Denmark faces a critical security situation reminiscent of the Cold War era due to Russian aggression, the threat of cyberattacks, and the potential for diminished U.S. support in Europe. Despite these escalating threats, Denmark’s response has been sluggish, neglecting a vital defense resource: the Home Guard.
The Home Guard, a volunteer force of thousands of Danish citizens, is being overlooked despite its potential to significantly bolster the nation’s total defense. This force, driven by a commitment to defend Denmark, is currently relegated to a supplementary role, a strategic misstep that wastes a valuable asset.
The Home Guard offers 24/7 nationwide availability and local expertise, making it ideally suited to address modern security challenges such as hybrid warfare, sabotage, cyberattacks, and supply chain disruptions. Its capabilities in guarding, surveillance, and securing critical infrastructure are essential in the current threat landscape.
Political inaction and bureaucratic delays are hindering the Home Guard’s ability to fulfill its potential. A proposed public hearing in the Folketing (Danish Parliament) regarding the Home Guard’s future has stalled, raising concerns about a lack of transparency and democratic engagement in defense policy.
Immediate action is needed to strengthen the Home Guard and enhance Denmark’s overall defense capabilities. This can be achieved through several key measures:
- Equipping the Home Guard with modern communications technology, including access to the Defense’s intranet, radios, and leadership tools.
- Establishing a Cyber Home Guard, modeled after Estonia’s successful program, to leverage the skills of volunteer IT specialists and cyber conscripts.
- Revitalizing the company Home Guard, integrating civilian companies into the total defense through trained employees with local connections.
- Procuring drones and night vision equipment to enhance surveillance and search capabilities.
- Creating a hybrid warfare element within the Home Guard Command, in collaboration with NATO’s Hybrid Centre of Excellence.
The Home Guard could also serve as a valuable testing ground for new technologies before their wider adoption by the Defense. Greater flexibility in procurement and structure is essential to ensure the Home Guard can adapt quickly to evolving threats.
The Folketing (Danish Parliament) must demonstrate political courage by prioritizing the Home Guard and taking decisive action. This includes conducting the long-promised hearing, initiating an open debate about the Home Guard’s role in the total defense, and providing the force with the necessary resources and authority to address current security challenges.
The Home Guard stands ready to defend Denmark, but its effectiveness hinges on the willingness of politicians to act decisively and provide the necessary support. Failure to do so would be a critical oversight in a time of heightened security risks.