The Grueling Journey to Officer School: A Three-Time Applicant's Perspective

My path to the Norwegian Navy Non-Commissioned Officer School was anything but straightforward. In fact, it took me three attempts to finally achieve my goal. The selection process itself is intense and designed to test not only your physical abilities but also your mental resilience.

The journey begins with an invitation to attend the Opptaksuke (Admission Week), a week filled with various tests and interviews aimed at evaluating your potential as an officer candidate. During this week, we were put through physical tests, psychological evaluations, and personal interviews. It was a comprehensive screening process to ensure that only those truly fit for leadership roles advanced to the next stage.

If you make it through the first phase, you’re sent to the Aspirantperioden (Candidate Training Phase)—a six-week stretch of basic military training, exercises, and challenges. These weeks are designed to push you to your limits, both physically and mentally. The highlight—or perhaps the low point—of this period was what we called "Helvetesuka" (Hell Week). This grueling four-day exercise was conducted around the clock, with no food, minimal sleep, and continuous movement in full combat gear, including field uniform, weapon, and a fully loaded pack. It was a true test of endurance and fortitude.

At the end of the Aspirantperioden, we were assembled on the parade ground, where the outcome of our efforts would be revealed. This was the moment of truth, where you would find out if you had been selected to continue as an officer cadet.

For me, this was not a one-time process. I went through it three times. The first time, I didn’t make it past Opptaksuken. The second time, I completed the Aspirantperioden but was not selected in the final evaluation. It was only on my third attempt that I succeeded and was admitted to the Operational Branch, Coast Guard at Norwegian Navy Non-Commissioned Officer School.