Transformation of Armed Forces to Meet the New Challenges of Peace Support Operations
Case study Denmark
Brigadier General Bjarne HESSELBERG, Royal Danish Army, (Ret.)
Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to brief you on how the Danish armed forces have chosen to transform from a static, territorial defense force to a modern, flexible and deployable force well suited to meet the challenges of peace support operations of our time, including some thoughts about the future role of Veterans Associations such as The Blue Berets.
During the Cold War, our surroundings were characterized by being static and stable. The future was predictable: Tomorrow was probably going to be like today, which again was like yesterday.
However, the end of the Cold War demonstrated that the international state of affairs is a dynamic system and the predictable future fundamentally changed character.
However, the international security environment was still assessed as stable and predictable. Consequently, it was the perception that we went from one stable situation – The Cold War – to another stable situation – A New World Order!
However, the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon 11 September 2001, and the subsequent interventions in Afghanistan and in Iraq have
Transf ormation of
Armed Forces to M eet the
New Challenge
s of Peace Sup port Oper
ations
Case stud y D
enm ark
Brigadie r General
Bjarne HES SE
LB ERG,
Roya l Danish Arm y, (Re
t.)
Thank you ve ry much
for giving me this opport
unity to
brief you on how the Danish armed for
ces have c
hosen to rce to a fo ense ial def rritor static, te m from a sfor tran
modern, f lex ible a nd depl
oya ble fo rce well suite d to me
et
the challenges of peace s
upport operations of our time, hts about the future role of Veterans including some thoug Associations such as The B
lue Ber ets.
During the Cold W ar, our sur rounding
s wer
e was ure . The fut ble and sta tatic ing s d by be terize rac cha
predic table : Tomor row
was probably
goin g to be like
today, whi ch a
gain w as like yesterd
ay.
However , the e nd of the
Cold War de monstrate
d tha t the
intern ationa l state
of af fair s is a d
yna mic s yste m a
nd the d charact ange y ch predictable future fundamentall
er.
However , the intern
ationa l secu
rit y e nvironm ent wa s still
assessed as stable and p redic
table. Consequentl y, it was
the perception that we went from one stable sit
uation – A New situation – ble r sta anothe r – to The Cold Wa
Worl d Order!
However, t he at tacks on the W
orl d Trade Cent
er and the
Pentagon 11 Septemb er 2001, and the su
bsequent
interventions in Afghanistan and in Ira
q have
fundamentally changed the world and showed clearly that
“the future is not what it used to be” as it has become dynamic and totally unpredictable.
Denmark needed to recognize this and adapt to the new challenges. Among other things, the framework for Danish security policy comprises a number of factors that can be grouped in three areas:
The global development trends,
The threat environment, and
The primary international organizations.
The Global Development Trends
From our perspective there are three main global trends shaping the international security environment:
globalization, Revolution of Military Affairs (RMA) and the use of military means.
Globalization characterized by increased transactions of currencies, goods, services, knowledge, ideas and people is the determining factor in the global trends.
Globalization is pivotal to the promotion and spreading of democracy and human rights, economic integration and free trade, growth and prosperity. But it also leads to greater vulnerability to external events as we become more and more inter-dependant.
The Revolution in Military Affairs has led to a reduction in the costs and risks involved in the use of military force. Today, the military assets can be rapidly deployed fundamentally ch
ange d the world and showed cle
arl y that
“the fut ure
is not what i
t used t o be”
as it has become
dynamic and totally unp
redictable.
Denmark ne eded to reco
gni ze t his and adapt t
o the new
challenges.
Among other things , the frame
work for ses a number of factors that pri com icy ty pol Danish securi
can be gr ouped i n th ree a reas:
The glob
al development trends, The threat environment, and
The primary intern
ational org aniz ations.
The Global Developme nt Trends
From our perspe ctive there are three main
globa l trends
shaping the inte
rna tiona l secu
rit y e nvironment:
globaliz ation, Revolution of
Military Affairs (RMA) and
the use of milita ry m
ean s.
Global izat ion charact eri
zed b y i ncr eased t ransa ctions of
currencies, goods, s ervic
es, knowledge, ideas and
people l tr loba in the g tor fac termining is the de
ends.
Globalization is pivotal to the promotion
and spreadin g
of democrac y and hum an righ
ts, economic integration d prosperity wth an gro rade, and free t . But
it al so leads to
gre ater vulnerabilit
y to ex tern al e ven ts a s we be come
more and more inter-dep endant.
The Re volution in Military
Af fair s has le d to a reduction
in the costs and risks involved in the use of militar y
for ce.
Today, the milita ry a
sse ts can be ra pidly d eplo yed
at superior strength against most opponents. RMA allows the use of weapons in strikes of surgical precision, thereby reducing the loss of civilian lives and collateral damage to a historically low level.
Consequently, and as shown by the experiences from Afghanistan and Iraq, wars fought on a technologically high level with precision guided munitions and deployable capabilities have become a valid tool in the toolbox of the security policy makers.
The Threat Environment
I will now turn to the second factor shaping the international security environment, the threat as seen from a Danish perspective.
The international security situation entailing the enlargement of both the EU and NATO, underlines the non-existence of a conventional threat against Danish territory for a foreseeable future. Consequently, there is no longer a need for the massive territorial defense forces of the past. In the long term perspective, if such a threat should arise, technological developments will allow us or force us to counter such a threat by approaches very different to what we planned during the Cold War.
Terror attacks against Western countries have shown us the challenges and risks facing Denmark. They have changed markedly by adding new asymmetric and unpredictable threats from international terrorism and
at superior stren gth a gain st most opponents. RMA allows
the use of weapons in strikes of sur
gical pr
ecision, nd colla n lives a civilia loss of ing the reduc by there
tera l
damage to a historicall
y low level.
Consequently, and as s hown by the ex
perience s from
Afgh anistan and Ir
aq, wars fou ght on a technolog
icall y
high level with pr ecision g
uided munitions and become have bilities capa yable deplo
a valid to ol in the
toolbox of the securit y p
olicy mak ers.
Th e Th reat En
viron men t
I will now turn to the second factor
shaping
the as seen hreat he t , t ronment envi security ional ernat int
from a Danish perspe ctive.
