The First 11-Month Conscripts Begin Today

By the Defence Command

Today, 2 February 2026, more than 100 nervous young men and women walked through the gates of the Schleswig Regiment of Foot in Haderslev. They are the first conscripts to begin the new extended conscription programme.

Within the Army, conscription takes place at the Schleswig Regiment of Foot in Haderslev, while the Royal Danish Air Force receives conscripts at Air Base Karup. Next week, conscripts under the extended programme will begin their service with the Royal Danish Navy in Frederikshavn.

During their first day, they were measured for their uniforms, issued equipment, and – in freezing cold conditions – introduced to the most basic soldiering skills, such as drill, where they learn how to stand at attention and at ease.

All conscripts who begin the new extended conscription programme in February have volunteered for service. One of them is 20-year-old Paprika.

“I think 11 months of conscription is much better than four months, because I believe it gives me greater opportunities for personal development. I’m looking forward to being challenged and pushing myself,” says Paprika, who will be serving for the next 11 months.

The Defence Agreement for 2024–2033 decided to increase the intake of conscripts while also extending the length of conscription training. All citizens – regardless of gender – are now called up for Defence Day on equal terms.

The Danish Defence continues to experience strong interest in conscription, and voluntariness remains a core principle.

Extensive Preparations

The Danish Defence has long been engaged in the necessary preparations for the new, longer conscription programme.

This includes adjustments to training programmes, education of non-commissioned officers and instructors, and the preparation of facilities and accommodation. As a result, the young conscripts will be received responsibly and under orderly conditions.

New Operational Capacity

With the new extended conscription programme, the Danish Defence will gain additional operational capacity. Following supplementary training, conscripts will enter operational service during the final six months of their conscription.

The extended conscription programme is a result of the Defence Agreement for 2024–2033. It was decided to increase the number of conscripts while also extending the duration of conscription training. All citizens – regardless of gender – are now called up for Defence Day on equal terms.

“It is a major step for equality that everyone – regardless of gender – will now be called up for Defence Day. It is crucial that Denmark has a more robust and modern conscription system as we build up the Danish Defence. By recruiting from across society, the Defence strengthens its ability to attract the most capable and motivated young people. This enhances task performance and contributes to a stronger defence. That is why today is a significant day for the Danish Defence,” says Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.

Chief of Defence Michael W. Hyldgaard also welcomes the new extended conscription programme, which he considers important for building combat power and sees as a significant responsibility.

“We are borrowing young people from society for a period of time. That entails an obligation. We must ensure that the new conscription programme is implemented safely and successfully, so that the new conscripts understand the task as meaningful and something they can see themselves in,” says the Chief of Defence.