Today’s news / Danmark Introduces Mandatory Conscription for Women
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V) and the agreement parties are presenting the second part agreement under the defense settlement on Tuesday evening at the Ministry of Defense. Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix

Danmark Introduces Mandatory Conscription for Women

Following the next Danish election, female conscription becomes a reality with an increase in total conscripts. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen declares conscripts will play a key role amidst a challenging security environment. An agreement has been reached with several parties after Liberal Alliance and Danmarksdemokraterne opposed female conscription. The number of conscripts will rise to 7,500 per year, serving 11 months, starting with 5 months of basic training then 6 months of operational service. Currently, conscription applies only to men, although one in four volunteers last year were women. In addition to standard conscripts, the new deal reintroduces conscripted sergeants and lieutenants who will serve for two years, helping to train recruits. This initiative is backed by a 16 billion DKK budget for the revamped conscription model.