Denmark veterans reflect on consequences of war criticisms in new documentary

In the DR documentary series ‘Welcome to the Frontline,’ former military generals describe much of Denmark’s war efforts over the past 30 years as a “failure,” prompting reflection among the country’s veterans. Carsten Rasmussen, chair of Denmark’s Veterans, expressed the hurtful impact of such assessments, particularly for veterans who have suffered significant injuries, such as losing limbs in Afghanistan.

To address concerns, the organization has issued an open letter to veterans and their families, highlighting that the scrutiny of the military engagement could affect those previously deployed. Rasmussen emphasized the importance of discussing history and criticism but stressed the need to consider the feelings of individuals still dealing with the physical or psychological repercussions of their service.

By the end of May 2024, Denmark had recorded a total of 42,032 veterans in the country and its realm. In the documentary, Jesper Helsø, former defense chief, and Brigade General Ole Kværnø criticized their involvement in a military campaign they viewed as poorly managed. They noted that the military was unprepared for the conflicts in the Balkans and highlighted the withdrawal from Afghanistan as a failure against the Taliban.

Claus Stenberg, who served in Croatia during the Balkan wars, agrees with the criticism and questions why it has taken so long for such acknowledgments to surface. He calls for proactive measures to prevent repeating past mistakes. Efforts to interview former Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen regarding these criticisms have not been successful.

Viewers can explore stories of Denmark’s 30 years of military involvement in the new documentary ‘Welcome to the Frontline’ available on DRTV.