First conscripts accepted into the Jaeger Corps

By the Danish Defence

Throughout this week, a group of exceptionally motivated conscripts have faced heightened nerves, demanding challenges and plenty of hard work.

As the first conscripts in more than 20 years, they have had the opportunity to earn a place in the Jaeger Corps' Patrol Platoon.

The Jaeger Corps is the Danish Defence's land special operations force, capable of deploying at short notice on operations both nationally and internationally.

On Tuesday, the selected conscripts completed a strength test, Wednesday was dedicated to swimming, and on Thursday they faced a 10-kilometre loaded march. In addition, all candidates were called in for individual interviews.

Assessment of the conscripts at Holstebro Swimming Pool. Photo: Aein Amripour / Danish Defence

"We are recruiting young soldiers from the new 11-month conscription programme to increase combat power both within the Jaeger Corps and across the Danish Defence as a whole," says Ryan, Chief Master Sergeant and Platoon Commander of the Patrol Platoon in the Jaeger Corps. "The selection they have gone through is important. Conscription with us is different and more demanding than elsewhere. We live out of our rucksacks, and they will learn how to operate behind enemy lines. That is why it is essential that we select the right people."

The objective is not for the conscripts to become professional special operations soldiers in the Jaeger Corps, but to train them to carry out some of the less demanding tasks undertaken by the Corps. This will allow the professional soldiers to focus on heavier and more demanding operational tasks.

One of the many young people who applied was Bertram, who has spent the past year and a half looking forward to testing himself in the Jaeger Corps.

"I signed up for this because it is an extra challenge and pushes my limits even further," says Conscript Bertram. "It has been a dream of mine for a long time to come to Aalborg and experience all the incredible opportunities here."

Strength test of conscript soldiers at the Jutland Dragoon Regiment. Photo: Simon Elbeck / Danish Defence

A demanding and challenging conscription

For the 34 conscripts who have now been accepted into the Jaeger Corps' Patrol Platoon, an entirely new form of conscription now begins.

They will all move to Aalborg, where the Jaeger Corps is based, and over the next 11 months they will be educated and trained as patrol soldiers.

The initial phase will closely resemble regular Army conscription. Gradually, however, the training will become more demanding, with longer exercises, longer marches and increasingly challenging tasks. The patrol soldiers will be trained to conduct reconnaissance, take part in military exercises, learn how to carry out ambushes and perform a range of other operational tasks.

"We hope to gain some talented young colleagues who will want to continue working with us in the Jaeger Corps once their conscription is completed," says Ryan from the Jaeger Corps.

The return of conscripts to the Jaeger Corps is linked to the broader extension and expansion of conscription that has been introduced in Denmark.

With very few exceptions, conscription now lasts 11 months and applies equally to men and women.

This gives the Danish Defence the opportunity to build additional combat power over the coming years.

"The current security situation, with war in Europe and a significantly intensified threat environment, has increased the need for the Danish Defence to rapidly build greater combat power and additional operational capabilities. It is therefore necessary for conscripts to be able to undertake a wider range of tasks and serve in more specialised roles," says Colonel Kenneth Strøm, Head of the Conscription Programme. "This also applies in connection with the Jaeger Corps. Here, specially selected conscripts can complete training that is challenging in different ways and carry out operational tasks within areas such as patrol duties and reconnaissance. It provides combat power quickly."