Gunde Tumelionis: The Marathons and Malfunctions of Military Service
So, let me set the stage for you. Here we have our protagonist, Gunde Tumelionis, a 19-year-old who has trained harder than most of us have to get into a relationship! This girl has been hiking in military boots, pulling sleds, and embracing ice baths like they’re the latest health trend! Perhaps she thought, “Why just run a marathon when you can run *toward* military service?” Turns out, life had other plans. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of a dumpster fire.
The Curiously Cancelled Call-Up
- Gunde received the worst news since you found out that your favorite show was canceled—her call-up for military service was canceled due to a lack of security clearance. Ouch!
- Imagine training for six marathons, only to discover you’re racing against the slowest bureaucracy in Norway!
- To add a sprinkle of drama, this isn’t about lack of patriotism; it’s about being a Lithuanian parent away from home. It’s a classic case of “it’s not you, it’s definitely me…and my parents’ birthplace.”
Gunde’s reaction? She sobbed. And let’s be honest, if I had my dreams crushed so unceremoniously, I’d be crying in a corner too—probably while eating a mountain of ice cream. But here’s the kicker: she ran a marathon in the face of disappointment! That’s either the world’s most inspirational moment or an excellent way to avoid thinking about your problems—like that time I attempted to run from my responsibilities. It did not end well, and neither did my lungs.
Training Hard or Hardly Training?
Now let’s talk about her training regimen. She didn’t just sit around like a couch potato while waiting for her call-up. No, Gunde hiked, pulled sleds, and probably does yoga while contemplating life’s biggest questions, like why her effort didn’t translate into service. She even wore those military boots while scaling a mountain! Sorry, Gunde, but wearing the right gear doesn’t guarantee the right outcomes—trust me, I’ve tried to impress people with my snow boots at a dance party before. Not my finest hour.
So, What’s the Holdup?
Even in this saga, there’s a touch of absurdity. A letter from the Armed Forces explaining the cancellation sounds like a polite rejection letter from a job interview. “Dear Gunde, thank you for your application for military service, but after careful review, we’ve decided to pursue other candidates.” Can we at least get some clarification for crying out loud? The process is longer than a Netflix series that no one wanted to binge in the first place. I mean, they’ve got “foreign connections” in their sights, like it’s an episode of “The Office” where nobody knows who has connections. Tell me about it!
Gunde’s Parents and the Loyalty Conundrum
Gunde’s mum and dad are understandably upset, feeling caught in the loyalty blender because of their Lithuanian roots. It’s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place but with more paperwork and feelings of betrayal involved. Dad served in the military as Lithuania was under Soviet rule, while Gunde’s ready to serve in a country where she feels she doesn’t quite belong. A real-life drama that deserves its own Netflix adaptation. But hey, if they make a show, can I get a guest appearance? Preferably one that gets me free pizza!
Shout-out from the Norwegian Armed Forces
The authorities finally weighed in, saying they’d follow up—maybe after a few more rounds of paperwork? They’ll work on speeding things up, but let’s be real, that sounds a bit like asking a snail to join a race. “Sorry, Gunde! We’re doing our best. Maybe you can take up knitting in the meantime?”
The Takeaway
In all seriousness, this saga raises questions about identity, fairness, and a system that seems almost comically outdated in its processes. Gunde, the girl who looked ready to tackle military life, finds herself shut down without a courtesy call! If there’s anything to learn here, it’s that our bureaucracies need a serious overhaul. It’s 2023, not the Stone Age. And while Gunde may feel deflated, one day, she might just pull a comeback that puts even her six marathons to shame.
So let’s send Gunde a cheer and hope that her journey doesn’t become a footnote in a textbook titled “How to Lose a Dream: A Tale of a Determined Young Woman.” Borrowing a line from a sports movie—never give up! Or at the very least, make sure to keep running because you never know when you’ll need to outrun some paperwork!
The short version
- Gunde Tumelionis, a determined 19-year-old, eagerly anticipated her initial military service. However, the Armed Forces unexpectedly canceled her call-up, granting her an exemption without providing clarity regarding her much-needed security clearance.
- Although Gunde was born and raised in Norway, her Lithuanian heritage—stemming from her parents—necessitates that she undergo rigorous security clearance prior to service.
