The Norwegian Military Academy (Krigsskolen), in Oslo, 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. Between 1984 and 1995 Krigsskolen Gimlemoen in Kristiansand was also in operation. This was a 2-year degree (in addition to a one-year NCO/Sergeant schools, and at least one year service as an NCO as a requirement for admission). Students from KSG was awarded a commission as officers in the Army. In 2003, the Military Academy was obligated to follow the Law of Universities and granted the right to award bachelor’s degrees.
Applicants must be Norwegian citizens aged at least eighteen, have good health and no criminal record, and must have completed high school and a one-year NCO course. After being accepted as candidates, all applicants must then complete and pass a two-week field exercise, with physical tests which include a three kilometre run, hang-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 200-metre swimming test. 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.
The general course last for 3 years and is divided into the fields of military power, leadership, language and inter-cultural 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.
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. The classes have a tradition of taking names from Norwegian officers, inspiring the cadets to follow in their paths. The Norwegian Military Academy performs ceremonial duties for the King of Norway. A parade is conducted every 16 December to celebrate the establishment of the Academy. In addition, the Academy conducts a parade 8 May, to celebrate the Liberation Day or Veteran Day.
