Home Guard attracts new volunteers but still needs more

Denmark’s Home Guard is attracting volunteers at a pace not seen since the 1980s, but it still needs more members as its responsibilities grow, DR reports.

The largest Home Guard exercise since the Cold War is taking place at more than 70 locations in Jutland and Funen. The exercise is also intended to raise the force’s visibility and encourage people to join.

So far this year, 1,500 people have volunteered. Hans Andersen, a Home Guard commissioner and member of its leadership, said the current intake was comparable to the level in the 1980s. Many members of the force are reservists, and the Home Guard is seeking more active members.

Last year brought the largest increase in new volunteers since 1983. To build on that momentum, the Home Guard is holding an event at Ridehuset, a venue in Aarhus, where visitors can sample field rations and try its equipment.

Anders Enemark, who has volunteered with the Home Guard for more than 10 years, said it offered roles ranging from office work to outdoor activities. Exercise Blåtand began on Thursday and is due to end on Sunday.