Norwegian Military Academy

The Norwegian Army Academy (Krigsskolen) educates officers of the Norwegian Army and serves as the King’s Royal Guard. The academy was established in 1750, and is the oldest institution for higher education in Norway, and is located in |Linderud, Oslo. The current commandant is Colonel Arne Opperud.

History
The Commander-in-Chief of the Norwegian armed forces, Hans Jacob Arnold Jensen, sent a request to the King in 1750 to establish a school of mathematics in Christiania. The King determined, through the Royal Resolution of December 16, 1750, to establish Den frie matematiske skole (The Free Mathematical School). It was the first institution offering higher education in Norway, but it did not give any extensive military education. The students were recruited from the officer corps or from nobles in military service.

After a reorganization in 1804, the school became an officer school and an independent unit with its own command. From 1876-1880 a college degree was required to apply. The school was first established at Tollbugata 10. It was moved to St. Olavsplass in 1899 and in 1918 it was moved back to Tollbugata 10. In 1969, it was moved to Linderud, where it is currently located.

In 2003, the Army Academy was obligated to follow the Law of Universities and granted the right to award bachelor degrees.

Application and selection
Applicants must be Norwegian citizens and be 18 years or older. In addition, all applicants must have a satisfying health, no criminal record and pass a physical test consisting of 3000 meter run, hang-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and a 200 meter swim test. All applicants must have completed high school and must have completed a yearlong NCO course. After being accepted as a candidate, everyone must complete and pass a 2-week field exercise.

Organization
The Academy is a part of the Norwegian Army. The Academy consists of 7 courses. 1 course is located at Terningmoen, with a yearlong NCO course and prep course. 5 course are located at Linderud, with general education, engineering education and a qualifying course. The logistical course is located in Bergen.

Courses
The Academy offers a general education as well as a specialized engineering and logistical education. In addition, several civilian studies are available.

The general course last for 3 years and is divided into the fields of military power, leadership, language and intercultural communication, strategy and physical training. When finished, the cadets will serve as platoon commanders.

The engineering course last for 3 years and is divided into the fields of military building techniques, military geography, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry and computer science. When finished, the cadets will serve as platoon commanders.

The logistics course last for 3 years and is divided into the fields of methodology, logistics, law and economy. When finished, the cadets will serve as logistical officers.

The NCO course last for 1 year and is divided into the fields of military leadership, tactics and operations, physical training, language and mathematics. After completing the course, the cadets can start a 3-year course.

The qualifying course last for 6 months and includes the fields of military power and operations, military leadership, methodology and physical training.

Training
During the courses, the cadets complete several field exercises to train leadership, tactics and decision-making. One of the infamous field exercises is the combat course, conducted to test the limits of the cadets in a combat environment over a long period of time. The exercise must be completed, and certain demands must be met before the cadets qualify the 3-year courses.

Traditions
The classes have a tradition of taking names from Norwegian officers, inspiring the cadets to follow in their paths. The Norwegian Army Academy performs ceremonial duties for the King of Norway. A parade is conducted every December 16 to celebrate the establishment of the Academy. In addition, the Academy conducts a parade May 8, to celebrate the Liberation Day or Veteran Day.

Alumni

 * General Otto Ruge (1905)
 * His Majesty King Olav V (1921)
 * Captain Eiliv Austlid (1923)
 * His Majesty King Harald V (1957)