The first Norwegian Military Tattoo was held in The Viking Ship Arena in Hamar in 1994. In cooperation with the municipality of Hamar and the Brass Band Festival of Hamar, the Inspector of Military Music Norwegian Armed Forces at the time, Christer O. Johannesen, wanted to make a Norwegian version of the military tattoos he had seen around the world.  Through his many years as Inspector of Military Music, Mr. Johannesen had built up a long list of contacts among the world’s leading military bands and units, which was decisive for their participation in his project.

In 1995 the Inspector of Military Music, Christer O. Johannesen contacted the Chief of Defence at the time, General Arne Sollie, and Minister of Defence Mr. Jørgen Kosmo, asking if he had the full support of the Norwegian Armed Forces in his plan to arrange the Norwegian Military Tattoo in Oslo Spektrum.  This was the start of a very good cooperation between the leaders of the Norwegian Military Tattoo and the management of the Norwegian Armed Forces. 
 
The Norwegian Military Tattoo will be held for the 10th time in Oslo Spektrum 11 – 13th May 2012.