Born: 1958 (Løkken, Denmark)
Biography:
Lone Træholt is the first woman in the Danish armed forces to obtain the rank of general. Her groundbreaking achievements in the military have not only shattered traditional gender barriers but also paved the way for countless women who aspire to serve in the defense sector. On 30 September 2016, Træholt was promoted to brigadier general in the Royal Danish Air Force, where she headed the Tactical Air Staff. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication, earning her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and setting an inspiring example for future generations.
Born on 15 July 1958 in Løkken, a small town in north-western Jutland, Lone Træholt displayed an early interest in the sciences. Initially considering a career in biology, her path was influenced by her elder brother, an air force pilot. Inspired by his experiences, she decided to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in the military.
Træholt matriculated from Brønderslev Gymnasium in 1977 and went on to train as an officer at the Royal Danish Air Force Academy from 1979 to 1983. She excelled in her training and demonstrated natural leadership qualities, setting the stage for her remarkable career.
Continuing to excel in her profession, Træholt underwent further officer training at the Royal Danish Military Academy in 1986 and again from 1992 to 1993. Over the years, she also completed various courses in military leadership, continuously honing her skills and expanding her knowledge.
Træholt’s ascent through the ranks of the Danish Air Force began in 1981 when she became a second lieutenant. She quickly distinguished herself and earned promotions to first lieutenant in 1983, captain in 1986, major in 1993, lieutenant colonel in 2000, and colonel in 2008. Her progressive rise within the military showcased her exceptional abilities and marked her as a trailblazer for women in the armed forces.
Throughout her career, Træholt undertook significant responsibilities in various capacities. From 2003 to 2006, she served as the Chief of Staff at Aalborg Air Base, where her strong leadership skills made a lasting impact. She later took on the role of Chief of Planning at the Tactical Air Command in 2007, further solidifying her reputation as an indispensable asset.
Træholt continued her exceptional career by assuming key positions, including Chief of the Air Control Wing at Air Base Karup from 2008 to 2011. Her expertise and dedication were recognized not only within Denmark but also internationally. She served in NATO as the Military Assistant for COMBALTAP/Commander JHNE from 1998 to 2000, Branchhead Air Enablers Branch at Air Command Ramstein from 2011 to 2013, and Division Head of the Combat Operations Division at CAOC Uedem, Germany, from 2014 to 2016. Furthermore, she contributed to international peacekeeping efforts by serving as an Information Operations Officer for the United Nations in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from 2007 to 2008.
Træholt’s extensive service in the Danish military has allowed her to witness the evolution of attitudes towards women’s recruitment. She aspires to use her promotion to the rank of general as an opportunity to encourage more women to join the armed forces and remain in service for longer durations—ensuring greater gender equality in the military.
While Træholt acknowledges that, on the whole, she has been treated equally to her male counterparts, she recalls the challenges faced in the early years of her career. In particular, she and three female colleagues encountered significant obstacles when attempting to take flying lessons at the Avnø Flying School near Præstø, where flying was considered a male-dominated domain. Despite these difficulties, Træholt persisted, demonstrating her unwavering determination and proving herself despite archaic gender norms. She vividly remembers being told at the flying school, It’s a shame you’re a woman. You fly so well. However, it was only when she was stationed in Germany that she was able to fly without restrictions. Her perseverance through such impediments exemplifies her unwavering commitment and the strength of her character.
Lone Træholt’s impact on Danish society extends far beyond her pioneering accomplishments in the military. By breaking through barriers and inspiring generations of aspiring women, she has played a crucial role in women’s history, exemplifying the possibilities available to those who dare to challenge societal boundaries. Her extraordinary career and the exemplary path she has paved have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on both the Danish armed forces and the wider world.