In recent years, the army has transitioned from its traditional role of anti-invasion defence, instead focusing on out of area operations.
History
Founded in 1614, in the wake of the Kalmar War,[4] the Royal Danish Army was originally designed to maintain Denmark's sovereignty and protect her interest. With time, these goals have developed into also encompassing the need to protect freedom and peaceful development in the world with respect for human rights.
Danish military veterans are welcomed home and greeted as victors in the streets of Copenhagen, upon return from the First Schleswig War, 1849. The banner reads 'Thank you, you who fell, and you who survived'
The Royal Danish Army has historically been an integral part of the defence of Denmark and thus involved in warfare, skirmishes and battles continuously to protect her interests. Most notably various territorial wars with Sweden, Russia and Prussia, the Napoleonic Wars on the side of France.
Recent deployments
A Danish soldier surveys the Afghan plains while halted during a foot patrol in the district of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand Province, Afghanistan on January 6, 2012
Denmark lost its first soldier in Iraq on 17 August 2003 when Preben Pedersen, a 34-year-old lance corporal with the Jutland Dragoon Regiment, became the first coalition soldier not from the United States or Britain to die in the Iraq War. Starting in 2001, the Royal Danish Army was also involved in the War in Afghanistan with the Royal Danish Army and the British Army involved in heavy clashes with the Taliban in Helmand Province, where about 760 Danish soldiers controlled a large battlegroup. The Danish army withdrew its combat forces from Afghanistan in May 2014. After the Afghan National Army took responsibility for the security in Afghanistan in 2015, the Danish army has provided training, advisory and security support as part of Resolute Support Mission.[5]
In an effort to relieve police officers in Copenhagen and at the border control, Danish soldiers replaced police officers in 2017 at different locations, marking the first time in 86 years soldiers were used to keep order in cities.[6]
Danish Army regiments and major combat unit locations, 2019
The structure of the Danish army changed in 2015, leaving Danish Division without brigades or support troops directly under its command. The two brigades had only command over combat battalions, as combat support and logistic support units were grouped under various support centres. 1st Brigade consisted of four combat battalions and was tasked with providing troops for international deployments. 2nd Brigade consisted of five battalions and was tasked with the defence of the Danish territory. Support centres contained the army's combat support, combat logistic and general support units. This structure was changed in
The Danish Army Aviation Troops[9] (Hærens Flyvertropper) were established in 1923 following the rapid development of military aircraft technology. The Aviation Troops flew two squadrons of Fokker C.V reconnaissance aircraft from 1923 to 1932, when 17 Gloster Gauntlet fighters were purchased to form two new squadrons.
In 1937, ten Fokker D.XXI fighters were built on licence in the Royal Army Aircraft Factory at Værløse.
As a result of the establishment of the Royal Danish Air Force in 1950, the Army Aviation Troops were disbanded and activities transferred to the new service. During the Cold War the Army created the Royal Danish Army Air Corps (Hærens Flyvetjeneste) in 1971 with 12 Hughes OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopters. In 1974, an additional 4 Hughes OH-6 Cayuse were added. The Army bought 12 Eurocopter Fennec as anti-tank helicopters in 1990. But with the end of the Cold War and the reduction of forces, the 12 Eurocopter Fennec AS 550 and 10 Hughes OH-6 Cayuse (both as utility helicopters) were transferred to the Squadron 724 of the Air Force in 2003, and the Army Air Service disbanded.
The Army has throughout its long history had many different regiments that have either changed names, been disbanded, or been amalgamated or merged. Since the end of the Cold War has seen many cuts to military expenditure, many regiments have been downsized and merged.[12] Likewise, further development of military tactics have led to a streamlining of the regiments.[13]
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