The inte rna
tional s ecur ity situation e
nta iling the
enlargement of both the EU and NATO, underlines the
non-existence of a conventiona l threat against Danish
terri tor y for a foresee
abl e future. C onsequent
ly, there i
s e forces defens the massive territorial eed for no longer a n
of the past.
In the long te
rm perspec tive, if
such a threa t
should arise, technolog ical de
velopments will allow us or such a thre force us to counter at by appro
aches ver y
different to what we plan ned during the Cold W
ar.
Terror attacks against W
estern countri es have sh
own us
the challenges and risk s facing D
enmark. The y
have
change d markedl
y b y adding new asymme
tric and
unpredictable threats fr om international terrori
sm and
proliferation of WMD against Denmark and Danish nationals abroad.
Conflicts in Europe’s neighboring regions will continue to influence Denmark’s recently acquired and unique level of security from conventional military threats. Thus, these conflicts could constitute an indirect threat against Danish interests. All in all, future threats against Denmark will not be determined by Denmark’s geographical position. Consequently, there is a need to counter the threats were they develop and/or appear. This leads to a Danish focus on international operations and contributions to international operations will be one of the primary tasks for Danish defense in the future.
The primary international organizations
USA and The Transatlantic Link
Turning to the last of the three factors shaping the international security environment, lets discuss the international system. The US is the only super power and its participation in solving international issues is a prerequisite for success. Even though the US has concentrated on their own national security interests since 911, a strong co-operation between Europe and the US is a pre-requisite for the development of a stable and secure international world order. Hence, it is vital for Denmark to maintain the strong transatlantic link.
The United Nations
The UN is the only realistic framework for a system based on the rule of law and democratic norms. Without proliferation of WM
D agai nst Denmark and Danish
nationals abroad.
Conflicts in Europe’s neighborin g re
gions will continue
to influence Denma rk’s
rece ntly a cquired and unique
leve l of sec uri ty fr om conve
ntional milita ry thre
ats. Thus, threa ect n indir stitute a ould con licts c conf these
t a gai nst
Danish inte rests. All
in all, f utur e thre ats agai nst
Denma rk will not be de
termine d b y Denma rk’
s
geo graphical position. C
onsequently, ther
e is a need to elop and/or dev hey ats were t counter the thre
appear. This
leads to a Danish focus on international operati
ons and
contr ibutions to inte rna
tiona l opera
tions will be one of nse in the sh defe Dani or tasks f imary the pr
future .
The primary inte rnational or
ganizat ions
US A and The Transat
lan tic Link
Turning to the last
of the thr ee fa ctor s sha ping
the ts discuss the onment, le envir y rit l secu ationa intern
intern ationa l syste
m. The US is the only sup
er po wer and
its partic ipation in so lving
intern ationa
l issues is a the hough ess. Even t for succ te prerequisi
US has
concentrated on their own nationa
l secu rit y intere sts
since 911, a strong co -operation betwe en Europe
and the able and the development of a st or quisite f e-re US is a pr
secu re inte rna tional wor
ld or der.
Henc e, it is v ital f
or
Denmark to maintain the strong transatlantic link.
Th e Unit ed Nati
ons only r The UN is the
ealistic fra
mewor k f or a s yst em
based on the rule of law
and demo cratic norms.
Withou t
the UN, Denmark finds it difficult to envisage the creation of a system based on these values.
NATO
NATO is THE central forum for the transatlantic security policy dialogue and is a pre-requisite for combined and joint operations as well within NATO as in other contexts. Thus, NATO will be the framework within which common capabilities with the necessary quality will be developed for use in operations. Consequently, NATO is pivotal to the transformation of Danish defense.
The European Union (EU)
The long-lasting integration process of the EU consolidates a peace zone in an ever growing part of Europe. The EU could be seen as a natural framework for a broad co-operation in order to handle threats against the European continent, e.g. from terrorism, proliferation of WMD, organized crime and illegal migration.
However, Denmark has only limited possibilities to gain from this due to the opt-outs on EU defense matters.
Denmark’s Cooperation with NATO and the other relevant International Organizations
The debate prior to the Iraq intervention showed the weaknesses of all these international organizations, i.e.
the UN, NATO and the EU. They and their roles in international security were all weakened by this conflict.
Consequently, the transformation of Danish defense cannot be tied to NATO alone. Since NATO is the only organization providing integrated military co-operation,
the UN, Denmar
k find s it diffi
cult to envisag
e the
creation of a s ystem base d on these values.
NATO
NATO is THE centr al f oru m for the tr ans atla ntic se cur
ity combined and equisite for and is a pre-r gue policy dialo
joint opera tions as well within NATO a
s in other
conte xts. Thus, NATO will be the f
ram ew
ork within ssary nece ties with the bili apa ommon c which c
qualit y
will be de velope d f or u se in ope rations. Conseque
ntly,
NATO is pivotal to the transformation of D anish defense.
The Eur ope an Un
ion (
EU) ration pr sting integ -la The long
ocess of the EU
consolid ates a p eace z
one i n an ever
growi ng
part of amework for Europe. The EU could be seen as a natural fr
a broad co-oper ation in order to handle thre ats aga
inst the
European continent, e.g.
from terrorism, proliferation of rime a ed c aniz WMD, org nd illegal mi
gration.
However , De nmark h
as onl y limite d possibilitie
s to g ain
from this due to the opt-outs on EU defense matter s.
Denm ark’s Cooperation
w ith NATO an
d the other
relevant International Organizations
The de bate pr ior to th
e I raq interve
ntion sho wed
the
weakne sses of a ll these inte
rnational organizations, i.e. nd the EU. They the UN, NATO a
and the ir
role s in
intern ationa l secu
rit y w ere all wea ken
ed b y this c onflic
t.
Consequently, th e tran
sformation of Danish defense
cannot be tied to NATO alone. Since NATO is the onl
y tion, era -op co military ted gra oviding inte nization pr orga
NATO will continue to be the corner stone in the development of Danish defense.
