Major General Elisabeth Gifstad Michelsen graduated from the College of Gjøvik with a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, before joining the Officer Candidate School in 1992. She holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership and Economics from the Arctic University of Norway and is a graduate from the Norwegian Armed Forces Command and Staff College, as well as the US Army War College, where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Military Strategy.
Her early operational and staff appointments were primarily within the Norwegian Army, including posts within Ammunition, EOD/IEDD and Logistics. Her last posting in the Norwegian Army was as the Battalion Commander for CSS Battalion. At the joint level she has held positions at the Norwegian Defence Staff, and at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters as the Assistant Chief of Staff J4.
At NJHQ, she was responsible for developing and implementing the national whole-of-government approach; closely aligned with NATO frameworks. This was successfully tested during the high visibility exercise Trident Juncture 2018, and she received several decorations for her part in this work strand.
Her international deployments include tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Elisabeth Michelsen has commanded at several ranks, including as a Major General as Commander of the Norwegian Home Guard, a post she held for four years. Her previous appointment prior to joining JFC Norfolk was as the Leader of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Culture and Military Profession Project.
Major General Michelsen assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Staff Operations in August 2024. She is married to Roar and they have two sons.