Danish Defence, Home Guard and Emergency Management

Danish Defence

Danish Defence is responsible of upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty, including in the Arctic. Furthermore, the armed forces are at all times ready to provide support to other national authorities when required. Typical support missions include Search and Rescue (SAR), surveillance operations on land and at sea, medical transports and environmental protection. Additionally, Danish Defence is at all times ready to support the Danish Police in anti-terrorism operations with personel and aerial surveillance.

Home Guard

The Home Guard takes part in the defence of national territory and provides support to the police, the emergency management agency and other authorities in carrying out their duties. Its more than 40,000 members are voluntary, and are organized in an active force and a reserve. The Home Guard plays a vital role in maintaining a high degree of readiness to assist in emergency situations throughout the country with its ability to provide large numbers of manpower at very short notice. Besides assisting other authorities in day-to-day operations, the Home Guard is also key in providing Host Nation support to NATO units when required.

Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA)

DEMA works to prepare society for and prevent crises, accidents and disasters. As part of the national emergency management structure, DEMA supports local emergency management agencies throughout the country when additional manpower is required or special equipment is needed. Additionally, DEMA can provide specialized support to other national authorities and can provide expert assistance in case of major accidents and disasters, such as fires, toxic releases, contagious diseases, radiation, landslides and flooding.