Norwegian Military Academy The Norwegian Army Academy ( " Krigsskolen " ) educates officers of the Norwegian Army and serves as the King ’ s Royal Guard . The academy was established in 1750 , and is the oldest institution for higher education in Norway , and is located in Oslo . The current commandant is Colonel Arne Opperud . History . The Commander - in - Chief of the Norwegian armed forces , Hans Jacob Arnold Jensen , sent a request to the King in 1750 to establish a school of mathematics in Christiania . The King determined , through the Royal Resolution of December 16 , 1750 , to establish " Den frie matematiske skole " ( The Free Mathematical School ) . It was the first institution offering higher education in Norway , but it did not give any extensive military education . The students were recruited from the officer corps or from nobles in military service . After a reorganization in 1804 , the school became an officer school and an independent unit with its own command . From 1876 - 1880 a college degree was required to apply . The school was first established at Tollbugata 10 . It was moved to St . Olavsplass in 1899 and in 1918 it was moved back to Tollbugata 10 . In 1969 , it was moved to Linderud , where it is currently located . In 2003 , the Army Academy was obligated to follow the Law of Universities and granted the right to award bachelor degrees . Application and selection . Applicants must be Norwegian citizens and be 18 years or older . In addition , all applicants must have a satisfying health , no criminal record and pass a physical test consisting of 3000 meter run , hang - ups , push - ups , sit - ups and a 200 meter swim test . All applicants must have completed high school and must have completed a yearlong NCO course . After being accepted as a candidate , everyone must complete and pass a 2 - week field exercise . Organization . The Academy is a part of the Norwegian Army . The Academy consists of 7 courses . 1 course is located at Terningmoen , with a yearlong NCO course and prep course . 5 course are located at Linderud , with general education , engineering education and a qualifying course . The logistical course is located in Bergen . Courses . The Academy offers a general education as well as a specialized engineering and logistical education . In addition , several civilian studies are available . The general course last for 3 years and is divided into the fields of military power , leadership , language and intercultural communication , strategy and physical training . When finished , the cadets will serve as platoon commanders . The engineering course last for 3 years and is divided into the fields of military building techniques , military geography , mathematics , statistics , physics , chemistry and computer science . When finished , the cadets will serve as platoon commanders . The logistics course last for 3 years and is divided into the fields of methodology , logistics , law and economy . When finished , the cadets will serve as logistical officers . The NCO course last for 1 year and is divided into the fields of military leadership , tactics and operations , physical training , language and mathematics . After completing the course , the cadets can start a 3 - year course . The qualifying course last for 6 months and includes the fields of military power and operations , military leadership , methodology and physical training . Training . During the courses , the cadets complete several field exercises to train leadership , tactics and decision - making . One of the infamous field exercises is the combat course , conducted to test the limits of the cadets in a combat environment over a long period of time . The exercise must be completed , and certain demands must be met before the cadets qualify the 3 - year courses . Traditions . The classes have a tradition of taking names from Norwegian officers , inspiring the cadets to follow in their paths . The Norwegian Army Academy performs ceremonial duties for the King of Norway . A parade is conducted every December 16 to celebrate the establishment of the Academy . In addition , the Academy conducts a parade May 8 , to celebrate the Liberation Day or Veteran Day .