Frostbite Strikes Norwegian Hunter Battalion During Arctic Training Exercise
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Sixteen soldiers required medical attention after a demanding winter training exercise in Finnmark, Norway, raising questions about preparedness and safety protocols in extreme conditions.
A rigorous week-long winter training exercise for the Hunter Battalion has resulted in multiple cases of frostbite, prompting an investigation by the Norwegian Army. The incident, which unfolded between Monday and Friday, involved 64 soldiers in initial service and 12 commanders undertaking a 60-kilometer ski march from Polmark to Bugøyfjord. While the Hunter Battalion routinely operates in challenging Arctic environments near the Russian border, the number of affected personnel has triggered a formal review of procedures.
Initial Reports and Hospitalizations
Initial reports on Saturday indicated that two soldiers had been transported to the University Hospital of Northern Norway (UNN) in Tromsø for examination and treatment of frostbite. An additional 12 soldiers were assessed by a doctor at the military camp’s infirmary. However, the situation escalated on Sunday, with confirmation that four more soldiers – all initially identified as suffering from frostbite – were also sent to UNN for further medical evaluation.
“These soldiers are well looked after medically, and have received thorough and good treatment both from the Armed Forces’ military doctors and from the doctors at UNN,” stated a senior medical official. All affected personnel are expected to return to their units shortly.
Investigation Launched into Frostbite Cases
The commander of the Army, Major General Lars S. Lervik, has ordered a full investigation into the incident, to be led by personnel from the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Winter School. The investigation is scheduled to commence on Monday, January 19th.
“We take it seriously that so many people at an exercise get frostbite, and we will do the investigations required to get to the bottom of what has happened, and learn from it,” said Lieutenant Colonel Audun Jørstad, commander of the Hunter Battalion. The battalion typically conducts around 1,500 missions each month along the border with Russia, with nearly 1,000 soldiers and commanders deployed daily.
Severity of Injuries and Ongoing Care
Medical assessments indicate that none of the soldiers have sustained frostbite beyond the second degree. According to a Chief Medical Officer in the Army, the soldiers have been receiving treatment in accordance with established guidelines for frostbite management.
“Experience suggests that most people can return to duty, but the individual’s health is prioritized first,” the official added. Ongoing medical assessments will determine the full extent and severity of the injuries, with a focus on ensuring comprehensive follow-up care.
Hunter Battalion’s Arctic Expertise and Future Protocols
Despite the recent incident, the Hunter Battalion GSV maintains a strong record of operating effectively in the harsh Arctic climate. However, officials acknowledge the need to understand the factors contributing to the unusually high number of frostbite cases during this particular exercise.
The Army’s investigation will aim to identify any deficiencies in equipment, training, or operational procedures that may have contributed to the incident. The findings will be used to refine protocols and enhance the preparedness of soldiers operating in extreme cold weather conditions.
