Norwegian Soldiers Training Ukraine’s Soldiers for ‘Viking Mentality’

Norwegian “Viking Mentality” Shapes Ukrainian Combat Training in Operation Legio

Poland – Norwegian soldiers are injecting their distinctive “Viking mentality” and warrior culture into the rigorous training of Ukrainian troops, a critical component of the international effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

At the helm of Operation Legio, Norway leads a coalition of 11 nations providing support, training, and equipment to Ukrainian soldiers. This innovative program seamlessly blends Ukrainian combat experience with established NATO warfighting practices.

The core of this training is delivered by personnel from the Telemark Battalion, an elite mechanized infantry unit of the Norwegian Army renowned for incorporating aspects of Viking culture into its identity. Major John, the S3 Operations Officer overseeing the training, emphasized to Business Insider that the Telemark Battalion prioritizes both skill development and the cultivation of a “warrior mentality” that enables soldiers to fight and “thrive in harsh conditions.”

“We draw that warrior mentality from our Viking heritage,” Major John stated, requesting to be identified by his first name for security reasons. “And the Viking culture is very important for us.” The battalion’s emblem, a Viking ship, and its battle cry, “To Valhalla!” (referencing the great hall in Norse mythology for brave warriors), underscore this deep-seated connection.

Major John clarified that this mentality is not about reckless aggression. “It’s not like over-aggressive, over-eager, doing stupid stuff. We take the best parts of that Viking mentality and then apply it to the ethical and moral standards that are required of our soldiers.” The elite battalion has a distinguished combat record, with deployments in regions such as the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

The training, conducted at a purpose-built facility in southeastern Poland, is designed to be exceptionally challenging. It incorporates daytime and nighttime operations and scenarios that meticulously replicate real-world battlefield conditions. Major John noted, “It’s a mix between skills and mentality,” adding that the Norwegians reinforce their approach “through exposing them to harsh training.”

Ukrainian trainees, already seasoned by years of high-intensity warfare, bring invaluable combat experience to the program. Norwegian leaders consistently describe the training as a two-way exchange, where Ukraine’s battlefield insights inform NATO partners’ teaching methodologies.

Brigadier Atle Molde, commander of Task Force Legio, though not currently serving in the Telemark Battalion, praised the unit’s cultural approach. “They have their culture, and of course, a warrior mentality is a good thing as long as it drives unit cohesion and fighting for something common.”

The training camp itself reflects this Viking ethos. Established in 2025 and situated roughly two hours from Ukraine’s border, Camp Jomsborg is named after the legendary Viking fortress Jomsborg. Brigadier Molde explained that the Jomsvikings were “very disciplined and professional warriors,” a characteristic the camp aims to embody. The camp recently commenced its fifth 51-day rotation of Ukrainian soldiers in late May, with Norway serving as the framework nation, providing leadership and structure.

Throughout Camp Jomsborg, which Business Insider visited, Viking-inspired signs and a large Viking ship are prominent. Streets bear names of Norse figures like Thor, the god of thunder, further immersing participants in the thematic environment.

Major John articulated the mission’s core objective: “It’s all about the Ukrainian soldier and increasing his lethality and survivability within this program before he leaves for front-line war.” The ultimate goal is to empower Ukraine to defend itself and either achieve victory or negotiate a peace agreement on its own terms.

Brigadier Molde highlighted the importance of “unit cohesion” and the Telemark Battalion’s desire to transfer positive aspects of its culture to the Ukrainians, especially since, as he noted, “for one reason or another, the whole Viking mythology, the Ukrainians like that.”

Ukraine’s military has demonstrated extraordinary resilience amidst sustained Russian attacks and immense losses. This resilience has fostered battlefield innovations and tactics that Western partners are eager to study and learn from. Major John emphasized, “We have defined this as a Ukrainian training center,” indicating that the program is tailored to Ukraine’s specific needs and feedback, with Ukrainian instructors playing a vital role. This cooperative model, he believes, is what “has made this an effective training mission.”

While Western trainers offer decades of institutional experience and NATO practices, many Ukrainian soldiers at Camp Jomsborg bring invaluable, real-world lessons from the brutal realities of war. This creates a mutually beneficial learning environment. Jørgen, a Norwegian instructor at the camp, expressed admiration for the Ukrainian trainees: “I think it’s quite incredible how eager to learn they are in general. It kind of confirms how good the guys are.”