Jump to content

Forsvarets Spesialkommando: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
[pending revision][pending revision]
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Safety violations: Comment: "FSK/HJK" from newspaper article are 2 different units that train together.
Reinsertion of reference from national newspaper about commando Sagvoldens medical records/ and Sevarin Vikanes misrep of truth in official letter. From national newspaper: http://www.dagbladet.no/2009/11/13/nyheter/forsvaret/dykkere/9023881/
Line 108: Line 108:
During a FSK training mission a former [[commando]] of USA ([[Kevin Thilgman]]), died in 2010 when their boat capsized at a speed above 50 [[knots]].<ref>{{cite news|title=- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET|newspaper=[[Verdens Gang]]|date=2011-10-06|author=[[Tom Bakkeli]]|page=14|language=Norwegian|quote="Forsvarets nye hurtiggående [[RHIB]]"; [[RHIB]]-en ikke var ferdig testet"; "toppfart langt over 50 [[knop]]"; "Båtfører fra FLO [[[Forsvarets Logistikkorganisajon]]]"; [[Vealøs]] ... [[Langøya]]}}</ref> A number of safety procedures had been violated, when the "newly"<ref>{{cite news|title=- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET|newspaper=[[Verdens Gang]]|date=2011-10-06|author=[[Tom Bakkeli]]|page=14|language=Norwegian|quote="Forsvarets nye hurtiggående [[RHIB]]"; [[RHIB]]-en ikke var ferdig testet"; "toppfart langt over 50 [[knop]]"; "Båtfører fra FLO [[[Forsvarets Logistikkorganisajon]]]"; [[Vealøs]] ... [[Langøya]]}}</ref> acquired boat was being demonstrated without testing being completed in advance.
During a FSK training mission a former [[commando]] of USA ([[Kevin Thilgman]]), died in 2010 when their boat capsized at a speed above 50 [[knots]].<ref>{{cite news|title=- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET|newspaper=[[Verdens Gang]]|date=2011-10-06|author=[[Tom Bakkeli]]|page=14|language=Norwegian|quote="Forsvarets nye hurtiggående [[RHIB]]"; [[RHIB]]-en ikke var ferdig testet"; "toppfart langt over 50 [[knop]]"; "Båtfører fra FLO [[[Forsvarets Logistikkorganisajon]]]"; [[Vealøs]] ... [[Langøya]]}}</ref> A number of safety procedures had been violated, when the "newly"<ref>{{cite news|title=- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET|newspaper=[[Verdens Gang]]|date=2011-10-06|author=[[Tom Bakkeli]]|page=14|language=Norwegian|quote="Forsvarets nye hurtiggående [[RHIB]]"; [[RHIB]]-en ikke var ferdig testet"; "toppfart langt over 50 [[knop]]"; "Båtfører fra FLO [[[Forsvarets Logistikkorganisajon]]]"; [[Vealøs]] ... [[Langøya]]}}</ref> acquired boat was being demonstrated without testing being completed in advance.


