Operation Legio in Poland pairs NATO doctrine with Ukraine's frontline experience to train soldiers at Camp Jomsborg, a purpose-built site decorated with Viking motifs. Telemark Battalion instructors emphasize battlefield skills plus a controlled "Viking" warrior mentality aimed at cohesion and resilience. The program—backed by 11 nations—is defined and shaped by Ukrainian requests and instructors to ensure realistic, accountable training.
Norwegian Trainers Bring 'Viking Mentality' to Ukrainian Troops at Camp Jomsborg
The insignia of the Telemark Battalion, visible in the green background flag, is a Viking ship.Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Operation Legio — led by Norway and supported by 11 nations — pairs NATO doctrine with frontline lessons from Ukraine to prepare soldiers for combat on harsh battlefields. Training is run primarily by the elite Telemark Battalion, which draws on elements of a Viking-inspired warrior culture to reinforce cohesion, discipline and resilience.
What the Program Does
At a purpose-built facility in southeastern Poland called Camp Jomsborg (established in 2025, roughly two hours from the Ukrainian border), trainees undertake demanding daytime and nighttime exercises designed to mirror frontline conditions. Norway describes the site as a Ukrainian training center: Ukraine outlines training priorities, provides instructors, and regularly updates the curriculum based on battlefield feedback.
Warrior Mentality With Ethical Guardrails
Maj. John, the S3 operations officer coordinating the effort, told Business Insider that Telemark emphasizes both practical skill sets and a controlled "warrior mentality" that helps soldiers endure severe conditions. He said that the battalion draws inspiration from Viking heritage but applies it within the ethical and moral standards expected of Norwegian troops.
The Camp Jomsborg training site has Viking-inspired decoration.Sinéad Baker
"We draw that warrior mentality from our Viking heritage... The Viking culture is very important for us," John said, adding that the approach is not about reckless aggression but about discipline and resilience.
Exchange of Experience
Many Ukrainian trainees arrive with hard-won frontline experience. Norwegian and other Western instructors offer decades of NATO practices and institutional knowledge, while Ukrainian soldiers contribute real-world lessons from high-intensity combat. Brig. Atle Molde, commander of Task Force Legio, said the Telemark Battalion is trying to pass along positive cultural traits that strengthen unit cohesion and fighting spirit.
Camp Culture and Purpose
Visitors to Camp Jomsborg will notice Viking motifs throughout the compound: signs, a large ship statue and street names invoking Norse figures. The Telemark Battalion’s emblem is a Viking ship and its reported battle cry is "To Valhalla!" Trainers stress the symbolism is meant to motivate and unify rather than glorify violence.
John summarized the mission bluntly: "It's all about the Ukrainian soldier and increasing his lethality and survivability within this program before he leaves for front-line war." The program's ultimate aim is to help Ukraine defend itself and preserve its ability to decide the terms of any resolution.
Operational Notes
- Camp Jomsborg began its fifth 51-day rotation of Ukrainian soldiers in late May.
- Training intentionally includes both day and night operations and realistic scenarios to simulate battlefield stressors.
- Ukraine helps define priorities and holds partners accountable for realistic, high-quality instruction.
Norwegian instructors such as Jørgen say Ukrainians are highly motivated and eager to learn, creating a two-way exchange that mixes battlefield-tested tactics with NATO doctrine to increase survivability and combat effectiveness.
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