The Norway Special Forces are called the Forsvarets Spesialkommando, or FSK and are a special forces team that are not assigned to any particular branch of the Norway military. They specialize in many fields and offer military assistance and participate in combat search and rescue missions.  Their size is classified.

Their History

The FSK was formed in 1981 because of increased risks of terrorist activity particularly threatening the oil platforms of the North Sea. The FSK was considered a secretive unit until 1993 when they participated in a rescue mission of a hijacking in Fornebu and their existence was made known to the media.

How To Become A Member Of The FSK

Those who want to become a member of the FSK can do so if they are in any branch of the military in Norway. Those who are conscripts cannot apply for selection to this special forces unit.

FSK Training

Training is difficult and consists of parachute landings on oil platforms.  Some of the training exercises of the FSK have been criticized, although not documented. Only a small percentage of those who apply for the FSK make the cut and become part of this special forces team. The numbers of those who apply, who are in the force and who make the team are classified.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at special surveillance and reconnaissance, direction action and also collateral activities with various military forces.

Weapons Of The FSK

Many of their weapons are classified, but include the Heckler & Koch G3 Assault Rifle, The Colt Canada Assault Rifle, the Heckler & Koch 417 Battle Rifle, the Heckler & Koch MP7 and MP5 sub machine guns, the Heckler & Koch MSG 90 Sniper Rifle, The Barrett M82A1 high powered sniper rifle, the Heckler & Koch as well as the Glock 17 pistol and the M320 Grenade launcher, among others.

Known Missions

They have been known to participate in Kosovo as well as in Afghanistan.  They have worked with the British SAS, Delta Force, US Special Operations Command and the KSK of Germany.

Units

There are 100 units of commandos, although this information has not been updated since 2003.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The FSK are professional soldiers.   

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

This Article is written by James Kara Murat, contributor of US Navy SEAL Information Portal.