==Commandos==
⚫
==Former Commanding Officers==
*[[Bjørn Sagvolden]] <ref>[http://www.dagbladet.no/2009/11/13/nyheter/forsvaret/dykkere/9023881/ Dagbladet, 2009-11-13 "''- Mannen min er slett ikke død''"]: (Title and quotes translated): "My husband definitely is not dead" ... "«During the trial, your lawyer demanded (''framprovoserte '') [[medical record]]s that [[Svein Eidsvik|Dr. Eidsvik]] ought to have about you. ''[[Forsvaret]]s'' attempt at finding these documents have been without results (...) Dr. Eidsvik has died, and thereby the department does not have any opportunity to examine the matter any further", wrote ''[[avdelingsdirektør]]'' Severin Vikanes, chief of ''juridisk seksjon'' of [[Forsvarsdepartementet]]."</ref><ref>[http://www.sykepleien.no/ikbViewer/Content/120374/08sy15.pdf ''Sykepleien'' 15/08 (Claims about nurses' insurance related to "risikodykking", made by Bjørn Sagvolden — printed in "Sykepleien" (and written by Sykepleien's editorial board), page 82]: translation to English: "victory in the [[Diving chamber]] trial (trykkammer-saken)" ... [Bjørn Sagvolden called to congratulate] "after having read the article in [[Sykepleien]] 13/2008 about the nurses from Bergen who were awarded [[tort|tortious compensation]] of 5.5 million in [[Norwegian kroner]] because they were injured by "dykkersyke" while at work. Sagvolden is a former Navy diver, and he was injured when he fainted while diving in 1983. In 2005 his injury was approved as a work-related injury, and in November there will be a trial regarding tortious compensation." ... "That the employer insured the nurses against "risikodykking" ... "must be the first time that Norway's government claims responsibility for "risikodykking" i "avtaleverket" ("Bjørn Sagvolden som
ringer til Sykepleien etter å ha lest
saken i 13/2008 om Bergenssykepleierne
som fikk 5,5 millioner
kroner i erstatning fordi de ble
dykkersyke på jobben.
Sagvolden er tidligere marinedykker
og ble skadet da han
besvimte under dykking i 1983. I
2005 fikk han godkjent dette som
yrkesskade, men i november blir
det rettssak i Oslo tingrett om
erstatning." ... "At arbeidsgiver forsikret
sykepleierne for risikodykking,
synes han er svært interessant.
– Dette må være første gang
at staten erkjenner ansvar for
risikodykking i avtaleverket")</ref><ref>[[Verdens Gang|VG]], November 14, 2008 (Facsimile: http://dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-14/faksimile_vg_fsk_141108.pdf
</ref><ref>http://www.lokalavisen.no/nyheter/tapte-mot-staten-1.4801230: (translation: "Lost against the Government - Oslo/[[Ellingsrud]]: In November 2008 [[Oslo tingrett]], a ... trial started. Bjørn Sagvolden sued the Government for what he regards as violations of [[civil liberty|civil liberties]] and other violations thru 25 years. The starting point was a [[diving accident]] in 1983, that nearly killed him. Information (related to his military service) that did not benefit him, was supposedly leaked to civillian employers and ''[[borettslag]]'' to purposely harass Sagvolden. He claimed [[tort|tortious compensation]] [amounting to Norwegian kroner] 17 million, but now he is running the risk of (instead) having to pay the [court] costs of the Government.) ''Tapte mot staten - Bjørn Sagvolden fra Ellingsrud har tapt saken som han anla mot staten. Sagvolden vil anke dommen. - OSLO/ELLINGSRUD: I november 2008 åpnet Oslo tingrett en meget omfattende sak. Bjørn Sagvolden gikk til sak mot staten for det han mener er menneskerettighetsbrudd og krenkelser gjennom 25 år. - Utgangspunktet var en dykkerulykke i 1983, som var nær ved å ta livet hans. Ufordelaktige opplysninger fra tiden i Forsvaret skulle angivelig ha lekket til sivile arbeidsgivere og borettslag i den hensikt å trakassere Sagvolden. - Han krevde 17 millioner i erstatning, men risikerer i stedet å måtte betale statens kostnader."</ref><ref>[[Dagens Næringsliv]], [[DN Magasinet]],16./21. april 2003,p.1 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf )</ref>
⚫
===Former Commanding Officers===
Former Commanding Officers of FSK,include:
Former Commanding Officers of FSK,include:
* [[Harald Sunde (general)|Harald Sunde]] (1992–1996)
* [[Harald Sunde (general)|Harald Sunde]] (1992–1996)

Revision as of 22:10, 9 October 2011

Forsvarets Spesialkommando
File:FSK-HJK-logo.gif
Forsvarets Spesialkommando Insignia
Active1982- current
CountryNorway Norway
BranchNot assigned
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
EngagementsBosnian war
India / Kashmir ( Hostage situation )[1]
Kosovo war
2001 Macedonia conflict
Operation Essential Harvest[2]
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Anaconda
Operation Jacana
Uzbin Valley ambush (after action only)
Decorations  Army Presidential Unit Citation

FSK (Forsvarets Spesialkommando) is a special forces unit of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. The unit was established in 1981 due to the increased risk of terrorist activity against Norwegian interests, especially[citation needed] the oil platforms in the North Sea.

