Norway: In the future, soldiers will have to wear the underpants of their former comrades

Enlarge image

Members of the Norwegian Military: Soon they will be wearing used underpants

Photo:

Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images

The shortage of materials triggered by the corona pandemic does not stop at the underpants, socks and bras of the Norwegian military.

Because there is a lack of supplies, soldiers will also have to wear the used underwear of their former comrades in the future.

“That helps us to reuse that piece of clothing.

We just don't have enough in stock, "Army spokesman Hans Meisingset told the public broadcaster NRK on Friday.

The underpants are washed, cleaned, checked

Previously, after their release, those doing military service were allowed to keep the underwear that was handed out at the beginning of their training from the barracks; the return was voluntary.

However, factory closings and transport problems in the wake of the corona pandemic would have led to significant disruptions in supply chains.

However, the army spokesman Meisingset assured: »The textiles are washed, cleaned and checked.

What we spend on soldiers is in good shape. "

A representative of the conscripts, Eirik Sjohelle Eiksund, criticized the shortage of materials in an interview with the specialist medium Forsvarets Forum.

It could have a negative impact on military operations and "in the worst case" endanger the security of the soldiers.

German soldiers do not have to return underwear

In Norway there is still compulsory military service.

Around 8,000 young men and women are enlisted in the armed forces every year.

Norway lies on the northern outer border of NATO and shares a border of almost 200 kilometers with Russia in the northeast.

German soldiers are allowed to keep what is known as "underwear" after they leave the service.

This includes socks, pants, bras and also T-shirts.

Even if they are returned, they will not be reused for other service members.

has / AFP