The Short Version: A Comedy of Errors
- It seems many young folks in the ‘persons with affiliation’ category are sporting cancellation notices instead of uniforms.
- The defense is not just flexing muscle — it’s calling on politics and media to save the day!
- Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram has declared the cancellation practice about as popular as a flat tire.
- Gunde Tumelionis (19) is ecstatic about her news — though she’s still waiting for the military fairy to confirm it.
- Meanwhile, Edrinn Brahimi (19) feels like he’s hit the jackpot, as his military dreams have just made a comeback. Sweet serendipity!
So, What’s Going on? A Little Context
Recently, the website VG shared the stories of Gunde and Edrinn, both 19 and both thrown into a tailspin when their call-up for conscription was suddenly canceled—two months before their supposed big day. That’s like showing up for a wedding and finding your date has gone MIA!
The culprit? The Norwegian Defense Forces were too busy playing hide-and-seek with security clearances. Spoiler alert: they’re no good at it.
Minister Under Fire: The Clarifications
In a moment that could only be described as a classic political pivot, Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram finally spoke out, and to his credit, he owned up to the mess. Not exactly the bravery of a soldier on the frontlines, but hey, it’s a start!
He confirmed that the cancellations have caused emotional rollercoasters for many young people. Who knew military service could come with a side of existential dread?
A Day of Joy: Gunde’s Reaction
When called by VG, Gunde Tumelionis had yet to be told the good news: “Huh??? Is it real?” Cue the waterworks — tears of joy or relief? Let’s just say it wasn’t a dry eye in the house. In a hiccup of laughter and sniffs, she added, “I don’t know if I believe it until I get it from the Armed Forces themselves.” Spoiler alert: they better get on that!
Her mum, Rūta, joined in on the emotional chaos — because nothing says happiness quite like a family reshuffling their schedule for a military call-up. “I just stand and cry. I’m so happy for her!” Ah, the sweet sound of parental approval!
The Minister Gets it Right: “It’s Problematic!”
In his grand performance, Bjørn Arild Gram declared that it was all “problematic.” You don’t say! It’s like a chef declaring burnt toast is suboptimal — thank you, Captain Obvious!
Criticism has rolled in like storm clouds in Norway—but this time, not about the weather! Ine Eriksen Søreide and Nils T. Bjørke have both stepped up to give the Minister a good ol’ verbal slap on the wrist.
Legal Shady Business: The Potential for Discrimination
Law professor Hans Petter Graver has taken a swing, suggesting that the cancellations might actually be a legal conundrum. Will someone please call Saul? If it’s taking too long to clear security for certain groups, we might have ourselves a discrimination case. Oh la la, grab the popcorn!
The Happy Ending? Not So Fast!
Edrinn Brahimi, feeling relieved like a runaway bride at a wedding chapel, welcomed the news with, “Absolutely fantastic news for all of us!” After preparing to let go of his dreams of service, now he’s standing taller than a military sergeant! But would he like to serve his country? Yes, please!
So there you have it — a whirlwind of canceled calls, happy tears, and an oversight army stumbling through its practices like a deer in headlights. Who knew military service could be such a comedic affair?
Got tips or thoughts about this matter?
Share your experiences!
The short version
- Numerous young individuals within the persons with affiliation category have had their initial service summons canceled unexpectedly.
- In response, the defense sector is now leveraging political pressure along with significant media coverage to address the issue.
- Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram has labeled the practice of cancellation as highly problematic and in need of immediate reassessment.
- Gunde Tumelionis, a 19-year-old, expressed her joy over the cancellation news, although uncertainty looms regarding her potential opportunity to serve in the Armed Forces.
- For Edrinn Brahimi, also 19, the extensive reversal by the Armed Forces signifies a newfound chance to fulfill his desire to serve, following in the footsteps of his father.
Recently published reports by VG highlighted the cases of Gunde Tumelionis and Edrinn Brahimi, both aged 19, who come from multicultural backgrounds. Only two months prior to their scheduled conscription, they each faced withdrawal of their call-up notices.
The reason behind this sudden decision? The Norwegian Defense Forces have yet to finalize the processing of their security clearances, creating considerable uncertainty.
The media coverage by VG has incited political pressure aimed at the Norwegian Armed Forces, prompting Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, who had been silent previously, to address the issue publicly.
