• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

12th Brigade / High-Readiness Force (NOA HRF)

Significant changes were proposed in White Paper no. 42 (2003-2004), based on recommendations made by the Chief of Defence in his Military Study (CHOD MS), which would be implemented in the years 2004-2005. Brigade North is the deployable brigade that is proposed established by the Chief of Defence and the Government, with a no more than 180 days notice-to-march.

The organisation and equipping of the 12th Brigade was adjusted in 2003 so that the Norwegian Army High Readiness Force would replace part of 12th Brigade. 12th Brigade was developed as an independent brigade and reorganised to allow the rapid deployment of a flexible and mobile force of considerable strength over large distances at short notice. This mobile force must be fully air transportable. As part of the work involved, the Telemark Battalion was reorganised, no later than 1 July 2003, as a rapid reaction force with a permanent base at Østerdal Garrison. The activities at Heistadmoen was closed down as from the same date. The battalion was to be capable of meeting NATO's requirements for rapid reaction forces.

Norwegian Army High-Readiness Force (NOA HRF) is responsible to post the Army contribution, with personnel and units, to the Norwegian High-Readiness Force - for participation in international operations and national crisis management. NOA HRF leads preparations as well as follow-up and discharges of individual personnel and units of the Norwegian Army in international service (overseas service), and performs personnel responsibility for those who has made contract for this kind of service. Several individual units are included in such a service. NOA HRF had during 2003 as its main mission to post a Rapid Reaction Force with Telemark battalion (TMBN) and support units, ready on contract as well as secure further Army participation in international operations.

NOA HRF carried out its tasks according to plan in 2003. Telemark Engineer Squadron was deployed in Iraq in July, and in November Telemark Task Force deployed to Afghanistan. NOA HRF maintained the Army contribution in Kosovo, and provided Norwegian Contingent Command (NCC) in all three operations. Theatre Enabling Forces (TEF) deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. NOA HRF had the responsibility of posting and deployment of two joint capacities: the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) teams and the surgical unit to Afghanistan. NOA HRF readied and administered also military observers and staff personnel from all branches of the Norwegian Defence forces for missions in Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East, in addition to all the main areas of operation. Over 2500 troops passed through adjusted education to qualify for international service.

NOA HRF was at 31st Dec. 2003 organised with a staff at Terningmoen Camp and two operational units, Telemark battalion (Rena Camp) and National Support Element at Sessvollmoen Camp. NOA HRF had at 31st Dec 2003 approximately 1900 personnel on stand-by for international service, and about 1000 personnel from the Army served at various international missions.