Military of Greenland

The government of Greenland does not currently have control of Greenland's military or foreign affairs. The defense of Greenland is the responsibility of Denmark. However, following the November 2008 referendum on increased autonomy, which attracted significant popular support (72% turnout, 75% vote in favour) the governments of Greenland and Denmark have agreed to a 30-point package that will begin to reverse these particulars.

Native military

Greenland has an armed coastguard that patrols the Greenlandic coast and carries out search and rescue operations. It is currently under Danish command, although staffed largely by Greenlanders.

Domestic Military Statistics^[1]

• Military Branches: no regular military forces
• Manpower available for military service: males age 16-49: 15,280 (2010 est.)
• Manpower fit for military service: males age 16-49: 10,765 females age 16-49: 11,399 (2010 est.)
• Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually: male: 488 female: 478 (2010 est.)
• Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Changes from June 2009

The post-referendum governmental changes become effective in June 2009. Those that affect military provision include:

• Greenland's government will be given significant autonomy in determining foreign affairs
• Many aspects of foreign affairs policy will no longer be linked to Danish policy
• Control of the militarised Greenlandic Coast Guard will be transferred to the Government of Greenland
• The Greenlandic government will take control of policing, including the police motor launches currently trained to assist military in the Island Command Greenland.

Overseas military

Several American and Danish military bases are located in Greenland, including the US Thule Air Base.

The Royal Danish Navy operates a dog sled patrol called Sirius-patruljen, based in Daneborg.

References