Faen, jeg skulle blitt grenader, vært litt Johnny Enkeltmann før jeg tok det videre – motivasjonsfaktorer, rekruttering, seleksjon og bibeholdelse av grenaderer og befal i Hæren

This study is a part of an interdisciplinary project where FFI (The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment) has examined how conscription service can be used to recruit eligible soldiers towards a professional military career. With 2 fieldworks and 53 semi structural interviews, in addition to an ample contact with key personnel, a large empirical material is being presented here. What considerations do conscripts, regulars, and non-commissioned officers take concerning a possible career in the military? How does the process of recruitment and selection work? In the future, conscription will play a central part as a gateway to a further career in the military since the path to becoming enlisted starts there. Despite the possibility of a longer service period for regulars, many regard this profession as a “temporary thing”. They want to become some sort of “Johnny Singleman”, developing their own soldier skills and going through exciting experiences, without having to engage in leadership responsibilities. Predictability and security were mentioned as important factors. Many choose a short military career followed by civilian studies, claiming they want something to “fall back on”. Several use their military education and background as a stepping stone to pursue a civilian education or career. In order to recruit conscripts for a military career, there are several key features. Acknowledgment and affiliation, geographical work location, professional development with accreditation, a smoothly run organisation, favourable work conditions and incentives, and also social factors as wellbeing and welfare. The unity of the social community at Setermoen is mentioned by many soldiers as significant for them to stay there. Discounted housing is one of the factors many mention as a condition for complying to live “in the middle of nowhere”. Reductions in incentives like housing and commuting benefits are met with great resistance by the informants. Physical strength and activities are encompassing in the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as being a standard for selection criteria. The selection procedure of regulars is a thorough process including physical tests, medical selection, service statements, 8 km race wearing military gear, interview, and a coping exercise/test. The selection process brings forth a rather homogenous group, which might be necessary in a military context. Also, importantly, leaders have a tremendous potential power of influence over the young soldiers concerning motivation for a further career, through feedback and facilitating a qualifying attainment of military credentials. In a study like this with a vast ethnographic material, pinpointing which findings are more significant than other proves a challenge. What motivates for military service varies quite a lot individually. However, this report gives an impression of what is repeatedly stated by informants, in addition to mentioning several aspects of military life and service which might influence the personnel situation.