Norwegian Army Deploys Women to Protect Country From 'Russian Aggression'

Army reforms contribute to the defense of the country and also promote gender equality, Austrian newspaper Der Standard wrote.

Apparently afraid of Russian aggression, Norwegian authorities have increased army recruitment, especially among women to "keep Moscow under control." This summer, the Norwegian army accepted 33% more female recruits than last year.

As reported by the newspaper, Norway plans to focus greater efforts on the activities of NATO in the coming two decades. Along with the protection of the country's northern flank for "Russia's containment," its top priority will be to train more soldiers, both male and female.

In fact, this is "mad that we've pushed half of the population aside from the important issue of defending the country," Norwegian Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Serey said earlier.

Norway has become the first European country to extend mandatory military service to females. The corresponding law was passed in 2014, with the majority of Norwegian MPs voting in favor of gender equality in the army.

According to Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang, young people showed great interest in the job. A survey among students showed that Norwegian Armed Forces ranks fifth in the list of the most prestigious employers in the country.

Men and women are expected to fulfill the same tasks during their service and sleep in common barracks. According to the country's authorities, reform of military service is an important contribution not only to the national defense, but also to the principle of gender equality.