Forsvarets Spesialkommando
Forsvarets Spesialkommando | |
---|---|
File:FSK-HJK-logo.gif Forsvarets Spesialkommando Insignia | |
Active | 1982- current |
Country | Norway |
Branch | Norwegian Army |
Type | Special Forces |
Role | Special Surveillance and Reconnaissance (SR) Direct Action (DA) Military assistance (MA) Collateral Activities (CA) Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) |
Size | Classified |
Garrison/HQ | Rena leir |
Engagements | Bosnian war Kosovo war 2001 Macedonia conflict Operation Essential Harvest[1] Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Anaconda Operation Jacana |
Decorations | ![]() |
Forsvarets Spesialkommando (FSK) are the special forces of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. The unit 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
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Spesialjegere.jpg/220px-Spesialjegere.jpg)
FSK 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.
FSK supported U.S. 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 the British SAS, Delta Force and DEVGRU of US Special Operations Command and KSK of Germany. It is 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 and law enforcement agencies in allied nations, acting when requested 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 operations are strictly secret. Very little information is official. 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.
Recruitment
Soldiers join FSK from all parts of the Norwegian military. A soldier must have finished his year as a conscript before being allowed to apply for FSK selection and training.
Previously, the FSK only accepted applicants who had served as a conscript in The Army Ranger Command (Norwegian special forces, equivalent to the U.S. Army Rangers).
When accepted into the training program, the enlisted will go through some of the toughest military training the Norwegian army has to offer. Though many are accepted into the training program, usually only a handful finish the entire recruitment period.
Controversies
Claims have been made, that professional psychological help for traumatized FSK-soldiers, has not been adequate (and sometimes not available).[1]
Fact-Finding Commission
At least one fact-finding commission has been constituted,regarding activities of FSK, specifically the causes as to why soldier Bjørn Sagvolden was seriously injured during a training mission, in 1983.[2]
Former Commanding Officers
Former Commanding Officers of FSK,include:
- Lieutenant Colonel Karl Egil Hanevik(2003)[3]
Weapons
Various types of weapons used by FSK:
Automatgevær AG3F2 - Assault Rifle
Colt Canada C8SFW - Assault rifle
Heckler & Koch HK 417 - Battle rifle not approved by photos
Heckler & Koch HK 416 - Assault rifle not approved by photos
Heckler & Koch MP7 - Submachine gun not approved by photos
Heckler & Koch MP5 - Submachine gun
Heckler & Koch MSG-90 - Sniper rifle
Accuracy International L115A1 - Sniper Rifle
Barrett M82A1 - high-powered heavy Sniper Rifle
Heckler & Koch USP - Pistol
Glock 17 - Pistol
AG-C/EGLM - Grenade launcher (fitted to C8SFW)
Talley Defense Systems M72 LAW - light anti-armor weapon
Carl Gustav recoilless rifle - anti-tank weapon
Browning M2 - HMG
Rheinmetall MG3 - GPMG
FN MINIMI Para SPW - LMG
HK GMG (automatic grenade launcher on Mercedes SF vehicles).
M320 Grenade Launcher Module(on HK416).
M249 SAW
Vehicles
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
External links
- «Hærens Jegerkommando – en prioritert avdeling», from Milnytt.no, November 1, 2005 Template:No icon
- ShadowSpear.com Special Operations Community Website Template:No icon
- «Åsta-helt døde under anti-terrortrening», from Verdens Gang, October 6, 2005 Template:No icon
- «Ødelegge og nøytralisere» from Bergens Tidende, February 17, 2005 Template:No icon
- «Norske styrker øver anti-terror» from Forsvarsnett, December 30, 2002 Template:No icon
- «Taushet om spesialstyrker», from Ny Tid, November 16, 2001 Template:No icon
- «Spesialkommandoen skulle befri Ostrø» from Verdens Gang, September 23, 2001 Template:No icon
- «Video of NORSOF»from TVNORGE, January 21, 2007 Template:No icon
- TV Commercial Video Template:No icon
- Forsvarets Spesialkommando promo video Template:No icon
- «The FSK official website»
References
- ^ "Regjeringens drapsmaskiner",Dagens Næringsliv,16./21.April 2003,p.29
- ^ "Regjeringens drapsmaskiner",Dagens Næringsliv,16./21.April 2003,p.27
- ^ "Regjeringens drapsmaskiner",Dagens Næringsliv,16./21.April 2003,p.29