Eirik Kristoffersen
Eirik Johan Kristoffersen (born April 3, 1969, in Bjerkvik) is a Norwegian Army General who serves as the head of the Norwegian Armed Forces. He is a former Chief of the Norwegian Army and Norwegian Home Guard, and Chief of the Armed Forces' Special Command (FSK). Kristoffersen is the first Norwegian defense chief since World War II, with battle experience. He was awarded the War Cross with Sword in 2011 for his service in Afghanistan. Military career. Kristoffersen enrolled in non-commissioned officers’ in 1988 and served as squad leader in the Engineer Battalion. After a few months  studying engineering in college, he returned to military service in 1989 and served as squad leader in a pioneer platoon in UNIFIL (1991-1992). From 1995-2000 he held several positions in the Reconnaissance Battalion, and underwent a selection process for FSK in 2000. In 2001 he was sent to Afghanistan as part of Operation Anaconda and also served in Lebanon. He spent 12 years in FSK between 2000 and 2014, rising in the ranks from patrol member to commander. In 2014, he was appointed deputy Commander Norwegian Special Operations Command, before heading to Norwegian Joint Headquarters. Later in 2017 , he was appointed Commander Norwegian Home Guard, Commander Norwegian Army in 2019 and finally Chief of Defence in August 2020. Military education. 1988–1989 Non-commissioned officers’ training school, 1992–1995 Military Academy, Army, 2008–2009 USMC Command and Staff College, 2014–2015 United States Army War College. Authorship. With his military experience, Kristoffersen wrote the book "Jegerånden- Å lede i fred, krise og krig (The Hunter Spirit – to lead in peace, crisis and war)" (2020) which received good reviews and high sales figures in Norway. Awards and decorations. Kristoffersen is one of Norway's most highly decorated soldiers still on active duty. He  has received the following awards: Personal life. Kristoffersen lives with his wife Linn Therece Johansen and has four children from former marriages. His interests include hunting and football.