Starting July 1, 2024, participation in "Armed Forces Day" (Forsvarets Dag) became mandatory for young men and women in Denmark. During this day, everyone undergoes a physical and psychological fitness assessment and is informed about their eligibility for military service. However, military service itself remains voluntary; those called up can refuse without penalty. New legislation, which came into effect at the beginning of 2025, grants the government the right to impose conscription by lottery if the required number of 6,500 volunteers is not met. Thus, the interview remains mandatory for now, while military service remains voluntary for the time being, with the possibility of becoming mandatory in the future if the low turnout continues, particularly among young women.
According to TV2, Denmark has seen a significant decline in women's participation in the new 11-month mandatory military service, which may prompt authorities to resort to compulsory conscription in the future.
A clear decline in women's interest in the new service
Journalist Anders Lomholt, military affairs correspondent for TV2, explained that there is considerable interest in how young Danes will receive the new system that begins next year. Data obtained by the channel from the Danish Armed Forces personnel command indicates that the military has already filled the new intakes with volunteers, but the proportion of women among them has declined significantly.
The ratio has fallen to its lowest level in years.
Statistics have shown that women made up about a quarter of recruits in previous years, with the percentage reaching 23.6% last year. However, preliminary figures for next year show a decrease in the percentage to only 16%, which contradicts the government and military's goals of achieving gender balance in military service.
Sune Lund, director of the Armed Forces Personnel Command Center, stated: “This is a problem because we want a balanced military service that best represents Danish society.”.
Increased recruitment amid a shortage of military manpower
These declines come at a time when Denmark is working to significantly increase the number of conscripts in the coming years, assigning them additional operational roles. Sune Løn emphasized that the military needs more volunteers willing to remain in service after their mandatory military service, adding, "If the number of women continues to fall, we may have to resort to conscription if we cannot reach our target of 6,500 conscripts through volunteers.".
Extending the military service period changes the decision of many girls
Official data also indicated that the number of women recruited had risen over the past two decades, from 2-31 TP3T in 2004 to over 201 TP3T in recent years. However, the new decision to extend the service period from four to eleven months has led to many girls being reluctant to enlist.
According to TV2, girls expressed their rejection of the new service because “11 months is too long” and “a long-term commitment.”.
The army is seeking to correct its image and attract female volunteers again.
Sune Lung believes the main reason for the decline in female volunteers is that young people compare military service to short courses or schools. He explained that “many find it difficult to commit to a full year of military service instead of just four months.” He added that he hopes women’s participation in “Forsvarets Dag” (Armed Forces Day), which became mandatory for women last July, will help them learn about military education opportunities. “We need to work harder to explain the advantages of the new system, which gives volunteers real training as soldiers and equips them with useful skills both inside and outside the military,” he said, according to TV2.
Challenges of harassment stories and the principle of equality in the military establishment
According to the source, Henriette Laursen, director of the Kvinfo center, indicated that the decline in the percentage of women was “expected but regrettable, because it contradicts the idea of equality in the armed forces.” She added that stories of harassment in the army may also affect women’s reluctance, explaining that “women who join today serve on an equal footing with men, and they cannot withdraw if they are subjected to any abusive behavior.”.
She stressed that the military institution must make more efforts to change the prevailing patriarchal culture and explain the steps it is taking to prevent cases of sexual abuse.
Compulsory military service remains an option despite the government's emphasis on volunteering.
According to the Ministry of Defense plan, the number of conscripts is expected to rise from approximately 2,000 next year to 6,500 by 2033, in addition to 1,000 in the emergency services. Military service is one of the army's most important tools for attracting new personnel and maintaining operational efficiency. The government agreement on strengthening military service, concluded last year, emphasizes the principle of volunteering, stating: "Volunteering should remain the primary principle as much as possible, and conscription should be the last resort," according to TV2.
But an internal study by the Department of Defense had previously warned that “extending the service period could lead to lower rates of volunteering and a reduced ability to attract recruits for advanced courses and military jobs,” noting that women in particular “tend to avoid long military programs.”.
Military service is a key pillar in supporting the capabilities of the Latvian army and NATO.
Military service plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of the Danish army, providing the necessary personnel to guard barracks, operate air defense systems and drones, in addition to participating in the NATO 1st Brigade stationed in Latvia.
TV2 noted that the channel is still seeking an official comment from Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen regarding the new figures and their implications for the future of military service in the country.
