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The changes increase compulsory military service from four months to 11 months and introduce mandatory conscription for women as part of a broader effort to improve the operational readiness of Denmark\u2019s armed forces. The Danish government approved the reforms in 2024 following the deteriorating security situation in Europe.<\/p>\n
As a NATO member, Denmark aims to bolster its military preparedness and contribute more effectively to the alliance\u2019s collective defence.<\/p>\n
During a media visit to the military training base at Oksb\u00f8l in western Denmark, Colonel Mikael Vilumsen highlighted the security challenges facing Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook to the east. Do I need to say anything more? It is, of course, the security situation created by Russia and what it could do if NATO did not respond,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Vilumsen added that NATO has already adapted to the changing security environment, while Denmark\u2019s contribution focuses on rapidly improving the preparedness and operational capability of its armed forces.<\/p>\n
More Women Join the Armed Forces<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Most military service positions in Denmark continue to be filled by volunteers. Authorities use a lottery system only if the number of volunteers falls short of annual recruitment targets.<\/p>\n According to the Danish Armed Forces, women account for around 20 percent of this year\u2019s intake. Under the revised program, recruits not only serve for a longer period but also undertake a broader range of military duties.<\/p>\n The first three to five months focus on basic military training, including weapons handling, first aid and physical fitness. Recruits then receive specialist training in roles such as drone operators and infantry soldiers.<\/p>\n Recruits Welcome the Opportunity<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Twenty-year-old recruit Mikkel Gindberg Hansen said he looked forward to the next 11 months of service.<\/p>\n \u201cI was looking for something to do. I would have spent an entire year without doing anything significant, and I prefer this to taking an ordinary job,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Hansen also said he would be willing to serve in Greenland or overseas, adding, \u201cI just hope a war doesn\u2019t break out while I\u2019m doing my military service.\u201d<\/p>\n