In Denmark, they’re the Guard Hussars, a highly mobile mechanized infantry unit. But when deployed, they become Vidar Company, a name that harkens back to Norse mythology while honoring the unit’s more recent history in Afghanistan. Deployed to NATO’s battle group in Estonia earlier this year, Vidar Company represents Denmark’s commitment to collective defense. Footage includes shots of Danish troops before, during and after live-fire combat drills. Slow-motion shots included. Interviews: 1st Lieutenant Nikolai; Sgt Dolph (per Royal Danish Army policy, only first names are given). Archival footage of Afghanistan courtesy of DVIDS.

“We always prepare for war in order to avoid war,” says 1st Lt Nikolai, an officer in Vidar Company, a Danish infantry unit that takes its name from Norse legend.