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The compulsory military service in Denmark. Foundation of 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
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Foundation of 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…
New focus • 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.
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 DenmarkWhat happens after Basic Training ? Territorial Defence Register (3 yrs.) Professional soldiers Reserve Forces International mission6 months < 80 pc > 20 pc Basic Training - conscript with 4 (8, 9 or 12) months Reaction Force Training (Contract – 8 months)
Pros and cons… Main lessons learned 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
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