This role as a ”coalition enabler” means that fulfilling NATO demands will be the ”ticket” to participation in international operations, i.e. the requirements from
NATO (Response Force )
Other partners in “Coalitions of the Willing and
Capable”
will all be requirements which we have to fulfil in order to be able to provide ready and fully deployable force contributions able to participate ”in the full range of missions”. The difference between irrelevant and relevant military structure is thus the ability to deploy and employ the capabilities wherever needed.
At the last NATO summit in Prague in was decided to launch the capability initiative, called the Prague Capabilities Commitment. From a prioritized list of capability shortfalls within the Alliance, this initiative is focused on a coordinated national procurement of the capabilities needed for future tasks.
This effort does not only focus on providing the right tools for the toolbox, but also on creating a forum for multinational solutions. Within this framework smaller nations can cooperate to procure capabilities that they would not be able to afford on their own.
Within this initiative Denmark is committed to three multinational initiatives focusing on providing capabilities for the deployment of forces:
NATO will continue to be
the c orn er stone in the
development of Danish defense.
This role as a ”coa lition ena
ble r” me ans tha t fulf
illing
NATO dem ands will be the ”tic
ket”
to partic ipation in
intern ationa l opera
tions, i.e. the require ments f
rom
NATO (Response F
orce )
Other pa
rtn ers in “C
oalitions of the Willing
and
Capable”
will all be requir eme nts which we
have to fulf il in orde
r
to be able to provide ready and fully deplo
yabl e forc
e full range of contributions able to participate ”in the
missions”. The differen ce betw een irrelev
ant and relevant
military struc ture is thus the abilit
y to de ploy a
nd emplo
y ed. er need s wherev bilitie apa the c
At the la st NATO summit in Prag
ue in wa s decide
d to
launc h the capa
bility initia tive, c
alle d the Pr
ague itized list of prior rom a tment. F bilities Commi Capa
cap abilit y shor tfalls with in the Allia
nce, this initiative
is
focused on a coordinated na
tional procurement of the e ta futur or ed f s need abilitie cap
sks.
This effort does not only focus on providing the rig
ht
tools for the toolbox , but also on cre
ating a
forum for mewor is fra l solutions. Within th multinationa
k sma ller
nations can cooper ate t
o pr ocure c
apabilities that the y
would not be able to affo rd on their own.
Within this initia tive De
nmark is c ommitte
d to thr ee
multinationa l initia
tives f ocu
sing on pr oviding
cap abilitie s for
the d eploy ment of fo rce s:
Strategic Air Transport
Air-to-Air Refueling
and Strategic Sea Transport, where Denmark has
gained a high profile through a full-time charter of a civilian transport ship. This transport ship has all ready showed its value to the Alliance.
Since the end of the Cold War the Danish armed forces have had a number of defense agreements – all characterized by reductions in our force structure.
Internationally Deployable Military Capabilities as well as Homeland Security, including the ability to counter terrorist acts and their effects
However, although they were quite drastic, they basically maintained our Cold War force structure as the founding principle - a structure designed for territorial defense and based on mobilization of conscripts. As we embarked on the journey towards the next defense agreement, we came to realize that we had reached the “end of the sausage”, and that a fundamental new approach was needed.
Consequently, we have chosen a different approach, a so- called “Capability Based Approach”, re-designing Danish Defense from scratch. The fundament of the approach was an analysis of the security policy issues affecting the nature, composition and size of the armed forces.
Strat egi c Ai r Transport
Air-t
o-Air R efu elin g
and Strat
egi c Sea Tr ansport
, where Denm ark has
gain ed a high prof ile throug h a f
ull- time c har ter of
a t ship has a anspor sport ship. This tr n tran civilia
ll
rea dy show ed its va
lue to the Allianc
e.
Since the end of the Cold Wa r the Da
nish ar med f orc es
have had a number of defense agre
ements – all
characteriz ed b y r eductio ns in our force structure.
Internationally Deployable Military Capabilities as
well as Homeland Se
cu rit y, inclu
ding th e ab ility t o
coun ter terro rist acts a nd
thei r effects
However, althoug h they
were quite drastic, the y b
asicall
y e founding e structure as th maintained our Cold War forc
princi ple - a st ruct
ure desi gned fo r ter
rit ori al def ense and
base d on mobilization of
consc ripts. As we em
barke d on
the journey tow ards the nex
t defense a gre
ement, we cam
e usage”, he sa end of t he “ reached t we had hat ize t to real
and that a fundamental n ew appro
ach was need ed.
Consequently, we have
chosen a dif fer
ent approac h, a so-
calle d “C
apa bilit y Based Appr
oach
”, r e-d esignin g
Danish Defense f rom scra
tch. The fundam
ent of the ty pol he securi s of t ysi approach was an anal
icy issues
aff ecting the na
ture, c ompos ition and size of the armed
forces.
Danish Foreign Policy: The fundamental objectives of Danish foreign policy are to promote Denmark’s sovereignty, its security, and Danish interests and prosperity. At the same time protecting and promoting the norms and values of international rule of law, human rights and democracy.
Danish Security Policy: As a vital part of the foreign
policy, Danish security policy has the objective to:
Maintain Danish sovereignty.
Counter both direct and indirect threats
against Danish territory and Danish citizens.
Promote international peace and security
through prevention of conflicts and war, peace keeping and peace making operations and confidence building measures.
Danish Defense Tasks: Based on the assessment of
the international security environment the following two main tasks for Danish Defense have been identified:
Internationally deployable military
capabilities, and
Homeland Security, including the ability to
counter terrorist acts and their effects.
The derived consequences for the Danish Armed Forces can be summarized as follows:
Dan ish Fore ign Po lic y:
The fundamental obje cti
ves
of Danish forei gn polic y a
re to promote Denmark’s
sovereignt y, its secu rity, and D
anish interests
and otecting a time pr same y. At the rit prospe
nd
promoting the no rms and values of inte
rnational rule
of law, human righ ts and democra
cy.
Danish
Secu rity P oli cy:
As a vita l part
of the for eig n
policy, D anish se cur
ity policy has the
objec tive to :
Maintain Danish sovereignt
y.
Counter both direct and indirect thr
eats
aga inst Da nish terr
itory and Danish c
itizens.
