Denmark triples military service to 11 months, extends to women

Denmark is significantly expanding its military conscription, tripling the service period for draftees to 11 months. This decision, effective for new recruits starting their service on March 3, 2024, also extends the military obligation to women who turned 18 after July 1, 2023.

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Look to the East. Do I need to say more?

The extended service includes five months of basic military training in skills like marksmanship and first aid, followed by six months of practical duty, such as border patrol or drone operation. The Danish government plans to increase the number of conscripts from 5,000 last year to 7,500 by 2033. For the first time, a company of about 100 soldiers will be deployed to Greenland for a month-long rotation starting in late March.

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Now NATO is acting, and Denmark is very quickly strengthening its combat readiness through conscription.

This military buildup is a direct response to security concerns stemming from Russia's actions in Ukraine and hybrid warfare tactics in Europe, as well as pressure from the United States regarding Greenland. Danish military officials cite the "threat from the East" as a primary driver, emphasizing NATO's need to enhance readiness. Simultaneously, Denmark faces pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump's assertions of wanting to acquire Greenland.

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Denmark, not the United States, should control Greenland.

Notably, Princess Isabella, second in line to the Danish throne, began her service on March 3, following her older brother, Prince Christian, who completed his military duty last year. This tradition of royal family members serving in the military underscores the national commitment to defense.

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We will defend all our territory, including Greenland, inch by inch.