– The day of joy
Upon contacting Gunde Tumelionis, who is just 19, VG learned she had not yet received her favorable news.
– Huh??? Is it real?
Overcome with emotion, Gunde vacillates between tears and laughter.
– Glory! This was a day of joy.
Gunde was born and raised in Norway and boasts Lithuanian heritage. She now contemplates the implications of the Armed Forces’ shift in policy regarding her initial service.
Mum Rūta Mataytyte is equally overwhelmed: – I am so happy for her. It was so important to her. I am grateful beyond words.
VG has received numerous inquiries from other young individuals facing similar situations following the publication of these articles.
The Minister of Defence: – The practice was problematic
Cancellation letters issued to affected individuals stated:
“The Armed Forces have not finalized your case, thus your summons to service is cancelled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.”
Importantly, there exists no avenue for appeal against such decisions.
Clarification on security clearance status must occur no later than two months before a conscript’s commencement of service.
What does “related persons” mean?
- The Armed Forces maintain a specific category titled “persons with connections,” necessitating distinct requirements for security clearance.
- This category encompasses individuals possessing foreign parents, ethnic Norwegians who have pursued education abroad, and those affiliated with hostile links.
- Additionally, those associated with subcultures, including right-wing extremist groups and motorcycle gangs, fall under this classification.
On Monday, Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) acknowledged via his communications team that he maintained a close dialogue with defense leadership after learning about the troubling cases.
Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp)
– We concurred that the practice was indeed problematic, and I’m pleased it has now been revised, highlighting that the cancellation of summons imposes a significant burden on individuals involved.
Received strong criticism
Numerous voices are demanding that Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram take decisive action to rectify this situation.
– The armed forces must perform thorough individual assessments for each case, dedicating resources to expedite the security clearance process, stated Ine Eriksen Søreide (H) in an interview with VG.
Ine Eriksen Søreide (H)
She previously mandated the Armed Forces to improve the security clearance practices during her tenure as Minister of Defense from 2014 to 2017.
Today, she heads the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee at the Storting.
– The Minister of Defense must act immediately to improve operations, ensuring real individual case management is enforced within the Armed Forces.
Nils T. Bjørke (Sp), a member of the Control and Constitution Committee at the Storting, also echoed similar sentiments.
Nils T. Bjørke (Sp)
He remarked that there is a growing concern regarding the way security clearance is processed.
– The prolonged duration of security clearance processes often results in a schematic approach, a frustrating trend observed for many years, emphasized Bjørke.
Pointed out possible discrimination
In a revealing perspective, law professor Hans Petter Graver at the University of Oslo (UiO) conveyed to VG that the existing practice might border on illegality.
– If the process takes an “excessive” amount of time, disproportionately affecting individuals with varied backgrounds, it could suggest illegal discrimination, Graver stated during the interview.
Discrimination claims are notoriously intricate regarding evidence requirements, according to the law professor.
– A crucial question to explore will be the duration for clearing individuals with a pure Norwegian background.
Subsequently, the Norwegian Defense Forces refrained from providing comments regarding these cancellation practices, leading to their retraction of previously issued cancellations.
– Absolutely fantastic news
Edrinn Brahimi, also 19, from Sandnes, expressed immense relief upon hearing the news.
– Absolutely fantastic news for all of us with the same burning desire, he enthusiastically texted VG.
While reflecting on his father’s service in the Telemark battalion, Edrinn had begun to fear that his own aspirations for service might never materialize following the cancellation.
– I am delighted that the Armed Forces have been responsive to the feedback received from both the public and internally, noted Edrinn emphatically.
Also read
Tip us
Do you have any tips for this matter?
Send us information, photos or video
What measures can be implemented to ensure that processing times for security clearances are equitable across different ethnic and cultural backgrounds?
T-component layout-normal layout-padded”>This inquiry could provide insights into whether there is a disparity in processing times based on ethnic or cultural backgrounds, which would raise significant legal and ethical concerns.
The Minister of Defence’s acknowledgment of these issues marks a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding the security clearance procedures of the Armed Forces, emphasizing the need for sensitivity towards individuals’ backgrounds and circumstances.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the government’s actions to foster a more equitable and efficient process, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their heritage, are treated fairly and justly in their service commitments.
This matter not only impacts those currently navigating the complexities of military service but also sets a precedent for future practices within the Armed Forces.
