Denmark Begun Conscripting 1,600 Citizens into Army — Both Men and Women

The Danish Armed Forces have launched an expanded conscription of young people amid actions by the United States and Russia.

This was reported by the country’s Ministry of Defense.

It is reported that 1,600 Danes have been drafted under the new program for a term of 11 months.

Denmark had previously announced that, starting in 2026, it would expand conscription to include women and increase the standard term of service from four to 11 months. By 2033, the number of conscripts is expected to rise from 5,000 to 7,500 annually.

This new recruitment drive comes as Denmark prepares to send its first conscripts to Greenland in late August. A company of more than 100 soldiers will serve there for one month, taking over operational duties from professional military personnel.

This deployment carries additional political significance, as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to annex the island, citing national security concerns.

The recruits will undergo five months of basic training, followed by six months of combat duty.

The Danish Armed Forces are also introducing new areas of conscription, including a drone platoon within the Special Operations Command.

The country’s conscription system is based on drawing lots among all medically fit young people who have reached the age of 18.

At the same time, for many years, the armed forces have relied almost entirely on volunteers, with the remaining vacancies filled by drawing lots.

Earlier, in late July, it was reported that Denmark was preparing for the potential mobilization of 180,000 military personnel in the event of a major war.

The military plans to recruit up to 13,000 people into the armed forces each year, and the mobilization pool will include men and women up to age 65.