This Week’s Editorial: Home Guard, home-grown

Ejvind Sandal

Hjemmeværnet, the Home Guard, is a voluntary military organisation that can trace its origins back to the Second World War when it was formed by members of the resistance. And then during the Cold War period, it became an important part of the defence system.

‘Force to be reckoned with
Today, it is a force of 15,000 active volunteers and 30,000 reserves.

It is now the government’s plan to support the police in the border control operations that are draining the police force – especially in Jutland.

So far, 125 full-time officers have been sent, which will mean that 165 police officers will be able to return to their home districts for ‘real police work’.
It has raised some voices against the use of armed forces to enforce the border controls. It is however not clear whether the home guard will be armed, although they are all equipped with a personal weapon and live ammunition so they can immediately respond to crises.

Nothing new
It is by no means a new thing. In 2015 the police requested support from the home guard no less than 1,322 times, and its total support totalled more than 500,000 man hours. Many help with traffic control at big events and with security, while others help the police and firefighters when their resources are stretched.

There has been an ongoing debate about whether the Home Guard should be dissolved. It was suggested that – in the age of the professional – it is outdated, but in the end Parliament broadly decided to respect the tradition and to assess its usefulness. Now it is showtime.

Good for society
Many young people join the Home Guard – particularly those who were never likely to be drafted into regular military service, which includes a substantial number of women.

The home guard is a representative cross-section of the Danish population. They wish to serve and make a difference where they can. They’ve been there before and have performed admirably. There is no reason why they won’t make us proud this time.

So when you meet the home guard in uniform serving as border controllers, remember what they are: civilians dressed in uniforms guarding their home.

TOP STORIES

  • Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro is a cornerstone of the city of Copenhagen. However, while it continues to be a popular hang out spot for young and old alike, the neighborhood is in the middle of a transformation from the old working class population, to a younger and more economically stable clientele. This fact raises concern among native Nørrebro-citizens.

  • Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    The Irish Culture Association Denmark (ICAD) is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen on March 16, 2025, with a parade marking its 20th anniversary. Supported by the Irish Embassy, the event will feature Irish music, dance, sports, and cultural displays, bringing the spirit of Ireland to Denmark.

  • Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Yesterday, the President of the United States made some of the strongest statements about Greenland he has ever made during the press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    It’s difficult to learn Danish, especially with idioms that have figurative meanings. It highlights Christiane Bjørg Nielsen’s book, See What You Say, which serves as a visual guide to understanding these idiomatic expressions in Danish.

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs