DENMARK'S ARMY

Denmark doesn't have as much of a military tradition as some other countries, but its traditions go back a long way. This week the army celebrated its 400th anniversary. Back in November 1614 Christian IV established a national militia consisting of 4,000 infantry. In those days, Christian was one of the wealthiest monarchs in Europe, and the unchallenged big fish in northern Europe. The treasure and power disappeared following Christian's ill-advised foray into the Thirty Years War. But the militia remained; and after various twists and turns, is now the Danish national army.

Walter Blotscher