Prom
ote i nte rnational peac
e and secu rity
through p revention of conflicts and wa
r, peace
keeping and p eace ma
king ope
rations and ures. meas confidence building
Danish Defense Tasks:
Bas ed on the assessment of
the inte rna tional se
cur ity envir onmen
t the f
ollowing sh Defense have Dani sks for two main ta
been
identif ied:
Inter
nationa lly de
plo yab le milita ry
cap abilitie s, and
Homela
nd Secu rit y, including the abilit
y to their effects. counter terrorist acts and
The derived consequenc es for the Danish Armed F
orc es
can be summa rize
d as follows:
The part of the Danish defense based on mobilization will be abandoned and the current structures for re- generation of forces will be changed:
A limited conscription will be maintained and
furthermore, the focus will change towards Homeland Security.
This will leave Danish defense with fewer but professional (on contract) forces and units. Forces need to be: Available, Deployable and Sustainable. The international developments and the changes in Danish defense create an immediate need for strengthening the Danish procurement budget.
The increased focus on “Homeland Security” after the attack 11 September 2001 has the following consequences:
a) Staggered use of deployable capabilities will
enable employment both internationally and in the homeland security if so needed.
b) Conscription of short duration in order to train
for the broader homeland security role (First aid, NBC, fire fighting, small arms training and small unit co-operation) will be established.
c) Finally the Danish defense aims to strengthen the
co-operation with other government authorities in order to enhance the wider homeland security.
d) In this respect, an integration of the voluntary
Home Guard into the armed forces structure should be given consideration.
The par t of the Danish
def ense ba sed on mobiliza
tion
will be abandoned and the cu
rrent structures
for re- d: nge cha es will be orc tion of f era gen
A limited c
onscription will be ma
intain ed and
fur the rm ore, the focus will c
han ge tow ard
s ty. ecuri d S elan Hom
This will leav e Da nish defe
nse with f ew
er but es need Forc ct) forces and units. professional (on contra
to be:
Availa ble, Dep loy
able and Sust
ainabl e. The
intern ationa l deve
lopments and the changes in Danish
defe nse cre
ate a n imme diate
need f or str eng thening th
e get. Danish procurement bud
The incre ased fo cus on “Homel
and Secu rity
” af ter t
he llowing 2001 has the fo attack 11 September
consequences:
a) Staggered use of
dep loyab le capab
ilities w ill
en able e mploy ment both inter
nat ionally and
in t
he . eeded ty if so n securi nd ela hom
b) Consc ript ion of short
durat ion in orde
r t o t rain
for th e broad
er hom ela nd securi ty role (F
irst aid
, mall raining and s ms t small ar ighting, e f C, fir NB
unit c o-o pera tion) will be e sta blished.
c) Finally t he D
anish defe
nse aim s t o st ren gthe n th
e s in ent authoritie governm other ith on w co-operati
order to en han
ce the w id er homel an d secu rity.
d) In th is resp ect, an
in tegration of the voluntary
Hom e Guard in to the ar
med f orc es stru
ctu
re ration. should be given conside
The transformation of the Danish Armed Forces from a traditional defense based largely on mobilization supplemented with professionally manned units for international operations to a Danish Expeditionary Armed Force focused on the capability to global employment and insertion of deployable forces for the full range of Alliance missions necessitates a need for adjustment of the present personnel structure.
The Danish personnel structure is quite different compared to US or UK force structures as all officers and a large part of the NCOs serve until they are 60 years of age. The future in general will require a younger and more flexible personnel force due to among other the following reasons:
The service duties have changed in geography from
primarily being within Danish territory, sometimes temporarily interrupted by periods abroad during international operations, to more frequent and longer lasting duties abroad temporarily interrupted by training and off-duty periods in Denmark.
The physical military requirements are increased as a
consequence of focus on high readiness forces for the full range of Alliance missions beyond NATO territory.
Each time a new structure is establish in one of the
three elements the other two will get fewer resources.
It is therefore essential to find the right balance
between these three elements in order to have the exact management and support structure needed and to avoid excessive structures.
The tr ans for mation of the Danish
Arme d F orc es fro m a
trad itional de
fense based la
rge ly on mobiliza tion
supplemented with professionall y manned un
its for peditionar tions to a Danish Ex l opera ationa intern
y
Arme d F orc e f ocu sed on the capa
bility to globa
l
employment and insertion of
deploy able forces
for the need for Alliance missions necessitates a full range of
adjustment of the present personnel structur e.
The Danish personnel struct
ure is quite different ruct orce st or UK f o US compared t
ures as al l offi cers and
a la rge par t of the NCOs se
rve until the y a
re 60 year s of
age . The future
in gen era l will requir
e a youn ger
and other the more flexible personnel force due to among
following r easons:
The service duties have chan
ged in geo
gra phy from
prima ril y b ein g within Danish te
rritor y, some times
temporarily inter rupted
by periods abro ad during
intern ationa l opera
tions, to more frequent and long
er d b rrupte ily inte mporar te oad abr duties lasting
y
training and o ff-duty p
eri ods in Denmark.
The ph ysi cal milita ry r
equ ireme nts a re inc rea sed
as a adiness forces for the h re consequence of focus on hig
full range of Alliance missions be
yond NA TO
terr itory.
Each
time a ne w str
uctu re is e sta blish in one of the
three ele men ts the othe
r tw o will get fe
wer r esou rce s.
It is the ref
ore e ssentia l to f ind the r
igh t balanc e
between t hese t
hree elem ents i n order t o h
ave
the eded and upport structure ne exact management and s
to avoid excessive structures.
As there – in general - is no political will to increase the Danish defense spending we need to spend our resources more wisely in order to increase the output.
The first step in this process is proposed to be a streamlining/rationalization of our staff and support structures.
The second step is proposed to be the transformation of our current operational capabilities – or force structure – from a cold war force structure focused on territorial defense within NATO to an expeditionary force structure geared for the 21st. century.
The new proposed military structure is based on
elements in inverse proportionality. (One goes up, another goes down)
The transformation impacts on the composition of the
personnel resource. The balance is changed from a ratio of 60 to 40 in favor of the staff elements and the support structure to instead being in favor of operational elements.
The change has been accomplished by establishing so
called functional services in a number of areas that were formerly taken care by each individual service:
army, navy and air force respectively, and by reducing the staff- and support structure in general.
