The Hersir Training Program has been entirely overhauled. It is now integrated within the new Hersar Hirð/Unit system (which replaces the Hirðmenn legacy units), and naturally, the updated ranking system.
The new program involves higher standards for qualification, selection and completion, and is better designed to create warriors with greater survival skills, while encouraging enhanced cohesion with other males. Some requirements that unduly penalized younger males, especially those on active duty, have been removed. This includes the need for self-sufficiency in order to graduate the program, with the ability to further disengage from reliance on third parties for food and survival now becoming an end goal rather than a pre-qualification.
Those interested in the updated Hersir Training Program are now required to apply for selection. Upon selection, which includes various requirements, such as fitness and in-person vetting, the programs involves three parts:
Mastering of the fundamentals of Norse culture, which may be best achieved through recommended membership in ÚLFASIÐR, but which can also be fulfilled by other means.
Completion of a series of online courses through Áskunnr Gunnarskólinn (The School of Combat) as well as a reading list of critical books (Úlfheimr, Torfœrit and Stjarna).
Assignment to a Development Unit on a probationary basis to receive in-person training in various subject matters, including but not limited to wilderness survival, weapons and tactical.
Upon successful assignment to a Hirð/Unit on a probationary basis, Hirðmenn candidates still earn their first star (V-02). Those who successfully complete the program, including probation, earn the rank of Hersir (V-03) and finalized assignment to a Hirð/Unit if they so wish. Upon further training and development, these men can also earn the rank of Hersir Foringi (V-04), which allows them to command their own unit.
It is important to note that the updated Hersir Training Program requires attendance to mandatory in-person training in the United States (primarily Montana) in a way similar to military reserve units. The new program also means that the first rank, Hirðmaðr (V-01), is the only rank entirely completed online and which does not require in-person vetting by an Úlfheðinn as well as additional field training. The new system also means that any rank involving a star or more has been vetted in person by an Úlfheðinn.
While changes to the program only requiring higher standards and more training are entirely acceptable, since men are expected to understand ongoing training will always be required for self-development, costs added to the Hersir Training Program and which were not in place in the legacy version of the program are not acceptable. As a result, the now required online courses will be provided at not charge or with significant incentives in the following cases (with field training remaining free):
All Online Courses Free of Charge: Those who registered for the Hirðmaðr Training Program prior to May 2020, and who graduated prior to May 2022, will be provided the required online courses for free, as long as they never registered for Hersir courses before, or if they did register for legacy Hersir courses, have completed all such courses as of the end of last month (March 2024). This means that those who already received Hersir courses at no cost but failed to complete them, will need to register for all courses again at their expense.
Additional Online Courses Free of Charge: Those who started the Hersir Training Program no later than March 2024 will receive new courses added as a requirement at not cost, but will still need to complete legacy courses previously required as part of the Hersir program.
Discounted Online Courses: Finally, those who do not fall within the last two categories but who were assigned to a legacy Hirðmenn unit, will be able to complete the online course required for the updated Hersir Training Program at a 50% discount.
If you don’t qualify for any of the above incentives, you will be required to register for online courses at your own expense, understanding that these courses are also offered in a bundle at significant savings (but can also be taken individually), and are further subject to a 20% unit discount once you are assigned to a development unit on a probationary basis.
Contact your assigned Úlfheðinn or unit leader if you qualify for any incentive for the online courses, for the right discount codes, or if you have any question.
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