Høvelte (Denmark), June 30 (AP) – Scanning the dense woodland outside Denmark's capital, 20-year-old Katrine stands ready with camouflage paint on her face, alert for any threats. After nearly four months of intense military training, she and her unit engaged in final exercises this June near the Danish army's barracks in Høvelte, located 25 kilometers north of Copenhagen.
Katrine, alongside other female soldiers who requested anonymity except for their first names due to operational security, joined the military voluntarily earlier this year. Until now, this was the only route for women to enter the armed forces.
Denmark is aiming to bolster its military ranks by extending compulsory service to women for the first time. While both men and women can still volunteer, vacancies will be filled through a gender-neutral draft lottery.
"Given the global situation, it's necessary," Katrine expressed. "It's fair and just that women engage equally with men." Under new legislation passed by Denmark's parliament in early June, Danish women who turn 18 after the stated date will join the lottery system alongside their male peers. This adjustment comes amidst the shadow of Russian aggression and increased military investment across NATO member states.
Russia's looming threat remains tangible, even from Denmark's relatively safe borders, with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine serving as a constant reminder. Insights from Ukrainian battlefields have even influenced Danish military training.
"That makes it very real," Katrine noted.
Denmark's initiative for gender parity in the military was initially outlined in 2024 as part of a significant defense agreement. Originally set for implementation by early 2027, the program's start date has been expedited to the summer of 2025.
Col. Kenneth Strom, head of the conscription program, informed AP that the decision stems from "the current security situation".
"They could contribute to NATO's collective deterrence," Strom explained. "Increasing the number of conscripts leads to enhanced combat capabilities."
With a population of 6 million, Denmark has about 9,000 professional soldiers. The updated system aims to increase the annual conscript numbers to 6,500 by 2033, up from 4,700 last year.
Under Danish law, all physically capable men over age 18 are required to serve. However, due to a sufficient number of volunteers, a lottery system has been in place, ensuring not all young men are drafted. Before now, women could only enter through volunteering, comprising about a quarter of the 2024 intake.
"Some women might be disappointed to be selected for military service," shared Anne Sofie, a volunteer like Katrine. "Many will likely find it more rewarding than anticipated." The service duration is also set to extend from four to 11 months, with conscripts undergoing five months of basic training followed by six months of operational duties and additional lessons.
This move falls into a broader context of Denmark's military expansion.
In February, Denmark declared its intention to fortify its military through a USD 7 billion fund, intending to raise defense spending to more than 3 percent of the GDP this year. Portions of the conscript program are financed by what is termed the Acceleration Fund.
"We face a heightened security climate in Europe. The ongoing Ukraine conflict, partnered with a focus on the Baltic countries, keeps Denmark actively deploying soldiers there. Hence, it is a general effort to fortify Danish defenses," explained Rikke Haugegaard, a researcher at the Royal Danish Defence College.
Nonetheless, Haugegaard acknowledges challenges like inadequate equipment, a lack of additional barracks, and potential instances of sexual harassment.
"We anticipate constructing numerous buildings to accommodate the new influx of personnel over the next couple of years. It will be a gradual process," she added.
In 2017, neighboring Sweden enacted a military draft for both men and women after highlighting Europe's deteriorating security environment. Norway took similar steps in 2013, applying conscription across both genders. (AP) PY PY
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