2nd Battalion (Norway)

The 2nd Battalion (Norwegian: 2. bataljon; abbreviated as 2BN) is an infantry unit of the Norwegian Army, based at camp Skjold in Troms county in Northern Norway. It serves in the light infantry role specialized in Arctic warfare as part of Brigade Nord; the battalion is one of three manoeuvre battalions within the brigade, along with Telemark Battalion and Panserbataljonen. The 2nd Battalion serves two roles, primarily being organised for domestic defence; however, during Norway's contribution to the NATO forces in Afghanistan, the 2nd Battalion played a vital role. The 2nd Battalion also contributed consistently to the ISAF forces in northern Afghanistan, supporting an elite trained light infantry, organized as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF).

2nd Battalion
Insignia of the 2nd Battalion
Active1955–present
Country Norway
BranchArmy
TypeInfantry
RoleMechanized infantry
(formerly Light infantry )
SizeOne battlegroup
Part ofBrigade Nord
Garrison/HQSkjold Garrison
Motto(s)Latin: In hoc Signo Vinces
English: In this sign, thou shalt conquer.
Norwegian: Under dette tegnet, skal vi seire.
ColorsKhaki beret
Mascot(s)Griffin
Commanders
Current
commander
Lieutenant Colonel Bjørn Andreassen
Notable
commanders
Sigurd Frisvold
Arne Bård Dalhaug

The battalion uses a khaki beret, as opposed to the traditional black beret worn by cavalry units throughout the world, which symbolizes the battalion's history. The motto of the battalion is In hoc Signo Vinces (Latin for "In this sign, thou shalt conquer."). Translated in Norwegian to "Under dette tegnet, skal vi seire.", it refers to the griffin seen on the coat of arms.[citation needed]

History

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In November 2007, during Operation Harekate Yolo, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion and the Coastal Ranger Command Kystjegerkommandoen stationed in Mazar-e-Sharif were involved in what has been referred to as some of the heaviest combat operations involving Norwegian Army troops since World War II. After an Afghan National Army (ANA) unit was attacked by Taliban forces in the Ghowrmach district in the province of Baghdis, soldiers from 2nd Battalion and Kystjegerkommandoen responded. Outnumbered and facing heavy Taliban resistance, machine guns, mortar teams, snipers and CV9030s were used to attack the enemy combatants. Air strikes were eventually called in to drive off the remaining Taliban fighters. While no NATO casualties were reported, the exact Taliban death toll had not yet been disclosed as of 9 November 2007. However, according to Norwegian news reports, "between 45 and 65 insurgents" were killed in action. This was the first known uses of the Swedish-made CV9030 in live combat.[1]

Organization

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The battalion is divided into four companies: Bravo company, Charlie company, the cavalry squadron and the support company. Bravo company and Charlie company serves as specialized light infantry, focusing on Arctic warfare and urban warfare. The cavalry squadron is the battalion's internal intelligence unit as well as consisting of one platoon of marksmen. The support company is the largest of the four, and primarily consists of medics, anti-tank personnel, combat, service and support.

Name Abbreviation Field
Companies
Bravo Company B Coy mechanized infantry
Charlie Company C Coy mechanized infantry
Cavalry Squadron CavSqn recce
Support Company CS/CSS Coy
Support Company platoons
HQ Platoon
Medical Platoon Medics
Combat Service Support Platoon resupply, repair & recovery
Mortar Platoon Mortars
Anti Tank Platoon FGM-148 Javelin

References

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  1. ^ "CV90. Strong. Agile. Evolutionary" (PDF). BAE SYSTEMS. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2021-07-18. 1993: Production of the CV90 begins for the Swedish Armed Forces, with the following deliveries. Today the Swedish Armed Forces has 549 CV90 vehicles. ... 2007: The CV90 is engaged in combat operations for the first time when the Norwegian Army deploys units with 2nd Battalion. The vehicles are used during Operation Harekate Yolo and when Norwegian commandos respond to a Taliban attack on Afghan National Army forces in the Ghowrmach district.

https://www.forsvaret.no/om-forsvaret/organisasjon/haeren/brigade-nord?q=brigade%20nord