Description
Object description
Norwegian chaplain served with Naval Coastal Defence Regt and Signals Regt in Norway, 1991-2002 including attachments to NORLOG Bn with UNPROFOR and IFOR in Bosnia, 1995-1997; served as chaplain to Norwegian Forces in ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan, 2003-2004
Content description
REEL 1 Aspects of background to becoming chaplain with Norwegian Armed Forces, 1991: reasons for becoming military chaplain; religious attitudes of conscripts during nationa service with Air Defence Bn, 1982-1983; ethical attitudes in society. Period as chaplain with Naval Coastal Defence and Signals Regt in Norway, 1991-2002: training as military chaplain; duties with Norwegian Navy; advantages and disadvantages of being an officer; contrast in service between service in navy and army; ethics classes with Signals Regt; role as instructor in ethics; support for troops after deaths in units; importance of presence of chaplain. Recollections of period as chaplain attached to NORLOG Bn with UNPROFOR and IFOR in Bosnia, 1995-1997: training prior to posting to Tuzla; sources of knowledge of deployment.
REEL 2 Continues: effects of NCO killed by shellfire; character of destruction in Bosnia; effects of destruction on attitude of troops; attitudes of civilian clergy in Bosnia; problems for moderate orthodox Serbians; reaction of drivers to checkpoints; welfare of troops; living conditions in Tuzla; religious services; question of roles of UNPROFOR and IFOR; move to Modrica; situation in Serb Republic; question of troops sympathies; attitude of youth to co-operation; location in American battalion area.
REEL 3 Continues: question of disposal of extra food; importance of welfare of soldiers to alleviate need and suffering; attitude of Serbian Orthodox clergy; problems getting Moslems to attend religious representatives meetings; effects of propaganda, prejudice and rumours on civilian population; increased safety in area; troops relations with local civilians; lessons learnt in Bosnia; contrasting attitude of Norwegian and US troops; restrictions on US chaplains; relations with Polish troops; question of importance of NATO intervention in 1996; effect of US concern for security of troops. Recollections of period as chaplain to Norwegian Forces in ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan, 8/2003-1/2004: knowledge of Afghanistan; impressions of Kabul; size and activities of Telemark Bn; living conditions in Kabul; accommodation in former Russian barracks.
REEL 4 Continues: threats in Kabul and attacks on ISAF personnel; attitude and moral of Norwegian troops; welfare activities; contacts with civilians and religious leaders; contrast in attitudes and outlook of Mullahs in Bosnia and Afghanistan; weekly chaplain meetings; welfare of soldiers in Afghanistan; lessons learnt in Afghanistan.
