Denmark began an expanded 11-month compulsory military service for both men and women on Monday, accelerating a reform originally planned for next year in response to heightened security threats from Russia. Some 1,600 recruits reported to barracks across the country, including Princess Isabella, with all current conscripts having volunteered for service.
Women now account for about 20 percent of this year's intake, marking the first time they have been drafted into the Danish armed forces. Recruits will undergo five months of basic training before transitioning to operational duties, including potential deployment within and beyond the kingdom. New specialisations have been introduced, including a drone unit.
The government aims to raise annual recruitment from 4,500 to 6,500. More than 100 conscripts will be sent to Greenland later this month, a first, as the territory faces geopolitical pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed threats to annex the island. Danish forces also currently serve on NATO's eastern flank in Latvia.