History

FSK soldiers during Operation Anaconda

FSK was first[citation needed] officially revealed to the media after the military's comments regarding the hijacking of an airplane at Fornebu in September 1993.

Outside of Norway

Kosovo

The FSK and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) cooperated in various ways during the Kosovo conflict.[3] FSK / HJK was the first special forces unit to enter Pristina. The HJK's mission was to level the negotiating field between the belligerent parties, and to fine-tune the detailed, local deals needed to implement the peace deal between the Serbians and the Kosovo Albanians.[4]

Claims have been made, that the FSK could not have avoided witnessing war crimes perptrated by the KLA, given that the FSK were closely monitoring/cooperating with the KLA.[3] Questions asked in connection with FSK's activities, include "How well informed was the Norwegian government about the cooperation between KLA and FSK? ... Did we help criminals get in to power?"[3]

Afghanistan

FSK supported U.S. Special Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. They have had missions in the Helmand and Uruzgan provinces of South Afghanistan [5]

FSK has co-operated with other special forces such as the British SAS, Delta Force and DEVGRU of US Special Operations Command and KSK of Germany.[citation needed]

"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.[6][7]"

Organization

In 2003, the unit was claimed to consist of about 100 commandos.[8][n 1] (These individual commandos are referred to by various names in the Norwegian media, including kommandosoldat, spesialsoldat and spesialjeger.)

Chain of command

Above the FSK's Commanding Officer, the chain of command includes the Ministry of Defence. The unit commander reports directly to GIH (generalinspektøren for hæren).[9] There is at least one reference claiming the existence of a Chief of special forces (sjefen for spesialstyrkene)[n 2][10]

Relationship with HJK

HJK (Hærens Jegerkommando) and FSK have at times (if not today) shared a Commanding Officer.[n 3][11]

FSK and HJK share training facilities at the military base (Rena leir), where both units are headquartered.

The term "FSK/HJK"

The term "FSK/HJK" is in use.[12][13] FSK/HJK are claimed to be a special force(s) ("en spesialstyrke").[14] FSK/HJK are also claimed to be responsible for preparing/training soldiers for service in spesialjegerkommandoen and fallskjermjegertroppen[15]

HJK received its name in 1997, and records are lacking regarding any subsequent change of the unit's name. Records of FSK, being incorporated into another unit, are also lacking.

FSK/HJK is the name of any task force convened, consisting of the two different units, FSK and HJK.

FSK and HJK, have the capabilities of sharing logistics, training facilities and other resources, including mailing address.

General tasks

In peacetime they are a support element to the Norwegian Police force and law enforcement agencies in allied nations, acting when requested[by whom?] in serious incidents like hostage situations and aircraft hijacking. During counter-terrorist operations, FSK operatives are trained to eliminate the threats rather than trying to arrest them.

In wartime, their tasks are mainly:

  • to gather intelligence
  • to localize and identify enemy supplies and activity
  • to carry out offensive operations against very important targets
  • to provide support to rescue missions involving important personnel
  • to provide protection to personnel and departments.

Selection

Soldiers from any branch of the Norwegian military, can be selected to join FSK. Conscripts can not apply for FSK selection.

Previously, the FSK only accepted applicants who had served as a conscript in either Marinejegerkommandoen or HJK.

Training

Candidates for FSK will go through some of the toughest Norwegian military training.

FSK-officers are claimed to receive training at Long Range Reconnaissance School in Germany.[16]

William H. McRaven a United States Navy admiral, who serves as the commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)said in an interview with a Norwegian newspaper in 2007 that he regarded the Special forces of Norway to be among the top special forces in the world and that one of his favourite operations was the Norwegian heavy water sabotage by the Norwegian resistance forces during World War II .[17]

Criticism of the training

Parachute landings on oil platforms in the North Sea

Testimony in court and in the media indicates that training previously included parachute landings on helicopter landing-pads related to oil platforms.[18][19] The SAS (special forces from Britain) considered such as suicide missions.[19]

"Sitting duck" exercises

In the past, the training has included "sitting duck" exercises, where a soldier had to sit still while live rounds were fired, missing the soldier's head by only a few centimeters.[20][18] The stated purpose of the exercise, if any, is lacking from records.

