Denmark |
| The Kingdom of Denmark is situated
between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, between Continental Europe and
the Scandinavian Peninsula. Apart from Jutland which borders Germany, the
country consists of 406 islands connected by numerous bridges and ferries.
No Dane lives more than 52 kilometers from the sea. The highest point is
180 meters above sea level, and the area covers 43,000 square kilometers.
The country is characterized by agricultural land with numerous cities.
The population is just over 5 million.
The climate is coastal with an average winter temperature of 0.4 ° and an average summer temperature of 16.6 °. More than 90 percent of the population are members of the Lutheran State Church. Since the Viking era, Denmark has been internationally oriented and is still among the world's largest traders at sea. Denmark joined the NATO alliance in 1949. Denmark's Constitutional Monarchy is ruled by Queen Margrethe II. However, the unicameral system of government is supplemented by referendum. The "Folketing" (parliament) has 179 members, including two from the Faroe Islands. The number of parties represented varies each four year period, but is typically 8 to 11. The world's largest island, Greenland and the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic share foreign and defensive policy with Denmark but have their own home rule. Denmark is part of Allied Forces Central Europe (AFCENT), and Allied Forces Baltic Approaches (BALTAP) with Headquarters in Jutland. One F-16 squadron, one Hawk squadron along with various other units and an army brigade contribute to NATO reaction forces. The Royal Danish Air Force was established in 1950. Today it consists of Tactical and Material Air Commands. Four F-16A Fighter/Attack squadrons (one with "recce" capability) and a conversion unit are on two wings. The C-130 / Gulfstream III / Challenger squadron and Sea King Search and Rescue squadron are based on a third operational wing. The fourth air wing has deployment status and is home to the flying school and headquarters of BALTAP Tactical Army and Air Commands. The Danish air defense system is composed of a highly automated Control and Reporting Center linked up to NADGE and NATO AWACS. Missile defense is based on eight Hawk squadrons and Stinger. Total peacetime strength is 5,900 military personnel that would rise to some 17,000 after mobilization. Since World War II, Denmark has trained its pilots in both Canada and the United States. When ENJJPT was established in 1981, all pilot training moved to Sheppard AFB. Denmark generally train 10 to 16 student pilots per year. So far all Danish graduates must qualify for F-16 as their first assignment. Pilots for transport and helicopters are recruited on a mostly voluntary basis. In the future Denmark will train its pilots in both Canada (NFTC) and the United States (ENJJPT). |