Birger Ljungberg had risen from captain in 1916 to major in 1932 and lieutenant colonel in 1934 before entering the cabinet after Monsen became ill. Otto Ruge was considered for defence minister and later became commander-in-chief of the Norwegian Army, but the government thought him too acute and potentially disruptive. Ljungberg's gracious, polite, and passive manner could reassure critics of Labour's defence record without forcing a change. His appointment was a political accommodation as much as a military choice. A trained officer at the cabinet table did little for readiness when the quality that made him acceptable was his reluctance to challenge policy.
Chapter · 28:09-31:06
Why Birger Ljungberg was chosen over Otto Ruge
The choice of gracious, passive Ljungberg over the sharper Ruge allowed the government to answer criticism of Labour's defence record without changing that policy.