The agreement will transform the Danish armed
forces by making them far more relevant in today’s security environment.
Overall, this is accomplished by:
Abandoning mobilization defense and adjoining
structures
As there
– in gener al - is no politic al will to inc
rea se
the Danish defense spen ding we n
eed to spend our order to increase th y in resources more wisel
e output.
The first step in this p rocess is proposed to b e a
strea mlining/r
ationa lization of
our staf f a nd suppor
t structures.
The second step is proposed to be the transformation
of our cur
rent op era
tiona l cap abilitie s – or for
ce on e focused ructur rce st ar fo d w a col ure – from struct
terr itoria l de fense within NATO to an e
xpe ditionar
y
force stru cture geared for
the 21st . cent
ury.
The new proposed
military structure is bas
ed on es up, (One go elements in inverse proportionality.
another goes down)
The tr ansf orma tion impacts on the
composition of
the m a d fro balance is change personnel resource. The
ratio of 60 to 40 in f
avo r of the staff
ele men ts and the
support structure to instead being in favor
of operational elements.
The change
has been a cco
mpl ished b y est
abl ishi ng so
calle d func tional se
rvices in a number of areas t
hat
were form erly t
ake n car e b y ea
ch individual service: orce r air f navy and army,
espe cti vel y, and b y
reducing the staf f- and support structure in
gen eral .
The a gre em ent will tr ansf
orm the Danish a
rme
d nt in today’s leva more re m far king the by ma ces for
security environment.
Overa ll, th is is acco
mplishe
d by: on defense Abandoning mobilizati
and adjoining
struct ures
Change the conscription to be better suited to match requirements for total defense and recruitment for regular forces
Rationalizing and centralizing staff and support
structures in order to free up resources
More usable operational units of better quality
More resources to INTOPS and, activities and
materiel
Reorganizing the national rescue services and the
Home Guard under the MOD
This is what the new structure looks like:
An MOD with the secretary of defense with his staff.
Defense Cmd. Denmark with approximately 230
regular employees.
The army with approximately 9100 employees and a
little less than 2000 on reaction force contracts
The navy with approximately 3300 employees and
only a few on reaction force contracts (less than 100)
Air force with approximately 3500 employees and
round about 230 on reaction force contract
Island commanders in Greenland and the Faeroe
islands with a total of 110 employees (GLK 95/FRK 14)
Voluntary Home Guard: The strength of the
Voluntary Home Guard is 53.000 man and women, based in companies in all Danish communities and towns.
To support the operational units we have a number of joint “functional services”
Chang e the consc ription to be be
tter suite d to matc
h
requir eme nts for
total de fense and re cruitme nt f
or
regu lar fo rces
Rationalizing
and centraliz ing staff and support
structures in order to fre e up resourc
es
More usable operationa
l units of better qualit y
More resources to
IN TOPS and, activities and
mate rie l
Reorganizing
the natio nal re
scue serv ice s and t he
Home Guard under the MOD
Th is i s w hat th e new
structu re look s lik e:
An MOD with the secret
ary of de fense with his staff.
Defense Cmd. Denmar
k with approx imately
230 ees. ploy lar em regu
The army
with approximatel y 9100 emplo
yees and a
little less than 2000 on reaction force contr acts
The navy with approx
imately 3300 emplo yee
s and ess than 100) tion force contracts (l eac ew on r only a f
Air force with approx
im ately 3500 emplo yee
s and
round about 230 on react ion force contract
Island commanders
in Greenland and the Fae roe
islands with a total of
110 e mplo yee s (GL K 95/
FR K
14)
Voluntary Home
Guard: The str eng
th of the
Voluntary Home Gu ard is 53.000 man and wom
en,
base d in comp
anie s in all Da
nish communitie s and
towns.
To support the operatio nal units we h
ave a number of
joint “func tional se
rvic es”
Defense Personnel Service with approx. 700 employees
Defense Materiel Service with approx. 2300
employees
Defense Buildings Service with approx. 2050
employees
Defense Health Service with approx. 370 employees
Defense accountant service with approx. 200
And finally the defense academy with approx. 380
employees.
Turning now briefly to the consequences for the three services
The Royal Danish Army
The Royal Danish Army’s capability for rapid deployment of forces to prevent crisis from developing or escalating further will be strengthened. At the same time, it will be possible to sustain deployed forces for a longer period of time and to a greater extent than before.
All territorial forces will be changed into capabilities
in the homeland security.
In place forces will be transformed into “leaner but
meaner”
In the Homeland Security structure, the Army
Operational Command is responsible for manning the local Homeland Defense command structures.
The first Brigade will mainly be manned with
professional soldiers and only to a small extent (less ce with approx. 700 es Defense Personnel Servi employe
Defense Materiel Ser
vice with approx . 2300
employe es
Defense B
uilding s Se rvice with approx. 2
050
employe es
Defense He
alth Service with approx . 370 employees
Defense ac
countant service with approx . 200
And finally the
defense academ
y with approx . 380
employe es.
Tu rnin g now bri efl y to the con
seq uen ces for th
e thre e
services The Royal Danish Army
The Ro yal Da nish Arm
y’s c apa bilit y f or r apid
deployment of for ces to prevent crisis from devel
oping or
esc ala ting fur ther will be str eng
thene d. At the same time,
it will be possible to sust
ain de ployed f
orc es f or
a longer e. for nt than be exte er eat gr and to a od of time peri
All terr
itoria l f orc es will be cha
nged into c apa
bilitie
s ty. eland securi he hom in t
In pl ace forc es will be tra
nsf orme d into “ lea
ner but
meaner
”
In the
Home land Se
curit y str ucture , the Arm
y
Operational Command is responsible for manning the
local Homeland Defens e command structures.
The f irst B rig ade will mainl
y b e ma nned
with nt ( xte small e professional soldiers and only to a less
than 10%) with personnel on a special readiness / stand by contract - fully trained. The first brigade is the army’s “first in – first out” capability.
The second Brigade itself can not be counted as an
operational capability, but should be seen as a structure designed for training.
The second Brigade supplies the Army-structure with
the capability to have one continuous unit (Battalion- size) in the lower end of CROs (PSO) in addition to the deployable forces.
