Uniforms
Uniforms are a natural and traditional part of the Armed Forces. When wearing a uniform, you have both rights and duties.
Some of the first official military uniforms were introduced in England in 1385 by King Henry VII. When the Norwegian army was established in 1628, King Christian IV provided the uniforms.
This is why military uniforms informally are called “the King’s clothes” in Norway. The King is formally still the supreme commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and Norwegian soldiers are wearing “his clothes” when serving.
The Norwegian Armed Forces have different uniforms for various weather and work situations: Field uniforms, office uniforms and parade uniforms. The uniforms are also adapted to the weather and climate, with, for example, desert uniforms and summer outfits.
The Chief of each military branch decides what the uniform should look like, how the soldiers should wear it, and what kind of accessories one can wear to it.
Uniforms are much more than camouflage and protection from weather and climate. It also provides formal and legal protection in accordance with international laws and conventions. Uniformed prisoners of war, for example, are to be treated humanely and with respect.
Norwegian law also provides protection for official service personnel. If someone attacks an official person in military uniform, this could lead to a stricter criminal punishment.