Conscripts training in Greenland

By the Danish Defence

The forests have been replaced by small green bushes, vast open plains and steep rocky cliffs in the mountains. From a distance, the landscape around Kangerlussuaq looks like something out of a fairy tale, but for the conscripts trying to conceal themselves, the terrain presents a completely new challenge.

At the beginning of August, the first group of 11-month conscripts from the Schleswig Infantry Regiment arrived at Nuuk airport. For the first time, conscripts are taking part in operational duties as part of Exercise Arctic Endurance while continuing to develop and strengthen their soldiering skills.

It is also the first time that a group of conscripts has been deployed to Greenland. Nineteen-year-old Krab from Copenhagen is grateful to be part of it.

"It is great to have the opportunity to experience operating here in Greenland. We had a short summer break before we left. Even though it was nice, I was mostly just looking forward to coming back so that we could get going," says Krab.

Krab and his section plan how to conceal themselves during the exercise. Infantry soldiers are particularly exposed when moving through open terrain, so they must learn how to conceal themselves from the enemy. Photo: Emma Sanko / Danish Defence

While the conscripts are deployed, they are divided between Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk. At both locations, they will carry out important tasks as part of their operational duties. At a later stage, some of the conscripts from Kangerlussuaq will be sent to Nuuk to take over duties there, while some of the conscripts from Nuuk will move to Kangerlussuaq.

Operational duties are part of the extended conscription programme introduced as part of the Danish Defence Agreement 2024–2033. The aim is to build greater combat power across the Danish Defence, including by freeing up personnel to carry out other demanding tasks.

The conscripts use camouflage and tent sheets to conceal themselves more effectively in the sparsely vegetated terrain. Photo: Emma Sanko / Danish Defence

Different terrain brings new challenges

Operational duties are not the only tasks the conscripts will carry out while in Greenland. During the exercise, they will practise the skills they have learned so far, but in completely new and unfamiliar terrain.

The landscape around Kangerlussuaq, which lies north of the Arctic Circle, is characterised by rocky slopes, vast open areas without a single tree in sight and rocks of all shapes and sizes.

It is very different from the woodland areas where the conscripts normally train.

"The way the world looks right now means that we need to become more accustomed to operating in Arctic terrain, which is what we are doing while we are here. In Denmark, as infantry, we prefer to operate in forests or other enclosed terrain where we can conceal ourselves. But up here there is no enclosed terrain, so the soldiers need to learn how to conceal and camouflage themselves in the Arctic environment," says Laura, the captain and company commander responsible for the conscripts.

The conscripts have also noticed that they have arrived in terrain that is very different from what they are used to training in.

"Everything is different up here when it comes to the landscape, and moving around the terrain is completely different. There are some incredibly steep slopes up here, so you can definitely feel it in your legs," says 20-year-old Clemmens from Aarhus.

To operate effectively in the mountains, the conscripts practise identifying places where they can take cover, estimating distances and passing information to one another. Photo: Emma Sanko / Danish Defence

It is important that conscripts such as Krab and Clemmens learn to apply their skills in different types of terrain, as a soldier must be able to navigate and operate effectively in their surroundings.

"You always need to know where you are and where other units are, and you need to be able to locate and identify enemy positions. If you have a better understanding of the terrain than the enemy and can use it to your advantage, it can be decisive in combat," says Company Commander Laura.

The 11-month conscripts from the Schleswig Infantry Regiment currently training in Greenland are the first group to undertake the extended conscription programme, which began in February 2026.

Once the exercise in Greenland is complete, they will continue their training in Denmark, where they will build on their existing knowledge and experience.

Clemmens conceals himself during training. This is the first time he and several of the other conscripts have been to Greenland. Photo: Emma Sanko / Danish Defence