The divisional staff and the signal battalion constitute
a divisional headquarter, which will be affiliated to a pool of high readiness deployable forces. The divisional troops are comprised of several minor units.
The Logistic Support Group will naturally support the
deployable forces in the commitment of international operations. It is organized in a National Support Battalion and a Logistic battalion, and it will be able to support an HRF deployable force of up to a reinforced brigade size.
The Royal Danish Navy
The specialized capabilities of The Royal Danish Navy in conducting littoral operations have been maintained. The ability to participate in NATO’s Standing Naval Force, including participation in NATO Response Force, will be prioritized. Moreover the Navy’s capability to perform domestic tasks, including tasks in the North Atlantic region, has been maintained.
than 10%
) with person nel on a spec ial re
adin ess /
stand by c ontract - full
y trained. The fi rst brigade is
the a rm y’s “fir st in – fir
st out”
cap abilit y.
The second B
rig ade itse lf can not be counted as an
operational capabilit y, but should be seen as a
structure design ed for tra ining .
The second Bri
gad e supplies the Army-structur
e with
the capability to h ave on
e continuous unit (Battal ion-
size) in the lower e
nd of CROs ( PSO) in a
ddition to
the deploya ble fo
rces. l staff The divisiona
and t he sig nal batta lion constitute
a divisional headquarte r, whic
h will be affiliated to a
pool of high readines s deployable
forces. The divisional troops are comprised of several m inor
units.
The L
ogi stic Support Group will naturall
y suppor
t the tiona rna nt of inte ommitme in the c ces for yable deplo
l
operations. It is orga
nize d in a National Support
Battalion and a L
ogi stic ba ttalion, and it will be able
to support an HRF de ployable
force of up t
o a . e size ed brigad reinforc
The Royal Danish Navy
The spe cia lized c apa bilitie s of The
Roya l Danish Na
vy in ed. The ons have been maintain ati conducting littoral oper
abilit y to pa rtic
ipat e in NATO’
s Standing Naval F
orc e,
including pa rticipation in NATO Respons
e Force, will be
prior itized. Mor
eove r the Navy
’s c apa bilit y to pe rfo
rm Atlantic th sks in the Nor ng ta ludi tasks, inc domestic
regi on, has been maintai
ned.
To sum up the Navy is transformed into a versatile toolbox.
Specialized in littoral operations.
Able to operate globally and contribute significantly
to a joint scenario.
The flexible support ships will be well suited to cater
for the role as Deployable Joint Task Force HQ.
Able to deploy up to battalion value without having
to ask others for support.
Projection of major parts of its fighting power in on
land.
With a doubling of the manning in Danish Task
Group Staff, the Navy will have a strengthened command and control capability, so that the flexible support ships and the patrol ships can be used optimally as command and control platforms.
The Frogman Corps, like the land based SOF, is
strengthened
Ships may also - together with an increased transport
helicopter capability - be used in support of Danish SOF contributions in the future.
The Royal Danish Air Force
The Royal Danish Air Force organization will transform into a wing structure of three Wings supporting fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters respectively. In addition, the supportive Control and Reporting Wing will be joined by a new wing construction, the Expeditionary Combat Support Wing responsible for providing the
To sum up the Na vy is tran
sfor med into a versa
tile
toolbox.
Speci alize d in littor al op
era tions.
Able to ope rate
gl oball y a nd contribute signific
antl
y rio. ena to a joint sc
The flexible support
ships w ill be well suited to cater
for the rol e as Depl oyabl
e J oin t Task Force HQ.
Able to deploy up
to battalion value without ha ving
to ask others for support.
Projection of major parts of its f
igh ting powe r in on
land.
With a doubling
of the manning in Danish Task
Group Staff, the Navy will have a streng thened
comma nd and c
ontrol c apa bility, so that the
fle xib
le used e support ships and the patrol ships can b
optimall y a s c omma nd and contr
ol pla tfo rm s.
The F rog man Cor ps, like
the la nd base
d SOF, is thened streng
Ships may a
lso - together with an inc
rea sed tran spor t
helicopter capabilit y -
be used in support of D
anish
SOF contributions in the future.
The Royal Dan ish
Air Force
The Ro yal Da nish Air For
ce o rga nization will tr ansf
orm
into a wing structure of three Wing
s supporting fighte
r In ely. ectiv ers resp icopt and hel aft aircr , transport aft aircr
addition, the supportive Control and Reporting Wing
will
be joined by a new wing c
onstruction, the Ex peditionary
Combat Support W ing responsible for providing the
airforce’s deployable combat support and combat service support capabilities.
Permanent national tasks – e.g. air space surveillance,
air space policing – not all structures within the air force will become deployable.
Three F-16 SQN have been reduced into two.
However these two SQN will still be capable of deploying 16 aircraft.
Change of focus towards expeditionary warfare.
Two CRC changed into one Static CRC and one
mobile CRC (expeditionary).
The Expeditionary Combat Support Wing is a new
Capability. This unit will provide support to the other deployable capacities regarding for instance communication, guarding, evacuation, medical support etc.
Also the transport SQN with new C130 aircraft and
helicopter SQN with for instance new EH-101 helicopters will be expeditionary.
Ground based air defense DEHAWK is
decommissioned.
The Compulsory Military Service (Conscription) has been Re-Organized
The traditional compulsory military service scheme, i.e.
conscription, has been reorganized re-directed at purposes and needs of the A) Total Defense instead of the needs of the old mobilization force structure. At the same time, the compulsory military service scheme will form the B) basis for recruitment for either pro-longed airforce’s deplo
yable co mbat support and combat service
support capabilities.
Perma
nen t nationa l tasks
– e.g . a ir space
surve illance,
air space policing
– not a ll struc tur es within the air
for ce will beco
me de ploya ble .
Three F
-16 SQN h ave
been reduc ed into two.
However these
two SQN will still be cap
able of
deployin g 16 air cra
ft.
Change o
f foc us towards expeditionar
y wa
rfare. tic CRC a d into one Sta hange Two CRC c
nd one
mobile CRC ( exp
edit ionar y).