- The Norwegian Defense Forces expressed regret over the complications this situation has caused and acknowledged the lengthy nature of security clearance processes.
- This decision has further ramifications for Gunde, who has already postponed her educational aspirations for two years, leaving her without a source of income starting in the new year.
– I started to sob, says the 19-year-old, expressing her deep disappointment to VG upon receiving the news of her canceled summons for military service.
Despite the setback, she recently completed the Jessheim winter marathon, achieving a new personal best with a time of 04:04:33 hours. This impressive feat marks her sixth marathon, and she is also an active participant in ultra races.
This past summer, Gunde went hiking in military boots to prepare physically for her anticipated military service. Winters have seen her pulling a sled on skis and hiking three to four miles on rugged terrains while lugging a 20-kilo backpack, demonstrating her serious commitment to physical fitness.
The dedication she displayed toward training included enduring ice baths to acclimatize to the cold, all leading her to feel that her hard work now seems futile.
- TOP HIKING IN MILITARY BOOTS: Gunde wearing the military boots she climbed Süphan, Turkey’s third highest mountain peak, in July 2024. Photo: Privat
- WINTER TRAINING: Gunde Tumelionis (19) pulled the sled Hardangervidda along Easter 2024. Photo: Private
- STRENGTH TRAINING: Gunde with 20 kilos in the bag and 3 miles of walking on the program. Photo: Private
– Have chosen the easiest way out
In a letter dated 5 November, which VG has reviewed, it has been communicated that the Norwegian Armed Forces must complete a security clearance for Gunde Tumelionis before her scheduled military service can commence. It was also noted that she had been informed of this requirement in advance.
Furthermore, the letter states: “The armed forces have not reached a decision in your case, and the summons to service is therefore canceled. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this causes you.
Unfortunately, the decision is non-appealable.
– It is frustrating that the Norwegian Armed Forces have not even consistently completed the security clearance process. Instead, it seems as if they took the easy route by disregarding my case altogether, says Gunde.
Multicultural background
Originally hailing from Eiksmarka in Bærum, Gunde shares a common experience with her older brother, who has also served in the military. Despite being born in and having lived in Norway her entire life, the requirement for security clearance looms over Gunde due to her parents’ Lithuanian roots.
What does “related persons” mean?
- The armed forces have a category called “persons with connections.” Individuals in this category face different security clearance requirements.
- This category encompasses individuals with foreign parents, ethnic Norwegians who have pursued education abroad, and anyone possessing any foreign connection.
- Others connected to subcultures—such as members of right-wing radical groups or motorcycle gangs—are also tracked under this classification.
VG has previously uncovered the challenges faced by multicultural young people, who have shared stories of how protracted security clearance processes in the Armed Forces have temporarily halted their lives.
Called up for the dream service
Cognizant of the prerequisite for security clearance, Gunde proactively reached out to the Armed Forces at just 17 years old to obtain the necessary form required for service enlistment.
Upon completing the required session, she proudly revealed she had been granted her first-choice assignment—known to be one of the most challenging: – I was called up to serve in the Garrison in Sør-Varanger, she asserts with pride.
However, her summons carried an important stipulation: she needed to complete her security clearance two months prior to the start of her military service.
Gunde was set to begin her service in January 2025, and she anxiously awaited her attendance date.
– In September, I noticed many of my friends were starting to receive their summons. I felt relaxed, thinking mine would soon arrive, too.
When the long-awaited letter finally arrived, Gunde had assumed it would confirm her start date. Instead, she was left in shock upon learning that her initial military service had been entirely canceled. A separate notification had indicated her exemption status.
This abrupt change not only left her feeling hollow but also brought financial consequences to her life.
A knock-on effect on employment
In spring 2024, she was finishing her studies at Nadderud upper secondary school, concluding with an impressive grade point average of 6.1.
After admission to the challenging five-year civil engineering program focused on medical technology at the University of Bergen, she was forced to postpone her studies until the autumn of 2026.
– Given that I was not due to join the military until January, I had to apply for a deferred start for my studies until then. I’m left uncertain if the Armed Forces’ decision opens up the possibility for me to commence studies earlier, or if I’ll need to apply again, Gunde laments.
Previously, this autumn, she had taken a position as a nursery assistant, but risks finding herself unemployed as the New Year arrives.
