The number of volunteer soldiers in Denmark’s Home Guard has surged by 35% in 2024, reflecting a growing commitment among citizens to address rising global security challenges.
A Growing Commitment to National Security
In recent years, the world has witnessed escalating conflicts and security threats, prompting many individuals to seek active roles in their communities and nations. One notable example is 38-year-old Anna Kirstine Kaae, who became a volunteer soldier with the Danish Home Guard, known as Hjemmeværnet. Upon returning to Denmark after several years abroad, she felt a strong desire to contribute positively in a world filled with chaos. “It provides a sense of inner peace when everything around us is so chaotic – so I have this, which means something to me,” Kaae shared about her new role.
Kaae is among the 43,000 Danes who have joined the ranks of volunteer soldiers in the Home Guard. Recent statistics reveal that this number has grown significantly, marking a record-high increase in 2024, when the Home Guard welcomed 35% more volunteers compared to the previous year. This surge represents the largest single increase in volunteer numbers since 1983, marking a significant turning point for the organization.
Responding to Global Turmoil
Generalmajor Gunner Arpe Nielsen, the head of the Home Guard, explained that this revitalization in volunteer numbers comes at a crucial time. “It is very positive, as the volume of tasks is increasing during these years, and we need more people to help us address them,” he stated in an interview with TV 2. The upsurge in enlistments seems to correlate with a heightened awareness of geopolitical tensions, as many Danes feel a stronger sense of responsibility to engage amid ongoing conflicts.
“The general attitude towards the military plays a significant role in attracting volunteers to organizations like the Home Guard,” observed defence correspondent Anders Lomholt of TV 2. In the interview with TV 2, Generalmajor Nielsen emphasized that the current serious global situation is a primary motivator for enlistment, noting, “The volunteers themselves say they are stepping forward because so much is happening in the world right now, and they feel a duty to act.”
For Kaae, the war experiences gained during her time overseas greatly shaped her outlook on life and the world. She has always worked in IT security and had no intention of joining the military; her family had no history of military service, and volunteering was far from her original plans. After living in Israel with her boyfriend, she became acutely aware of daily life amidst conflict when violence escalated after October 7, 2023.
The Evolving Role of the Home Guard
Since its inception in 1949, the Home Guard has undertaken a diverse range of duties within Danish society. Many people encounter the Home Guard at festivals and events, where they ensure peace and order. However, as security threats loom larger and conflicts in neighbouring regions become more pressing, the Home Guard has adapted its focus, shifting towards more military-oriented tasks.
Generalmajor Nielsen noted that the military assignments now play a more considerable role, such as supporting military operations by establishing and securing zones at ports and airports when foreign alliances are in transit. This shift has, in turn, encouraged more volunteers to join. “The volunteers themselves say that they sign up because there is so much happening in the world right now that they feel a responsibility to do something active,” said Nielsen.
Contributing to Local Communities
For Anna Kirstine Kaae, joining the Home Guard was also a personal endeavour to combat feelings of helplessness and to contribute actively. “I have experienced extreme situations where I was powerless and couldn’t do anything but really wanted to. I took that feeling back home to Denmark,” she mentioned.
Her motivations extend beyond individual benefits; they encompass the desire to aid her local community and the nation at large. “It gives a sense of pride that you can’t get from just anything,” she shared in the interview with TV 2. Kaae hopes more individuals will contemplate following her lead in the future, especially in light of today’s global landscape.
Looking Ahead
As the world continues to evolve and present new challenges, Generalmajor Gunner Arpe Nielsen remains optimistic about the prospects for the Home Guard. He expects that the increased recruitment will sustain its momentum, attracting even more volunteers to step up for their communities and national defence.
The growing commitment among Danes to support the Home Guard reflects a broader conversation about responsibility and resilience in the face of global instability. Anna Kirstine Kaae’s journey embodies this spirit, as she embraces her role in a collective effort to ensure a stable and secure future for Denmark.