Comments made about the exercise include "There probably is a reason why one does not conduct this exercise today."[n 4][21]

Controversies

Claims have been made, that professional psychological help for traumatized FSK-soldiers, has not been adequate (and sometimes not reasonably available).[22]

Quotes

  • "Trained to kill. Afterwards they were left by themselves."[23]

Safety violations

During a FSK training mission a former commando of USA (Kevin Thilgman), died in 2010 when their boat capsized at a speed above 50 knots.[24] A number of safety procedures had been violated, when the "newly"[25] acquired boat was being demonstrated without testing being completed in advance.

Commandos

Former Commanding Officers

Former Commanding Officers of FSK,include:

Weapons

Various types of weapons used by FSK:

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.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ A previous claim of 40 commandos, as of 2001, with a future increase of 50 % regarding the number of soldiers, was forecast (lacking a timeframe) in the enclosed reference: http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=9958374 Template:WebCite
  2. ^ Colonel Torgeir Gråtrud was Chief of special forces as of October 17, 2007
  3. ^ The Commanding Officer for FSK and HJK, was the same person, in year 2003, at least. Ref: Dagens Næringsliv, DN Magasinet,16./21. april 2003,p.29 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Template:WebCite
  4. ^ According to former "FSK-Sergeant"/ FSK-veteran of the Kosovo conflict, Knut Harald Hansen

