The compulsory military service in Denmark

 The constitution Article 81 - National Service Act  Defence Agreements between (a majority) the political parties in parliament and the government  Regular meetings between the Minister of Defence and those political parties who have signed the Defence Agreement  “All men must serve”  Conscientious objectors… Foundation of the Compulsory Military Service in Denmark

 Defence Agreement for 2005 – 2009: Major changes to the compulsory military service  Changing focus from territorial defence to international engagement  In line with the Danish security policy  The Balkans, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Operation Ocean Shield.  Since 1992: More than 26,000 soldiers have been serving in international missions. Right now approximately 750 soldiers are in Helmand, Afghanistan. New focus

Compulsory military service – the new system  Four months of basic training  Previous conscripts served 8 – 12 months  Exceptions – specific units at  Royal Life Guard Rgt, Royal Guards Hussars Rgt  HMS “Dannebrog”  Danish Emergency Management Agency  Right to voluntary service for women (1995)  ”Defence Day”:  The armed forces and The Danish Emergency Agency  About 30,000 men are ordered to meet at Defence Day  About 30,000 women are invited  Draft numbers:  2009: 91 per cent volunteers – 9 per cent drafted  2010: More than 93 per cent volunteers.

Compulsory military service in Denmark What happens after Basic Training ? Basic Training - conscript with 4 (8, 9 or 12) months Territorial Defence Register (3 yrs.) Reaction Force Training (Contract – 8 months) International mission 6 months Professional soldiers Reserve Forces < 80 pc > 20 pc

The right number of conscripts for a shorter period of time:  A broad basis of recruitment  Cost effective  Popular anchoring  A fair salary  Training targeted for international operations Pros and cons… Main lessons learned

Examination of the current compulsory military service system Adopted in the 2010 – 2014 Defence Agreement The compulsory system has always been a subject of political discussions. The current system marked the change from territorial defence to an international focus. The examination will involve assessments of the social and economic side-effects. Other focus areas: -Popular anchoring -Representative segment of the population -Securing a broad basis of recruitment -Cost-effectiveness

 Questions?

Examination: Four models  The current system continues on the whole  Women will be obliged to attend the ”Defence Day”/will be called up for service as conscripts  Right to voluntary service for women, like it is today  Abolishment of the military service system. Instead only employment on a contractual basis.