The training of Denmark's new combat soldiers begin. The young soldiers at Haderslev Barracks have to earn their patches, and therefore the captain takes them on a Ranger-day - a physically challenging run, where they must carry a heavy log and endure ten minutes in a freezing lake.
Documentary following the 8 months of reactionary force training of the first company of light infantry in the Danish Army - The Life Company, from the Schleswig Regiment of Foot.
Schleswig Regiment of Foot traces its lineage to 1778, when the Funen Infantry Regiment was formed. It was renamed to Schleswig Infantry Regiment in 1785, after being garrisoned in Schleswig. When regimental names were abolished in 1842, it received the number 13, which is why the first battalion of the current regiment is named XIII Light Infantry Battalion.
In 1951 the current name Schleswig Regiment of Foot was adopted, until it was merged into the Prince's Life Regiment in 2001. In 2019 the regiment was reformed as Denmark's first modern light infantry, meant to bridge the gap between the special forces and the conventional army. In 2020, a pilot project between the Schleswig Regiment of Foot and the Jaeger Corps was introduced, in which selected conscripts can do National Service at the Schleswig Regiment of Foot while receiving extra lessons from a Jaeger, to prepare them for later selection in the Jaeger Corps.
The Schleswig Regiment of Foot is unique in being the first modern Danish Army unit to specialise in dismounted operations, whereas the other combat units are meant to operate from APC's, IFV's, or armoured cars. In July of 2021, the XIII Light Infantry Battalion was certified as the first Airmobile unit in the Danish Army.
The training of the Danish Army is structured in two phases: Army Basic Training (HBU) - popularily known as "National Service" and Army Reactionary Force training (HRU). In principle, the Basic Training is conscription, and all fit men must take part in a draft lottery when they turn 18, but currently 99% are volunteers with long waiting lists for the popular destinations. The Basic Training is usually 4 months, but in some units it is longer to cover additional duties, such as in the Royal Guards. During Basic Training, your rank is Private (Menig) and the best Privates from Basic Training have the opportunity to sign a contract and continue as professional soldiers. The Reactionary Force training is 8 months during which you will learn your unit's specialisation. During Reactionary Force training your rank is Constable Pupil (Konstabelelev), after the training is complete you will be a Constable (Konstabel) in the regular forces. A Danish Constable is just a professional private, and would be equivalent to Private in armies without conscripts.
"Danmarks nye kampsoldater" from 2021 made by TV Syd.
