In peacetime, the forces consist of about 23,000 soldiers, officers, civilian employees and conscripts. The strength after mobilisation is approximately 83,000.
Military Command
The top military leader of the Norwegian Armed Forces is the Chief of Defence. In addition to this, the Chief is also the Minister of Defence's top military adviser.
The Norwegian Joint Headquarters (NJHQ) coordinates the operational part of the Armed Forces, both in Norway and abroad. The NJHQ is responsible for planning and managing the Armed Forces' operations in peace, crisis and war.
Political Command
The Norwegian constitution places the King as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The Government exercises this authority. Political control of the Armed Forces is exercised through cooperation and the division of power between the Government and Parliament.
The Minister of Defence heads the Ministry of Defence and has the constitutional and political responsibility for the Armed Forces. All matters not decided in council are decided by the Minister, or by departmental officials on the Minister's behalf. The current Minister of Defence is Ine Eriksen Søreide.