Serving in a Cold War Danish Reconnaissance Squadron (315)

Cold War Conversations

Denmark joined NATO as a founding member in 1949. However, it originally laid down limitations to NATO membership, effectively excluding the country from full military integration. The conditions were threefold: no non-Danish bases, no nuclear warheads, and no Allied military activity on Danish territory.

Bo Hermansen served in a conscript reconnaissance platoon of the Danish Jutland Dragoon Regiment during the 1980s. His squadron was part of the divisional reconnaissance for the Danish Jutland division which was tasked to move into the north of West Germany and link up with West German units to stop a Warsaw Pact advance into Jutland.

Bo describes Denmark’s political stance during this period where the election of President Reagan in the US and his policies regarding defence caused some concern in Denmark and elsewhere in Europe. We hear of his unit’s tactics against the Warsaw Pact, the exercises he participated in, the rivalry between units, and why a Danish tank was painted pink!

It’s a fascinating view into the organisation and tactics of one of the lesser-known members of NATO.

Extra episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode315

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0:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Bo Hermansen

7:31 Bo's decision to join the military and family reactions

12:33 Training, challenges, and transition to a professional soldier

19:46 Role and composition of the 5th Battalion of the Jutland Dragoon Regiment

28:42 Preparations for war: Major exercises and deployment practice

35:16 Relations with the Germans and other international troops during the Cold War

43:45 Importance of history and ethos in the Jutland Dragoons

51:32 Transition to green and black paint for Danish vehicles: Controversies and anecdotes

1:00:09 Escape and survival training in the Danish Army

1:08:06 Dedication to Bo's platoon and episode extras

1:08:33 Closing remarks

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