage situations and hijacking. During counter-terrorist operations, FSK operatives are trained to eliminate the threats rather than trying to arrest them.

In wartime their operations are strictly secret. Very little information is official. However, it is believed that most of their operations include intel, recon, and direct action (for instance using snipers to take out enemy key personnel from long range)

Recruitment

Soldiers signed to FSK are from all parts of the Norwegian defence. One significant requirement is that the soldier has finished his year as a conscript, only then is he or she allowed to apply for the basic FSK training.

Weapons

Vehicles

  • Germany Geländerwagen/MB270 CDI FAV vehicle armoured and EOD protected with 3 weaponstations (2 MG3 and 1 M2 or GMG). Developed in 2002 and later modernized. Used in operation Anaconda. Lot of space and mounts for equipment and communication.
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