Max Gorbachev
January 7, 2021
-Sputnik
Local media write the country calls up 8,000 citizens, including men and women, for service every year. According to Global Firepower, the number of active personnel is around 24,000. It is believed that the recent increase in defence spending hasn’t helped to mitigate the crisis.
The coronavirus knows no borders and apparently no shame, as it has encroached on the most sacred of garments– underwear. Norwegian servicemen will have to wear boxers, bras, and socks from their predecessors due to a shortage of clothing, which has been blamed on the coronavirus pandemic, local media reported.
Previously during their service, female and male conscripts were given underwear that if they wanted could be given back. But now that the pandemic has brought about an unprecedented financial crisis and resulted in the shutdown of factories as well as transportation problems, the practice of returning underwear has become mandatory.
Defence logistics spokesman Hans Meisingset told NRK broadcaster that the decision helps deal with the shortage of clothing. “The textiles are washed, cleaned and checked. What we distribute is in good condition”, he said.
However, the news has prompted criticism from conscripts’ representative Eirik Sjohelle Eiksund.
“Severe shortages of equipment and clothing can potentially affect operational readiness and, in the worst case, the safety of the soldier”, he said.
According to Global Firepower, which has provided analytical display of data concerning military powers since 2006, Norway is ranked 11th in the list of most powerful NATO armies, with a Power Index rating of 0.5717( a score of 0.0000 is considered perfect). Its defence budget stands at $7.5 billion. On the list of Europe’s most powerful militaries, compiled by The Insider, Norway was ranked 14th.
