The Danish Armed Forces in Latvia: Military Culture in Transition from Expeditionary to Territorial Defence

The following analysis explores organisational subcultures within four units of the Danish Armed Forces stationed at NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Latvia. Their mission is part of a broader transformation of the armed forces. For the last three decades, Danish forces have been heavily involved in expeditionary operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Currently, the Danish Armed Forces are transitioning to a static, territorial deterrence posture, emphasising readiness for high-intensity warfare against a near-peer adversary.  

The study is based on interviews with Danish service members and analyses the organisational environment within both barracks and field exercises. While the findings reveal key unifying cultural elements within the Danish Armed Forces, some limited differences emerge among different units and ranks. The main differences stem from subunit specialisation and attitudes towards the mission, both of which are shaped by the army’s institutional memory and soldiers’ perceptions.  

Author - Daniels Kauliņš.

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