Hans Jesper Helsø

Hans Jesper Helsø (born July 9, 1948) is a former Danish Chief of Defence.

Early Life and Education

Helsø entered the Royal Danish Army Academy in 1982 and graduated in 1984. He was born on July 9, 1948, in Copenhagen.

Military Career

Helsø served his conscription in 1968 and initially became a sergeant and officer of the reserve. In 1974 he became a lieutenant and served the following four years at King's Artillery Regiment. In 1982-83 he attended the General Staff Course in the United States as a captain.

In 1990, Helsø was appointed Lieutenant Colonel and returned to the artillery as Head of Department for a few years. After a short staff service at the Army Operational Command, he became Head of the King's Artillery Regiment between 1994 and 1996. In 2000-02, he served as Chief of the Army Operational Command, and then Chief of Operations and Planning Staffs until his appointment as Chief of Defence.

Helsø has also participated in several international missions, including UNFICYP in Cyprus in 1979 and UNPROFOR in the Balkans in 1995.

Chief of Defence

Helsø served as Chief of Defence from 2002 to 2008. He was replaced by Tim Sloth Jørgensen in August 2008 due to reaching the army's age-limit.

References

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