Denmark has increased its mandatory military service period from 4 months to 11 months.
The first group of soldiers has begun their service under the new application.
Number of individuals performing the extended 11-month service
Under the new system, soldiers will serve in operational duties for 6 months following their basic training.
Those turning 18, regardless of gender, will be called to Defense Day to be informed about the military process and undergo suitability assessments.
Joy Berg, a 20-year-old starting military service in a barracks in Aalborg, Denmark, said she was excitedly waiting to wear her new uniform and was ready to take on operational duties.
Berg stated that the 11-month period would provide the opportunity to know the army better and build stronger friendships.
Yes, this is already the reason for being here, but if my mother asks, no.
Jeppe Plenge Trautner, an external lecturer in European security and defense policies at Aalborg University, stated that the transition means that not only individual soldiers but also military units that can be deployed to war in a short time will be trained.
Trautner expressed that it is sad the new application is being implemented due to the increasing risk of war in Northern Europe.