The Expeditionar
y Com bat Support Wing
is a new This unit will provide support to the other Capability.
deplo yable capa
citie s r ega rding f or inst
anc e
communication, gua rdi ng, ev
acuation, medical support etc.
Also the transport SQN w
ith new C130 aircraft and
helicopter SQN with for instance new EH-101
helic opters will be expe
ditiona
ry. defense DEHAW Ground based air
K is
decommissioned.
The Co mpulsor y M
ilitary Se rvice (C onscript
ion) has
been Re-Organ
ized
The tr aditiona l compuls
ory military
ser vice sche me, i.e .
conscription, has bee n reor ganized re
-directed at
purposes and needs of the A) Total Def
en se inst
ead of ure. At the uct e str orc bilization f the old mo eds of the ne
same time, the
compulsory military
ser vice scheme will
form t he B) basi s for re cruit
men t for either pro
-long ed
military service contracts or a full career in the ranks.
And like our previous conscription system it will be part of maintaining the strong links between the services and the society and contributes to the foundation of the Danish population's strong support for the armed forces.
The requirements of Danish armed forces determine the number of young people enrolled in military service. All young men are required to enlist and all young women are invited to attend “The Day of the Danish armed forces”. On this day, we introduce our-selves and the services present employment and career opportunities and distribute information material. Based on their participation in this presentation of Danish armed forces, the participants then inform Danish armed forces whether they would like to do voluntary military service or whether they are interested in another form of employment with Danish armed forces. To make the voluntary military service more desirable remuneration as well as other benefits for conscripts have been improved from previous levels.
We draw up contracts for voluntary military service with those interested and determine the shortfall between these and the number of conscripts needed. The remainder will be drafted as conscripts. Before entering service, both volunteers and conscripts will be examined by an independent doctor in order to determine the individual's suitability for military service.
military ser vic e c ontrac ts or a f ull c are er in the r anks.
And like our pr evious
consc ription s yste
m it will be pa
rt and ices the serv een links betw ong the str intaining of ma
the society and contributes to the found
ation of the
Danish population's stron g support fo
r the armed f orces.
The requirements o f D
anish armed forces det
ermine the
number of youn g p eople e nro
lled in milita ry ser
vic e.
All
young men ar e requir
ed to e nlist
and all young “The Day of the to attend vited are in en wom
Danish
armed fo rces”. On t
his day , we i ntr oduce ou r-selves and
the services present emplo yment and ca
reer oppor
tunities d on the ase l. B ria mate and distribute information
ir
partic ipation in this pre sen
tation of Da
nish armed f orc
es,
the pa rtic ipants the n inf
orm Danish a rme d fo rce s whe the
r service or military voluntary would like to do they
whether they are interested in another f
orm of
employment with Danis h armed fo
rces. To make the sirable e de e mor servic military voluntary
remu nera tion
as well as other benefits
for conscripts hav e bee
n
improved from previous levels.
We dr aw up contr act s for voluntary
military ser vic e with
those inte reste d a nd dete
rmine the shortf
all b etwe en the se
and the number of
conscr ipts need
ed. The rema
inde
r will e, both entering servic efore as conscripts. B be drafted
volunteer s and c onscri
pts will be exa
mined b y an
independent doctor in o rder
to dete rmine the individua
l's ice. erv ry s r milita y fo suitabilit
The conscripts will receive a four month training focusing on the tasks related to the Total Defense. This is training in first aid, countering Nuclear Biological and Chemical catastrophes, fire fighting, small arms training and small unit co-operation in order to give them the
necessary qualifications to assist in these contexts. 20
(1) After the four month of training the conscripts will be transferred to a pool under an alert status. This means that they might be called in for additional service in a certain number of months. (Total Defense Force).
(2) The conscripts may volunteer for 8 month additional training to be a part of the Danish armed forces´
deployable forces. When training for the deployable forces has been successfully completed, the recruited
The conscripts will receive a four month training
foc using on the ta
sks rela ted to the Total De
fens e. This is
training in first aid, counter ing Nu
clear B iolog
ical and ll arms tr ting, sma igh , fire f ophes str ata al c Chemic
aining
and small unit co-operation in order to give th
em the
necessary qualifications to
assist in t hese cont exts
20 .
(1) After the fou
r month of training the
conscripts will be
transferred to a pool und
er an ale rt status. This m eans
that they might be
calle d in f or a dditional se
rvic
e in a e). Forc ense certain number of months. (Total Def
(2) The conscripts ma
y volunteer fo
r 8 month additional f the Danish armed for training to be a part o ces´
deploya ble fo rces. W
hen training for the deploya
ble
forces has been suc cessful
ly compl ete d, the re cruit
ed
20
Conscr ip tion
Militar
y iliti ab Cap
es
4 mont hs
Basi
c in in Tra
g
Wa rfig htin g Tra inin g
and
Trai ning f or Int ernat io nal Ops
Appr ox. 8 months
App 20 % r.
Annual Trai ning
Pro fessio nals
Missi on
trai ning Leav
ing the Force
s
Tota l De fe nce Forc e
Supplem entary
Trai
ning 0-6 w
eeks
Inte rn ati on
al on ati Oper
s
20
Conscription
Military Capabilities
4 months
Basic Training
Warfighting Training and
Training for International Ops
Approx. 8 months
Appr.20 %
Annual Training
Professionals
Mission training
Leaving the Forces Total Defence Force
Supplementary Training 0-6 weeks
International Operations
soldier can choose between becoming a professional soldier or transfer to a reserve pool of contract volunteers on a special readiness/stand-by contract.
Once professional soldiers and contract volunteers are dismissed from service they are automatically registered as trained personnel in a database used by the Total Defense in case of grave national crisis.
The re-defined compulsory military service, including issues regarding number of conscripts and duration and contents of the military service, will be re-evaluated by the end of 2006 in order to optimize the system or cancel it all together.
The change in conscription primarily affects the army, as the army is the primary user of conscripts in the future as it was in the past.
Nearly 7,000 conscripts will be called up every
year. (Today app. 9,000). Aim: recruiting 20 % for the deployable capabilities.
80% of the conscripts not recruited will enter the
“total defense force”.
