Its top authority is the General Command (HJK) which is managed directly by the Danish Ministry of Defence (FMN).

It was always implied (though never explicitly stated) that the primary objective was defence and guerrilla activity against a potential Soviet invasion.

When founded on 11 June 1945 in the city of Odense, the 250 representatives of resistance movements and those of the government, both had demands to the new Home Guard.

Despite this, members who had a seat in the government during the occupation claim in their defense that such actions were performed to protect the rest of the people from further war crimes.

The Home Guard would be a military wing aiding the defense of Denmark from foreign aggressors and also a constant reminder for politicians who would be tempted by their political powers and influence that they cannot do whatever they please.

With the fall end of the cold war, the Home Guard, with its costly training and equipment, was by many Danes perceived as a useless expense, and an obsolete organization, referring to people's attention that for the past four decades had been drawn outside of Denmark to an enemy that constantly swayed at the back of everyone's mind.

It should be trained for defense of Danish territory in wartimes but also be able to take on tasks to help civilians during disasters of most kinds, thereby rebalancing the expenses many had thought of as unnecessary.

In Denmark a public debate raise whether or not this organization now voluntarily owes its loyalty to the government rather than the danish people.

Additionally, a force element called Centre for Stabilization Engagement (CSI) (Danish Home Guard's international) has been created.

In 2019 the Home Guard contributed volunteer instructors and one permanent officer to the British-led mission in Ukraine OP ORBITAL.

Denmark supported the mission with mobile training teams (MTT) through the peace and stabilization program for Ukraine.

The Naval Home Guard (Marinehjemmeværnet (MHV)) had a small number of ships for coastal surveillance.

The members of the companies assist in keeping their places of work intact and prevent sabotage with use of lethal force.

Their primary missions include surveillance, picture building, and security in territorial waters, as well as search and rescue operations.

Alongside its operational prowess, the Navy Home Guard has two music corps and a staff unit.

The basic infantry weapon of the Home Guard is the 5.56mm GV M/95, while motorized units are equipped with the Kb M/96.