Concerns over mandatory 2-Year conscription

The Danish government’s proposal to reintroduce conscripted non-commissioned officers as part of a defense reinforcement plan is raising concerns. The initiative could lead to compulsory extension of service up to two years for non-volunteers, resulting in a total conscription period of nearly 24 months, with a five-year availability requirement afterward. Tom Block, the chairman of the soldiers’ union HKKF, argues that compelling individuals does not lead to quality non-commissioned officers, suggesting that a voluntary system is preferable. The extended conscription from 4 to 11 months may result in a shortfall of sergeants to train conscripts. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen hopes for voluntary enrollments, but acknowledges the possibility of mandatory service. The discontinued practice of using conscripted non-commissioned officers for maturity and competence reasons is proposed to be revived, requiring around 480 annually. The scheme’s negotiations continue, and the government’s total plan is expected to cost 12 billion kroner over a decade.