Denmark Expands Military Conscription to Include Women Through Lottery System

In a significant policy shift, Denmark has introduced compulsory military conscription for women beginning at age 18, implemented via a lottery system. The changes, spurred by a need to bolster defense amidst heightened security concerns, require both genders to register for potential service, with the aim of expanding annual conscription numbers significantly by 2033.

Denmark has taken a historic step towards gender equality in military service with recent changes in legislation that require women to participate in a lottery system for conscription, beginning from when they turn 18. Under these new rules, recently enacted by the Danish parliament, women will join their male counterparts in a process that will determine who is called up to serve for a total of 11 months. This adjustment marks a major shift from the previous policy that allowed women to join the military on a voluntary basis.

Starting Tuesday, all teenagers turning 18 will be compelled to register for assessment regarding their military service potential. The initial recruitment will prioritize volunteers, with any additional needed personnel being selected through the lottery system. Furthermore, the duration of mandatory service will increase from the existing four months to a more robust eleven months. Government estimates suggest that the number of individuals undertaking military training annually could increase from approximately 4,700 in 2024, including about 24% female volunteers, to around 6,500 by the year 2033.

Denmark's new conscription policy echoes similar moves by neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway, both of which have recently implemented legislation enabling female conscription. The Danish government is also enhancing its defense capabilities with a substantial increase in defense spending amounting to 40.5 billion Danish crowns (£4.3 billion, $5.9 billion) over the next five years, aimed at meeting Nato’s defense spending expectations.

Colonel Kenneth Strom, who oversees the Danish military's conscription programme, emphasized that this shift is a response to current geopolitical realities, enhancing the nation's military readiness and capabilities across all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces. In support of the changes, Katrine, a current volunteer in the Danish military, noted that enhancing military personnel is crucial given the volatile global situation, and expressed her belief that women should contribute equally in this regard, describing the law as a positive advancement.