HV-016

Background

Formed in 1987 as a result of the possible threat posed by the Russian Spetsnaz, HV-016 (also informally known as HV-SPES) is an elite unit of the Norwegian Home Guard and a part of the newly formed I-Styrken, or Innsatsstyrken. The unit has detachments based in the 4 largest cities in Norway; Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger. Not a special forces unit per se, as the operators are not full-time employed in the unit, but participate in numerous exercises throughout the course of a year. It is regarded as a highly capable unit.

Recruitment and personnel

The operators are recruited among people who have finished their conscript duty in the Norwegian armed forces, and many of them have experience from international operations with other branches of the Norwegian forces, such as Telemark Battalion. Some also stem from Marinejegerkommandoen and Hærens Jegerkommando, the two special forces units in the Norwegian military.

The applicants go through a four-day selection period with a following two-week basic course for the ones who pass. After this, the cadets commence the regular exercises with the unit for 6 months before being considered full members.

The exact organization of HV-016 is not publicly known. Also, the number of, and identities of its operators, are kept secret.

Applications

HV-016 specializes in close protection of key military personnel and assets, CQB, and direct, offensive action. It is not primarily a counter-terrorism unit, as this is considered the duty of Beredskapstroppen and Forsvarets Spesialkommando, but special circumstances may allow the unit to be instructed by military command to assist the police. It is not known whether or not this has ever happened.

ee also

*Directives for Military Officers and Ministry Officials upon an Attack of Norway

External links

* [http://www.hv016.no HV-016] no icon