Forsvarets Spesialkommando (FSK)

Forsvarets Spesialkommando
Forsvarets Spesialkommando Insignia
Active	1982- current
Country	Norway
Branch	Not assigned
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 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^[16] and e-mail address^[17].

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, the commandos are trained to kill their opponents, rather^{[citation needed]} 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^{[citation needed]} 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.^[18]

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.^[19][20] The SAS (special forces from Britain) considered such as suicide missions.^[20]

"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.^[21][19] 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][22]}

Controversies

Claims have been made, that professional psychological help for traumatized FSK-soldiers, has not been adequate (and sometimes not reasonably available).^[23]

Quotes

• "Trained to kill. Afterwards they were left by themselves."^[24]

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.^[25] A number of safety procedures had been violated, when the "newly"^[26] acquired boat was being demonstrated without testing being completed in advance.

Former Commanding Officers

Former Commanding Officers of FSK,include:

• Harald Sunde (1992–1996)
• Oberstløytnant Karl Egil Hanevik(2003)^[27]

Weapons

Various types of weapons used by FSK:

• Colt Canada C8SFW - Assault rifle
• Heckler & Koch HK 417 - Battle rifle
• Heckler & Koch HK 416 - Assault rifle
• Heckler & Koch MP5 - Submachine gun
• Heckler & Koch MSG-90 - Sniper rifle
• Accuracy International L115A1 - Sniper Rifle
• 12,7mm MØR(Barrett M82A1) - Anti-materiel rifle
• Heckler & Koch USP Tactical - Pistol
• AG-C/EGLM - Grenade launcher (Fitted to C8SFW)
• M320 Grenade Launcher Module(on HK416).
• HK GMG (automatic grenade launcher on Mercedes SF vehicles).
• M72 LAW - Light anti-armor weapon
• 84mm Rekylfri Kanon(Carl Gustav M2) - anti-tank weapon
• Browning M2 - HMG
• Rheinmetall MG 3) - GPMG
• FN MINIMI 5,56 Para TR - LMG
• M1 Super 90-shotgun^{[citation needed]}

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

• Special Activities Division
• Delta Force
• SEAL Team Six
• SAS

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 Archived 2 February 2011 at 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 ) Archived 2 February 2011 at 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 Archived 2 February 2011 at WebCite
3. ^ ^{a b c} Hjalp vi forbryterne til makten? - Kultur - Dagbladet.no Archived 2 February 2011 at 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 ) Archived 2 February 2011 at WebCite
9. ^ Glossary of Endgame by Knut Braa,p.270,ISBN 978-82-8143-198-0
10. ^ Ærverdig avslutning for Lingeklubben - regjeringen.no Archived 2 February 2011 at 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 ) Archived 2 February 2011 at 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. ^ http://www.fallskjermjeger.no/ "Post: — Forsvarets Spesialkommando- Hærens jegerkommando — Postboks 124—2451 Rena"
17. ^ http://www.fallskjermjeger.no/
18. ^ Taushet om spesialstyrker : Ny Tid Archived 2 February 2011 at WebCite
19. ^ ^{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 ) Archived 2 February 2011 at WebCite
20. ^ ^{a b} Verdens Gang, 14.11.2008 ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-14/faksimile_vg_fsk_141108.pdf )
21. ^ 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."
22. ^ 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 ) Archived 2 February 2011 at WebCite
23. ^ "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 ) Archived 2 February 2011 at WebCite
24. ^ Dagens Næringsliv,16./21. april 2003,front page ( Facsimile: http://www.dykkersaken.no/files/dated/2008-11-13/artikkel_sagvolden_dn_210403.pdf ) Archived 2 February 2011 at WebCite
25. ^ Tom Bakkeli (2011-10-06). "- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET" (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang: 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. ^ Tom Bakkeli (2011-10-06). "- SIKKERHETEN HAR SVIKTET" (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang: p. 14. ""Forsvarets nye hurtiggående RHIB"; RHIB-en ikke var ferdig testet"; "toppfart langt over 50 knop"; "Båtfører fra FLO Forsvarets Logistikkorganisajon"; Vealøs ... Langøya" 
27. ^ "Regjeringens drapsmaskiner", Dagens Næringsliv,16./21.April 2003,p.29

External links

• «Hærens Jegerkommando – en prioritert avdeling», from Milnytt.no, November 1, 2005 (Norwegian)
• ShadowSpear.com Special Operations Community Website (Norwegian)
• «Åsta-helt døde under anti-terrortrening», from Verdens Gang, October 6, 2005 (Norwegian)
• «Ødelegge og nøytralisere» from Bergens Tidende, February 17, 2005 (Norwegian)
• «Norske styrker øver anti-terror» from Forsvarsnett, December 30, 2002 (Norwegian)
• «Taushet om spesialstyrker», from Ny Tid, November 16, 2001 (Norwegian)
• «Spesialkommandoen skulle befri Ostrø» from Verdens Gang, September 23, 2001 (Norwegian)
• «Video of NORSOF» from TVNORGE, January 21, 2007 (Norwegian)
• TV Commercial Video (Norwegian)
• Forsvarets Spesialkommando promo video (Norwegian)
• «The FSK official website»
• Facsimile: «"Regjeringens drapsmaskiner", Dagens Næringsliv, DN Magasinet,16./21.April 2003,p. 25 to p. 29  » (Norwegian)
• http://www.janes.com/defence/news/kosovo/jdw990420_01_n.shtml