Royal Danish Army

Royal Danish Army. It is the land-based branch of the Danish Defence, responsible for national sovereignty and international operations. Tracing its origins to the levy system, it was formally established in the 17th century. Today, it is a modern, deployable force integrated with NATO structures and focused on expeditionary warfare.

History

The army's early history is rooted in the medieval leding fleet levy, with a standing force emerging under Christian IV during the Thirty Years' War. It saw extensive action in 17th-century conflicts like the Torstenson War and the Scanian War. The 18th century was defined by the Great Northern War and reforms under Frederick IV. Defeats in the Second Schleswig War led to profound reorganization. During World War II, it saw limited action during the German occupation of Denmark in Operation Weserübung. The post-war era shifted focus to Cold War territorial defense alongside NATO allies, a stance that evolved after the Fall of the Berlin Wall toward global expeditionary missions in theaters like the Balkans and Afghanistan.

Organization

The army is commanded by the Hærens Operative Kommando in Vejle. Its primary combat formations include the 1st Brigade and the 2nd Brigade, which encompass mechanized infantry, armored cavalry, and artillery units. Specialized forces fall under the Army Special Operations Command (ASOC). Key training institutions are the Royal Danish Military Academy in Copenhagen and the Army Combat and Fire Support Centre in Oksbøl. The army also maintains the Guard Hussar Regiment for ceremonial duties in the capital.

Equipment

The main battle tank fleet consists of upgraded Leopard 2A7s. The primary infantry fighting vehicle is the CV9035DK, supported by the Piranha V armored personnel carrier. Artillery capabilities are provided by the M109 howitzer and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System. Infantry weapons include the M/95 (HK416) rifle, the M/60 machine gun, and the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle. The army also operates various Eagle IV protected patrol vehicles and utilizes the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle.

Ranks and insignia

The rank system follows a standard NATO structure. Commissioned officer ranks range from Second Lieutenant to General, the latter held by the Chief of the Army Command. Senior non-commissioned officers include ranks like Sergeant Major of the Army and Command Sergeant Major. The Royal Life Guards and the Guard Hussar Regiment have distinct ceremonial uniforms and insignia. Rank insignia are displayed on shoulder boards for officers and on sleeve chevrons or epaulettes for enlisted personnel and NCOs.

Deployments and operations

The army was a major contributor to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, with operations centered in Helmand Province. It also participated in the Iraq War as part of the Multi-National Force – Iraq. Under United Nations mandates, it has deployed to Cyprus (UNFICYP) and South Sudan (UNMISS). In the Balkans, Danish troops served with SFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina and KFOR in Kosovo. Recent contributions include the Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Estonia and support to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

Training and education

Officer training is conducted at the Royal Danish Military Academy, known as Kastellet. The Army NCO School in Varde trains sergeants and senior NCOs. Basic training for conscripts and volunteers is held at centres like Almegaard Kaserne. Specialized courses, including arctic warfare, are run by the Army Combat and Fire Support Centre. Joint exercises with allies, such as the Cold Response series in Norway and Saber Strike in the Baltic states, are routine. International staff training occurs at the NATO Defense College and the Royal Danish Defence College.