Opinions
RECOMMENDED: In the budget proposal for 2025, the Government proposes to increase the Home Guard’s regional structure by an additional 500 soldiers, says Minister of Defense Bjørn Aril Gram (Sp).
Photo: Heine Sandvik Brekke, Forsvaret forum
This not only provides greater security for those of us living in Norway, but it also sends a clear signal to our allies that we are a reliable defense partner.
This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the author. Submit articles and opinion pieces to Forsvarets forum here.
In the new long-term plan for the defense sector, it is a priority for the government to significantly increase the use of reservists. In the coming years, we will strengthen the Defense with nearly 23,000 more soldiers and personnel, with well over half of these being reservists. We are taking several measures to structure and organize the resources that former military personnel and soldiers represent.
The government already proposed changes to the defense law in 2022, which came into effect on January 1 of this year. We proposed to expand the Armed Forces’ ability to contract service obligations for non-conscripts and to extend service obligations for conscripts.
The goal was to make reservist service more predictable for both the Armed Forces and the individual. We wanted to reduce lead time and support increased use of reservists. This helps ensure that the Armed Forces can reliably access expertise and facilitates growth.
Contracted reservists provide the Armed Forces with increased flexibility and predictability in planning and scaling their efforts to safeguard Norway’s security.
Read also: Lars Lervik wants to make it easier to serve as a reservist
Will become more attractive
To enhance predictability for individuals and make being a reservist more attractive, the government has proposed a new compensation model for reservists, which is now out for consultation.
A challenge with the current compensation model is that reservists who work in the private sector do not receive the same compensation for lost wage income as reservists who work in the public sector. We propose to equalize these differences.
In the new compensation model, reservists will be compensated for lost wage income due to service up to six times the basic amount of the National Insurance Scheme – regardless of which sector they normally work in.
In addition to income compensation, there will also be compensation for completed service. In total, this will provide more predictability and financial security in everyday life for reservists who serve in the Armed Forces. We have allocated significant resources for this in next year’s budget.
Hårek Elvenes (H): Military reserve personnel must be utilized better
Important part of basic security
In the new long-term plan, we plan to incorporate over 13,700 more reservists into the force structure. A large portion of these will be affiliated with Brigade South, which will consist of approximately 6,000 reservists. Brigade South is the third brigade in addition to Brigade North and the Finnmark Brigade, and will be located in various places in Eastern Norway.
Brigade South will play an important role in supporting allied reception and will be used as a mobile reaction force.
The Home Guard has been undervalued and underprioritized for too long. The Center Party has long believed that the Home Guard is an important part of basic security throughout the country. Therefore, the government has included significant investments in both equipment and personnel in the Home Guard since the change of government.
Already in 2023, we increased the regional structure by 500 soldiers, many of whom went to Home Guard areas that have significantly reduced over time.
Also sends a clear signal
In the budget for the current year, we have also invested in equipment for the Home Guard to facilitate further growth in the regional structure in the coming years. In the long-term plan, we have proposed to increase the Home Guard to 45,000.
In the budget proposal for 2025, we propose an increase to the Home Guard to cover uniforms, equipment, training, and an increase in the regional structure by an additional 500 soldiers. An important part of the initiative is that everyone should train enough each year. This means five days for privates and seven days for non-commissioned officers, and this will be the standard level of training moving forward.
The government’s investment in reservists is both forward-looking and necessary. Expanding this force not only provides greater security for those of us living in Norway, but it also sends a clear signal to our allies that we are a reliable defense partner.
The role of reservists is critical, and with this investment, we demonstrate the ability and willingness to build a flexible and robust defense for the future, which is well grounded in civil society and enhances the force structure with well-qualified personnel.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert on Norway’s Military Restructure
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, [Expert’s Name], an esteemed defense analyst and expert in military strategy, to discuss the recent proposals by the Norwegian government regarding the restructuring of the military and the increased emphasis on reservists. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. The Norwegian Minister of Defense, Bjørn Aril Gram, announced a plan to increase the Home Guard’s structure by an additional 500 soldiers as part of the 2025 budget proposal. Why is this significant for Norway’s defense strategy?
Expert: This proposal is pivotal for several reasons. Firstly, increasing the Home Guard’s personnel enhances local security, providing a strong community-based defense mechanism. Moreover, it signals to our allies that Norway is a committed and reliable partner in regional security. In the context of evolving global threats, such moves are essential to reassure both citizens and international partners.
Editor: You mentioned evolving global threats. Can you expand on how these changes to Norway’s defense structure, including the integration of reservists, address current security challenges?
Expert: Absolutely. The current geopolitical landscape in Europe, especially with the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, has necessitated a reevaluation of defense capabilities. By proposing an increase of nearly 23,000 soldiers, predominantly in the form of reservists, Norway aims to maintain readiness and adaptability in its armed forces. Reservists can provide crucial support without the need for long-term commitments, enabling quicker scaling of operations during crises.
Editor: It seems there’s a clear focus on making the reservist program more attractive through proposed changes in compensation. How important is this shift?
Expert: This is a crucial development. Many reservists today often come from the private sector and face financial disparities compared to their public sector counterparts. By proposing to equalize compensation for lost wages during service, the government is acknowledging the sacrifices reservists make and attempting to make their service more feasible. The new compensation model that covers lost wage income up to six times the basic amount of the National Insurance Scheme could greatly increase participation rates.
Editor: There’s also a mention of Brigade South, which is set to welcome over 6,000 reservists. What role do you see this brigade playing within Norway’s defense framework?
Expert: Brigade South will serve as a versatile force, not only enhancing domestic security but also facilitating NATO’s collective defense efforts. Being strategically positioned in Eastern Norway, it’s designed to act as a rapid reaction force, supporting allied engagement as necessary. This brigade is part of a broader strategy to create a more integrated and capable military force that can respond to multiple types of threats.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive approach! However, some critics argue that the Home Guard has been undervalued. What are your thoughts on the historical context of this criticism?
Expert: The concern about the Home Guard being undervalued is valid. For years, its potential contributions to national security were overlooked in favor of conventional military strategies. However, recent events have highlighted the importance of local forces in overall defense strategy. Strengthening the Home Guard is a recognition of its critical role in ensuring national security and enhancing civilian resilience.
Editor: As we look to the future, what should we keep an eye on regarding these defense initiatives?
Expert: We should pay close attention to how these proposals transition from ideas to implementation. The success of the new reservist compensation model, the recruitment and integration of the additional personnel, and the operational readiness of newly established brigades will be key indicators of success. Furthermore, community engagement and public support will be essential as these changes seek to bolster Norway’s defense posture in a rapidly changing world.
Editor: Insightful as always, [Expert’s Name]. Thank you for sharing your expertise on Norway’s defense plans. It’s a dynamic time for military restructuring, and we appreciate your views on this vital subject.
Expert: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important developments with you.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this engaging discussion. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to bring you insights and updates on critical global issues.