Chief of Defence of Norway

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The Chief of Defence of Norway (Forsvarssjefen) is the highest ranking officer of the Military of Norway, second only to the King. He is the top advisor to the Government regarding military issues. He is responsible for carrying out the mission the King or Minister of Defence gives to the Military.

He is also Norway's representative to NATO's military committee.

The post was first established in 1940. It is since April 2005 held by general Sverre Diesen.

[edit] Holders of the post

• May 1940–June 1940: Generalmajor Otto Ruge (Army)
• 1942–1 July 1944: Generalmajor Wilhelm von Tangen Hansteen (Army)
• 1 July 1944: Crown Prince Olav
• 15 July 1945: Generalløytnant Otto Ruge (Army)
• Januar 1946: Kontreadmiral Elias Corneliussen (Navy)
• May 1946–July 1946: Generalmajor Halvor Hansson (Army)
• 1946: Generalløytnant Ole Berg¹ (Army)
• 1956: Generalløytnant Finn Lambrechts¹ (Air Force)
• 1957: Generalløytnant Bjarne Øen¹ (Air Force)
• 1963: Generalløytnant Bjarne Øen (Air Force)
• 1964: Viseadmiral Folke Hauger Johannessen² (Navy)
• 1972: General Herman Fredrik Zeiner Gundersen (Army)
• 1977: General Sverre Hamre (Army)
• 1982: General Sven Aa. Hauge (Air Force)
• 1984: General Fredrik Bull-Hansen (Army)
• 1987: General Vigleik Eide (Army)
• 1989: Admiral Torolf Rein (Navy)
• 1994: General Arne Solli (Army)
• 30 April 1999: General Sigurd Frisvold (Army)
• 1 April 2005: General Sverre Diesen (Army)

[edit] Footnotes

1. From 1946 to 1962 the post was vacant, but the head of the Defence Staff performed the function.
   
2. Admiral from 1970