Veterans
Denmark engaged in UN Peace Keeping missions from the very beginning in 1948. Since then approx. 100.000 Danish soldiers have been deployed all over the world.
Participation in these international Peace Support Operations has created a new type of Veterans. In
soldier can choose betw een becoming
a professi onal
soldier or transfer to a reserv e pool of contract readiness/stand-b volunteers on a special y cont
ract.
Once professional soldi ers and
contract volunteers
are dism issed from s
erv ice t hey ar e autom
ati cal
ly by l in a database used rsonne stered as trained pe regi
the Tota l Defe
nse in c ase of grav
e n ationa l crisis.
The r e-d efine d c ompuls ory
military serv ice, inc luding
issues regarding number of conscripts and duration and
conte nts of the milita
ry serv ice, will be r
e-e valu ate d b y
the end of 2006 in orde r to optimiz
e the system o r can
cel r. ethe it all tog
The change in consc rip
tion pri mari
ly af fects t
he a rm
y, as futur ripts in the consc ser of ry u prima y is the rm the a
e a s
it was in the past.
Nearly 7,000 conscripts will be
called up ev ery
year. (Today app. 9,000 ). Aim: r
ecr uiting 20 % f
or the deployable capabilities.
80% o f the conscripts not recruited w
ill enter the
“total defense f orce”.
Veteran s
Denmark en gage
d in U N Peace Ke
eping missi ons from
the very b egi nning in 1948. Since then
approx. 100.000
Danish soldiers have been deploye
d all over the world.
Participation in these in ternational Peace
Support e of Veter w typ d a ne ate Operations has cre
ans.
In
Denmark no special attention was paid to these veterans until the deployment in Balkan in 1992. The development in the former Yugoslavia caused a lot of causalities in the Danish units participating initially in the UN-lead UNPROFOR and later in the NATO lead IFOR/SFOR and KFOR. Since 1992 the Danish armed forces in cooperation with the military trade unions and The Blue Berets has developed a system for Veteran Support named the Partner Model.
When the soldiers and their units deploy, they will normally be part of a multinational formation, which could be:
A Peace Keeping Force of the United Nations
A UN mandated multinational force set up by a
Regional Defense Organization.
A UN mandated multinational force mainly
organized and commanded by a lead nation.
A multinational force consisting of “A COALITION
OF THE WILLING” and normally with a strong lead nation.
Whatever the political aims and objectives for the deployment are, and whatever the type of Rules of Engagement are, the individual soldier will experience a deployment into a war or a warlike environment.
When a multinational Peace Support Operation has been politically decided, the preparation of soldiers and their families must take place in the following sequence:
Denmark no special atte ntion was pa
id to these vete rans
until the deployment in Balkan in 1992. The devel
opment
in the f orm er Yug osla
via c ause d a lot of causa
lities in the in the UN- y initiall ipating rtic Danish units pa
lead
UNPR OFOR and later i
n the NATO lead IF
OR/S FOR
and KFOR. Since 199
2 the Danish armed forces in cooperation with the military tr
ade unions and The B lue
Ber ets has d eveloped
a s ystem for Veteran
Support
named the Partner Model .
When the soldiers
and the ir units de
ploy, th ey
will
normally b e pa rt of a
multinational formation, which
could be:
A Peace Keeping
For ce of t
he Uni ted Nat ions
A UN mand
ate d multina tional f
orc e se t up by
a ation. e Organiz efens Regional D
A UN manda
ted multina tional f
orc e ma inly
organized and command ed by
a lead nation.
A multinationa
l for ce c onsisting of “
A COA LIT
IO
N lead ong y with a str mall nd nor ” a NG E WILLI OF TH
nation.
Whatever th e pol
iti cal aim s an d ob jectives
for th
e Rules of hatever the type of e, and w deployment ar Engagement are, the individ
ual soldier w ill exp
erience
a deployment into a w ar or a w
arl ik e envi ronm ent.
When a multinational Pe ace Support Ope
ration h as been
political ly de cid ed, the pr epa ration of soldiers
and their sequenc families must take place in the following e:
Activities to take place before the Mission
In view of the character of the mission, soldiers have to perform in the framework of multinational peace support operations. The soldiers should be provided by their respective national governments:
Before the deployment with an appropriate training,
including the psychological aspects of such an operation, to include detailed information concerning their obligations and responsibilities towards the civilian population under Humanitarian and human rights laws.
Adequate and qualified mental/psychological
preparation. This also covers the needs of their families. (Incl. medical and PTSD screening)
Families must be informed about the mission, the
objectives, timeframes and how to deal with the
"absence" of son/husband/father.
Family networks must be established.
Information about “Comrade Support” should be
undertaken
Activities to take place during the Mission
During this period, there is a need to give advice and support to families in Family Support Centers in all Home Garrisons (Cooperation between the military, the military associations and Veterans Associations). Mental Acute Crisis Intervention Teams should be available both in the mission area and for families. (To include Comrade Support)
Activi ties to t ak
e p lace bef ore th e Missi
on
In view of the cha rac
ter of the mission, soldiers have to
perform in the frame wor k of multinational peace support
operations. The soldiers should be provided by
their rnments: l gove nationa ctive respe
Befo re the deplo
yment with an appropriate tr
aining, ical aspects of such ycholog including the ps
an
operation, to include d etaile
d information conc erning
their obligations and r esponsibilities towards the
civilian population under Hu
manitarian and human ws. hts la rig
Adequate and quali
fied me ntal/ps ycholo gic al
preparation. This also covers the ne
eds of their enin l and PTSD scre l. medica s. (Inc familie
g)
Families must be informed about the mission, the
objective s, timefr
ame s and how to de al with
the d/father. ence" of son/husban "abs
Famil y n etworks must be established.
Information about “Com
rade Support” should be
undertaken
Activi ties to t ak
e p lace du rin g the Mi ssion
During this period, there is a ne ed to gi
ve adv ice and
support to families in Fa mily Support Centers
in all en the militar ration betwe Home Garrisons (Coope
y, the
military assoc iations a nd Vete
rans Assoc iations)
. Me ntal
Acute Crisis Inte rvention Teams should be availa
ble both
in the mission a rea
and f or f amilie s. (T
o include Comrade Support)
