Analysis of Ground Force Structures on NATO's Northern Flank

Examines differences in approaches to defense planning in NATO Europe resulting in qualitative differences in force structures. It focuses on the Danish and Norwegian ground forces because the two forces' structures are sufficiently different to demonstrate the analytic framework and the need to look more closely at qualitative differences. This Note attempts to deal with such questions as: What are the conscripts and the reserves used for? How do these groups fit into the force structure? In what types of units are the conscripts trained? How does this relate to reserve functions? What is the difference between the peacetime and wartime force structures of the two countries? An initial section describes the historical, political, social, geographic, and other factors that defense planners must take into consideration. An understanding of these national factors is required to assess current national policies or evaluate alternative policies.