Home Guard (Denmark)
The Home Guard (Danish: Hjemmeværnet) is a volunteer military organization within the Danish Defence. It is a component of the Danish Armed Forces, but distinct from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Home Guard is organized into three branches, reflecting the operational environment in which its personnel serve: the Army Home Guard ( Hærhjemmeværnet), the Naval Home Guard (Marinehjemmeværnet), and the Air Force Home Guard (Flyverhjemmeværnet). While primarily composed of volunteers, the Home Guard also includes a smaller number of professional officers and staff.
The primary missions of the Home Guard include:
- Support to the Danish Defence: Augmenting and supporting the regular armed forces in various tasks, including guarding critical infrastructure, surveillance, and security operations.
- Support to Civil Authorities: Assisting the police, emergency services, and other civil authorities in situations such as natural disasters, search and rescue operations, and maintaining public order.
- Territorial Defence: Contributing to the defence of Danish territory against external threats.
- International Operations: Deploying personnel to participate in international peacekeeping or humanitarian operations, often in conjunction with other branches of the Danish Defence.
The Home Guard is decentralized, with units organized geographically throughout Denmark. This structure allows for a quick response to local emergencies and a close connection to the communities they serve. Volunteers typically train in their free time and are equipped with weapons and equipment appropriate to their roles. The Home Guard plays a significant role in maintaining national security and providing assistance during emergencies in Denmark.