Norwegian Army 2nd Battalion

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bataljon 2
Insignia of 2nd Battalion
Active	2003-
Country	Norway
Branch	Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Mechanised Infantry
Size	One battlegroup
Part of	Hærens styrker
Garrison/HQ	Skjold
Motto	In hoc Signo Vinces (In This, Be Victorious)
Colors	Khaki beret
Commanders
Current commander	Lieutenant colonel Sturla Bangstad

Bataljon 2 (2BN) (2nd Battalion) is an infantry unit of the Norwegian Army, based at amp Skjold in Troms county in northern Norway. It serves in the mechanized infantry role as part of Brigade Nord; the battalion is one of three that Norwegian battalions performing this role, along with being Telemark Battalion and Panserbataljonen. 2nd Battalion serves two roles, primarily being organised for Norway's defense, however, during Norway's engagement with NATO in Afghanistan, 2nd Battalion also contributes substantially to ISAF forces in nothern Afghanistan, supporting a well trained light infantry, organized as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF). The battalion i divided into four companies, including three unites equipped with CV90/30 and heavy infantry, as well as a combat support company including recon, medical and mortar units. The battalion uses a khaki beret, as opposed to the traditional black beret, worn by cavalry units throughout the world.

In November 2007 during Operation Harekate Yolo, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion and Kystjegerkommandoen stationed in Mazar-e-Sharif were involved in what has been referred to as some of the heaviest combat operations involving regular Norwegian Army troops since World War 2. After an 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 CV90/30s were used to beat down 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 November 9. However, according to Norwegian news reports "between 45 and 65 insurgents" were killed in action,[3]

This was one of the first known uses of the Swedish made CV90/30 in live combat.

The motto of the battalion is In hoc Signo Vinces (Latin for "in this sign, you shall conquer"), referring to the Griffin seen on the coat of arms.

• Norwegian Army page on 2nd Battalion (in Norwegian)