References

  1. ^ http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/artikkel.php?artid=1588113
  2. ^ Taushet om spesialstyrker : Ny Tid Template:WebCite
  3. ^ a b c Hjalp vi forbryterne til makten? - Kultur - Dagbladet.no Template:WebCite
  4. ^ Tom Bakkeli - Norges Hemmelige Krigere ( ISBN 978-82-489-0722-0 )
  5. ^ http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10029382
  6. ^ http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1950007.ece
  7. ^ [1]
  8. ^ Dagens Næringsliv, DN Magasinet,16./21. april 2003,p.1 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Template:WebCite
  9. ^ Glossary of Endgame by Knut Braa,p.270,ISBN 978-82-8143-198-0
  10. ^ Ærverdig avslutning for Lingeklubben - regjeringen.no Template:WebCite
  11. ^ Dagens Næringsliv, DN Magasinet,16./21. april 2003,p.29 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Template:WebCite
  12. ^ mil.no | Hæren | Om FSK/HJK
  13. ^ mil.no | Hæren
  14. ^ mil.no | Hæren | Forsvarets spesialkommando/ Hærens Jegerkommando
  15. ^ Glossary of Endgame,p.270,ISBN 978-82-8143-198-0
  16. ^ Taushet om spesialstyrker : Ny Tid Template:WebCite
  17. ^ http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10093179
  18. ^ a b Dagens Næringsliv, DN Magasinet,16./21. april 2003,p.27 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Template:WebCite
  19. ^ a b Verdens Gang, 14.11.2008 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-14/faksimile_vg_fsk_141108.pdf )
  20. ^ http://www.lokalavisen.no/nyheter/til-kamp-mot-staten-1.4794004 : (translation: "A short time after the accident he was placed in a dark room with an infrared beam pointed at his forehead, and shots were fired around his head.") "Kort tid etter ulykken ble han plassert i et mørkt rom med infrarød stråle i panna, og skutt rundt hodet på."
  21. ^ Dagens Næringsliv, DN Magasinet,16./21. april 2003,p.28 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Template:WebCite
  22. ^ "Regjeringens drapsmaskiner", Dagens Næringsliv,16./21.April 2003,p.29 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Template:WebCite
  23. ^ Dagens Næringsliv,16./21. april 2003,front page ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Template:WebCite
  24. ^ Tom Bakkeli (2011-10-06). "- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). p. 14. "Forsvarets nye hurtiggående RHIB"; RHIB-en ikke var ferdig testet"; "toppfart langt over 50 knop"; "Båtfører fra FLO [[[Forsvarets Logistikkorganisajon]]]"; Vealøs ... Langøya
  25. ^ Tom Bakkeli (2011-10-06). "- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). p. 14. "Forsvarets nye hurtiggående RHIB"; RHIB-en ikke var ferdig testet"; "toppfart langt over 50 knop"; "Båtfører fra FLO [[[Forsvarets Logistikkorganisajon]]]"; Vealøs ... Langøya
  26. ^ Dagbladet, 2009-11-13 "- Mannen min er slett ikke død": (Title and quotes translated): "My husband definitely is not dead" ... "«During the trial, your lawyer demanded (framprovoserte ) medical records that Dr. Eidsvik ought to have about you. Forsvarets attempt at finding these documents have been without results (...) Dr. Eidsvik has died, and thereby the department does not have any opportunity to examine the matter any further", wrote avdelingsdirektør Severin Vikanes, chief of juridisk seksjon of Forsvarsdepartementet."
  27. ^ Sykepleien 15/08 (Claims about nurses' insurance related to "risikodykking", made by Bjørn Sagvolden — printed in "Sykepleien" (and written by Sykepleien's editorial board), page 82: translation to English: "victory in the Diving chamber trial (trykkammer-saken)" ... [Bjørn Sagvolden called to congratulate] "after having read the article in Sykepleien 13/2008 about the nurses from Bergen who were awarded tortious compensation of 5.5 million in Norwegian kroner because they were injured by "dykkersyke" while at work. Sagvolden is a former Navy diver, and he was injured when he fainted while diving in 1983. In 2005 his injury was approved as a work-related injury, and in November there will be a trial regarding tortious compensation." ... "That the employer insured the nurses against "risikodykking" ... "must be the first time that Norway's government claims responsibility for "risikodykking" i "avtaleverket" ("Bjørn Sagvolden som ringer til Sykepleien etter å ha lest saken i 13/2008 om Bergenssykepleierne som fikk 5,5 millioner kroner i erstatning fordi de ble dykkersyke på jobben. Sagvolden er tidligere marinedykker og ble skadet da han besvimte under dykking i 1983. I 2005 fikk han godkjent dette som yrkesskade, men i november blir det rettssak i Oslo tingrett om erstatning." ... "At arbeidsgiver forsikret sykepleierne for risikodykking, synes han er svært interessant. – Dette må være første gang at staten erkjenner ansvar for risikodykking i avtaleverket")
  28. ^ VG, November 14, 2008 (Facsimile: http://dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-14/faksimile_vg_fsk_141108.pdf
  29. ^ http://www.lokalavisen.no/nyheter/tapte-mot-staten-1.4801230: (translation: "Lost against the Government - Oslo/Ellingsrud: In November 2008 Oslo tingrett, a ... trial started. Bjørn Sagvolden sued the Government for what he regards as violations of civil liberties and other violations thru 25 years. The starting point was a diving accident in 1983, that nearly killed him. Information (related to his military service) that did not benefit him, was supposedly leaked to civillian employers and borettslag to purposely harass Sagvolden. He claimed tortious compensation [amounting to Norwegian kroner] 17 million, but now he is running the risk of (instead) having to pay the [court] costs of the Government.) Tapte mot staten - Bjørn Sagvolden fra Ellingsrud har tapt saken som han anla mot staten. Sagvolden vil anke dommen. - OSLO/ELLINGSRUD: I november 2008 åpnet Oslo tingrett en meget omfattende sak. Bjørn Sagvolden gikk til sak mot staten for det han mener er menneskerettighetsbrudd og krenkelser gjennom 25 år. - Utgangspunktet var en dykkerulykke i 1983, som var nær ved å ta livet hans. Ufordelaktige opplysninger fra tiden i Forsvaret skulle angivelig ha lekket til sivile arbeidsgivere og borettslag i den hensikt å trakassere Sagvolden. - Han krevde 17 millioner i erstatning, men risikerer i stedet å måtte betale statens kostnader."
  30. ^ Dagens Næringsliv, DN Magasinet,16./21. april 2003,p.1 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf )
  31. ^ "Regjeringens drapsmaskiner", Dagens Næringsliv,16./21.April 2003,p.29
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Forsvarets_Spesialkommando&oldid=454776629"