Denmark extends military service to 11 months amid security concerns
The Danish government increased compulsory service from four to 11 months and around 1,600 recruits started under the new programme.
Denmark has extended the length of its military service from four to 11 months as part of efforts to bolster defence capabilities amid security challenges linked to the war in Ukraine.
Under the new scheme, around 1,600 young Danes began their service yesterday, joining a system that remains largely voluntary. Those who meet the criteria normally sign up themselves; only when volunteer numbers fall short are remaining conscripts selected by lottery.
More time for training, more capacity for the armed forces
Officials say the longer service period will allow recruits to complete more extensive training and increase the operational readiness of the armed forces. The change roughly triples the previous duration and reflects Denmark's broader push to strengthen national defence in response to shifting regional threats.
"Through military service, young people are given the opportunity to take responsibility and make a contribution that not only strengthens the Armed Forces, but also our whole society," the Chief of Defence, Mihael Hildgard, said in a statement published on the Ministry of Defence website.
This year about 20 percent of those called up are women, the authorities reported, illustrating growing diversity among new recruits as the country expands the scale and scope of its conscription programme.
Photo: press material from the event
