An Examination of Gender Diversity in the 21st Century Royal Danish Armed Forces - Can the US Experience Contribute to the Future Danish Armed Forces?

Abstract

Abstract : The gender diversity and integration issue has been a long and difficult process. The Danish military is struggling with a very low female representation. Issues like women in combat roles, physical standards, and sexual harassment have been discussed and to a certain extent addressed in the Danish military organization. Gender integration in the Danish military has not been able to match the level found in society - where Denmark ranks in the top echelon of nations with regard to balancing gender opportunities and representation throughout the workforce. Gender integration in the US military has also been a long and difficult process. The last decade has focused on the integration of women into combat roles, Political issues as well as constraints have dominated this process. The obvious issues of physical standards and the integration of women into combat roles are still undergoing examination. Sexual harassment has also been a central issue in the debate within the services, as well as in a very public forum. My findings show a very similar trend in the general gender integration processes followed by both the Danish and US military. The difference clearly lies within the nature of the different societies, The sexual harassment policy in the US, as well as the issue of political correctness, differs from policies and views in the Danish military. Both militaries have evolved and acknowledged the need for a renewed focus on diversity. Diversity is no longer a bad' word, rather it is seen as an asset to future military organizations.