PRAGUE 

A major cost-cutting exercise underway in the Danish army has exacerbated financial challenges to the extent that soldiers across the barracks are struggling to finance printer paper, writing utensils, and even cleaning products, state news outlet reported on Wednesday. 

An internal email sent to soldiers by a department representative responsible for maintaining barracks, air base and naval stations said: “I fully understand that right now it can be difficult to find meaning and the good mood when you cannot refill the position that your colleague has resigned, and we may not have money for all the statutory tasks, emergency repairs and what makes the soldiers happy.” 

The Defense Ministry's Property Agency confirmed that although some millions have been lately poured in to build the defense department there is still not enough money to meet the expenses.

“It is the simplest things that are saved away. Notebooks, paper for the printer, ink for the printer. There really has to be a prioritization in what needs to be printed out and what is important to get the training to run,” said Sgt. Maj. Nicolai Winther.

In light of the major financial challenges, the Defense Command has granted a two-week time off to soldiers, canceled Danish participation in at least two NATO exercises, and shortened several teams of new professional soldiers, the Denmark Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The 1st Brigade canceled the artillery exercise Dynamic Front in November and a seminar for the reserve, while the 2nd Brigade canceled participation in NATO exercise in autumn, it added. 

The Royal Life Guards are scheduled to cancel the army’s Reaction Force Training, while activities for the reserve have been canceled for the rest of 2024.