The Documentary Podcast ‘A new foe’: Conscripting women in Denmark
Sep 23, 2025
In a critical discussion, military officials and defense experts, including Senior Navy Commander Sun Lund, delve into Denmark’s historic shift to conscript women alongside men. The guests explore the recruitment process on ‘Defences Day,’ featuring medical tests and lottery systems that determine recruits' futures. They highlight the geopolitical motivations behind this expansion amidst rising tensions with Russia, and provide insights into public reactions, reflecting a mix of support and dissent across communities.
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Compulsory Recruitment Days For All Genders
- Denmark now requires all 18-year-olds to attend a recruitment assessment, extending a 175-year-old practice to women.
- Attendance is compulsory and enforced by fines or police, though actual service depends on volunteer numbers.
Longer Service And Bigger Intake
- The conscription law doubles service length from four to 11 months and expands capacity significantly.
- Officials expect to call in 6,500 conscripts annually using a lottery backup if volunteers fall short.
Choose Civilian Service If You Object
- If you object to military service, register as a conscientious objector to do civilian service instead.
- Civilian alternatives include emergency response tasks like firefighting or disaster relief.