Are you hearing the drums of war and you feel unprepared? Do you find the gym expensive and ineffective? Do you have a hard time finding Danish friends? Then, check out the Danish Home Guard (Hjemmeværnet).
Who can apply? Anyone over 18 years old (no upper limit) that has lived in Denmark for at least 5 years (EU and non-EU) and speaks a modicum of Danish. You can apply here. Military background is not necessary.
The role of the Danish Home Guard is to support the activity of the Armed Forces (in Denmark and abroad), the police, the emergency services and other national authorities. It is a volunteer military organization with almost 50,000 members. You can join the Army Home Guard, the Navy Home Guard or the Air Home Guard.
Your activity within the Home Guard is unpaid. However, if you volunteer in a certain mission, you will get paid for the missed work hours. The uniform, equipment, training sessions and accommodation during the instruction is free of charge.
To be an active member, you need to volunteer at least 24 hours per year. However, if you haven’t done your army service (regardless of where), you have to complete 250 hours of training in the first three years. Also, in the first year, you will attend the Home Guard primary school (in your free time) which will give you skills in first aid, basic shooting, protection against chemical and biological attacks, etc.
