In a new initiative to strengthen recruitment and retention in the Defence, a majority in the Danish Parliament has decided to reintroduce a scheme where sergeants and corporals can educate themselves while receiving a salary. The agreement, reached on Tuesday evening, is aimed at ensuring that the Defence can maintain a rapid deployment of operational units. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V) emphasizes the importance of the scheme for the future capacity of the Defence: “It is crucial to have good conditions for our employees, so we are able to handle the important tasks that lie ahead for the Defence.” This right to education with pay will come into effect after a number of years as a permanent employee in the Defence. Previously, the Defence had a similar scheme called Civil Education (CU), which was abolished in 2013 as part of a defence agreement. This scheme allowed personnel to earn points for education while receiving full pay during their studies. The Ministry of Defence had previously estimated that 118 million Danish kroner could be saved by abolishing the CU scheme. However, with the new agreement, it is hoped that the so-called “soldier flight” can be counteracted and make it more attractive to remain in the Defence. The agreement also includes a new officer education as a professional bachelor’s degree, which is intended to make it easier to recruit for the officer education directly from upper secondary education and increase the attractiveness for current employees in the Defence who wish to advance. Furthermore, a vocational education for corporals throughout the army is introduced, which is aimed at strengthening their career opportunities and retaining them for a longer period. The Acting Chief of Defence, Michael Hyldgaard, is pleased with the new initiatives: “Investments are made in both combat-effective military capabilities and in our personnel, who are the basis for our entire task solution. It strengthens our combat power and our ability to defend the Kingdom of Denmark.” These changes mark an important strategic commitment to improving working conditions in the Defence and ensuring a robust defence structure moving forward.

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