Eastern Regional Command (Denmark)

The Eastern Regional Command (Danish: Østre Landsdelskommando) (known until 1923 as 1st General Command (Danish: 1. Generalkommando)) was the overall command of all Royal Danish Army units on Zealand. It was split into four military regions and was responsible for regional defence. In 1990, the Regional Commands were disbanded and control was collected at the newly created Army Operational Command.

History

Following the introduction of absolute monarchy in 1660, the King held absolute power over the army. However, in cases of war, the King would appoint regional commanders. After the end of the English Wars, it was decided to keep the commands, even during peacetime. Originally named the General Command over Zealand, Lolland-Falster, Møn and Bornholm, it was one of five General Commands. However, after the Frederick VI came to power, he kept control of Zealand. It was only after the King's death in 1839, that control was given back to the military, with Hereditary Prince Ferdinand as the first chief. Around 1900, the commander of the 1st General Command was designated Army Commander-in-Chief in times of war. As such, during World War I, the commander took control of the security force (Danish: Sikringsstyrken). As part of the 1922 Defence Agreement, 1st and 2nd General Command were merged to create the unified General Command.

In 1950, as part of expansive rebuilding and reorganization of the army, the regional General Commands were revived as the Eastern and Western Regional Command. In the beginning, there was a large focus on having a larger defence in Jutland and the Western Regional Command. However, after the West German rearmament, the focus was shifted back towards Zealand. In case of war, the command would be placed under the control of the Allied Forces Northern Europe. Following the end of the Cold War, there was a political wish to reduce military spending along with greater centralization. This led to the Eastern Regional Command being disbanded in 1990 and control given to the newly created Army Operational Command.