– The nursery facility has hired others for the roles, knowing about my military service plans. I’ve also resigned from a part-time position as a church minister and declined a skiing coaching opportunity this winter.
– The cancellation has taken a significant toll on my mental well-being. Initially, I felt utterly empty, cried often, and struggled with sadness. The military is something I had genuinely looked forward to.
Defense: – Very regrettable
Ole-Kristian Kristensen, the acting head of the Defense Security Department (FSA), disclosed to VG that they will carefully monitor Gunde’s case moving forward.
– This is not good. Absolutely not, Kristensen candidly expresses when discussing the adverse repercussions Gunde Tumelionis faces due to the cancellation.
He acknowledges that Gunde’s experience of unfairness is valid, reiterating his understanding of the difficulties she faces.
– Such occurrences should not happen; however, they have, and we must strive to improve our processes, given the significant personal impact on individuals, emphasizes the acting head of the FSA.
He recognizes that this situation affects not only individuals like Gunde but also the reputation of the Armed Forces, underscoring the deep regret surrounding it.
– Will the decision on exemption be final?
– In principle, it stands as is, though we will actively follow this case and endeavor to understand the circumstances that led us here.
– Quite unfair
Gunde’s parents express their frustration concerning the entire situation. Her mother describes feeling caught in an unpleasant loyalty dilemma.
– Our family feels content and connected to Norway, always demonstrating loyalty. Many foreigners often report feelings of exclusion, yet I have always championed and defended Norway. The current situation is shocking to me, says Rūta Mataitytė to VG.
– The decision issued against Gunde is undeniably unfair. I simply cannot reconcile with their ruling.
Overwhelming support has flooded her since she made her situation public in a Facebook post.
– If anyone is well-suited for the initial military service, it is undoubtedly Gunde. Her strength and cooperation abilities are commendable, asserts Rūta.
Notably, Gunde’s father, Vidas, served compulsory military service in Lithuania during a time when the nation was still under Soviet control.
– I understand the necessity of the Armed Forces performing their responsibilities. But this experience feels like a breach of trust and represents a betrayal of multicultural youth overall, he reflects.
Gunde has never contemplated the implications of her multicultural identity until recently.
– I have always felt Norwegian. But to someone in a position of authority, I appear not to be Norwegian enough.
– Don’t give up!
Navigating the security clearance process within the defense realm is notoriously challenging, given the escalating security threats facing Norway, which has led to elongating evaluation timelines, according to Ole-Kristian Kristensen.
– Should any possibility arise to remedy the situation concerning Gunde, we will definitely reach out to her. That said, I want to refrain from fostering any false hopes. She should focus on preparing an alternative path, he advises.
– What would your message be for multicultural youth reading this story?
– Do not lose hope! The armed forces genuinely want contributors from diverse backgrounds. This situation does not reflect a lack of trust in your capabilities or an indication that you are not good enough. We actively encourage participation from individuals of various heritages in military service, he emphasizes with conviction.
The Norwegian Armed Forces acknowledged the excessive processing durations and reiterated the necessity for additional case managers to expedite security clearances. However, Kristensen has refrained from commenting on the current adequacy of case manager staffing.
– Security clearance is thoroughly complex, as it intertwines sensitive personal data we must access to render informed decisions.
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M from providing any guarantees at this point,” Kristensen concluded, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessments in the current security landscape.
Gunde remains hopeful despite the uncertainty. Her social media post has garnered significant support from friends, family, and even strangers who resonate with her experience. Many have shared their own stories of grappling with identity and belonging, echoing Gunde’s sentiments about feeling excluded despite wanting to contribute positively to society.
“My goal has always been to serve and protect my country, just like everyone else,” Gunde reflected, “It’s painful to feel like my dedication is questioned based on my background.” The emotional toll of the situation continues to weigh heavily on her, but the encouragement she receives fuels her determination to fight for her place.
In the meantime, she is exploring options for early enrollment in her studies, seeking clarity on her future direction. “I might not be in the Armed Forces, but I still want to make a difference in my career and my community,” she said, reasserting her commitment to contribute positively to society.
As Gunde navigates this unexpected turn in her life, she hopes her story will bring awareness to the complexities faced by multicultural youths in similar situations, and serves as a reminder of the need for open dialogue and understanding within the Armed Forces and beyond.
