The Norwegian Army

Norwegian Army

Norway achieved full independence in 1905, and in the first century of its short life has contributed to two major conflicts, the Cold War and the War on Terror. The Norwegian Army currently operates in the north of Norway and in Afghanistan as well as in Eastern Europe. The Army is the oldest of...

had in 2002 officially 59 bugle calls (unofficially 60 if one includes the Valdres Battalion call which is the baseline tune for the Valdres March). These are divided into two groups;

A) “Orders” – that is a signal for an action

B) “Unit” – which identifies a unit (usually battalion, regiment, brigade, division)

Bugle calls – “Orders”

Bugle calls have in history been used to relay orders over vast distances or in large formation of people. The Norwegian Army maintains the following “order” bugle calls:
Revelje - Revellie This bugle call give notice to all that the day has started.

Spisesignal - Mess call This bugle call give notice that a meal is ready to be served.

Oppstilling - Formation – first call This bugle call orders to assemble for formations.

Flaggappell – Attention to the flag – flag hoist/lower This bugle call give notice that a flag (normally the Norwegian flag) is being hoisted or lowered, and personell shall stand at attention.

Tropp – Troop – Flag in front This bugle call orders the national flag, battalion/regimental colours is to be brought in front of the formation.

Vaktombytte – Changing of the guards This bugle call is sounded at the end of the ceremony of changing of the guards to indicate that transfer of command or responsibility has been completed.

Tappenstrek – Taps This bugle call orders that all activities are to cease for the night. Historically it is linked to the Dutch words tap den doe that is translated as “plug the barrel” indicating that the serving of alcohol to soldiers was to end and return to base. The word “tattoo” derives from this word.

Rosignal – Lights out This bugle call orders all non essential lights are to be put out.

Appell – Ruffells This bugle call is to announce the entrance of high ranking officers from the rank of brigadier up to full general. A ruffell is repeated according to the rank number of stars (1- Brigadier, 2 - Major General, 3 -Lieutenant General, 4 – General)

Parademarsj – Parade - Slow march This bugle call give notice either to the entrance / attendance of His Majesty the King or to alert soldiers to give their attention and see the colours as they are presented formally in slow march in front of a formation.

Bønn – Prayer – Remembrance This bugle call orders all services are to be stopped for prayer, religious services or is used for mark an act of remembrance in the same way as “taps” in the USA or “Last post” in the UK and Commonwealth. It can be played by bugle alone or in combination with a drum beat.

Fremad Marsj – Forward March This bugle call orders the unit is to advance at normal pace

Holdt – Halt This bugle call orders the unit is to stop

Innrykkning – take up your positions This bugle call orders the unit is to take up its positions and make ready

Alarm This bugle call indicates that the unit is to stand to.

Flyalarm – Air raid alarm This bugle call signals that an air raid is iminent.

Panseralarm – Tank/panzer alarm This bugle call alerts an attack by armored units<

Ild – Start firing This bugle call orders units is to open fire.