Swiss Army: the origins of a unique system
From the outset, the Confederation's military organization has been based on the militia system, i.e. a system in which there is no professional army, but in which civilians take on the role of soldier when necessary. Photo: Simon Infanger (via Unsplash)
If there's one country where the army is a constant topic of debate, it's Switzerland. A look back at the history of an institution that is still very much alive, built on a militia system that has no equivalent anywhere in the world.
Despite the considerable decline in the size of the armed forces in recent decades, some 20,000 young Swiss citizens who have reached adulthood begin their military service every year. With varying degrees of willingness, they are part of the long tradition of our militia army, which goes back far beyond the birth of modern Switzerland in the 19th century, to the days of the Ancien Régime Confederation. A look back at the history of this institution at a time of political debate over its budget.
Cantonal militiasIf previous federal constitutions already prescribe the general obligation to serve,
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