Conscripts to train their peers in revived scheme

The Danish government, led by Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, plans to extend conscription and revive the practice where conscripts train new conscripts. This practice was abandoned in 2005 to improve maturity and professional competence, with a shift to permanent or contract employees training recruits. Now, the proposal includes a conscription extension to 11 months, with 5,000 conscripts annually. Some will serve as sergeants or lieutenants, a model recommended by the Defence Command. They will act as military leaders and instructors, freeing up military personnel for other services. Conscript officers may serve up to 24 months and can be selected voluntarily or by appointment. Major Esben Salling Larsen from the Defence Academy warns that experienced sergeants and officers must remain part of training, noting the unrealistic expectations of the new model. The Defence Command awaits political decisions, while the Defence Ministry indicates that the new arrangement will strengthen defence mobilization capabilities.