Navy hunter squads

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Coat of arms of the MJK

The Marine Jegerkommandoen (MJK) is a special unit of the Norwegian Navy that has existed since 1953 . Until 1968 it was called Froskemenn . Its tasks include the fight against irregular forces, long-range reconnaissance, the protection of naval facilities and the fight against terrorism.

Recruitment and Selection

Similar to the special forces of other European countries, applicants at the Marine Jegerkommandoen have to undergo a tough and complex selection process in order to begin training as combat swimmers. Little is known about the aptitude test. It includes u. a. an "escape phase" in which the candidates with 60 kg of luggage each are followed over long distances and for several days. Once captured, each applicant has to face a 36-hour “interrogation phase”, in which it is examined how the potential candidates react to high psychological stress.

Those who have successfully completed this selection process then begin a two-year training course to become a combat swimmer .

structure

The naval hunter command is divided into two units, one of which is located in Ramsund in northern Norway and the other at the Haakonsvern naval base in Bergen .

The MJK is an integral part of the Norwegian Special Forces and is used both at home and abroad to enforce Norwegian interests in foreign and security policy.

International assignments

One of the most famous recent missions of the MJK is the “fight against international terrorism” in Afghanistan. In February 2005, US President George W. Bush awarded the Navy Presidential Unit Citation , the highest award given by the United States to military units, for their work in the Hindu Kush.

For decades it has been speculated that the MJK was involved in the deployment of American troops to Vietnam during the early stages of the Vietnam War . This has never been officially confirmed.

Although the Marine Jegerkommandoen does not have the same international reputation as the American Navy SEALs , the British SAS and the German Combat Swimmer Company, it is one of the most professional military special units of NATO . The marine hunters train regularly with partner units from the USA, Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands.

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