Armtec Team - Jun 29, 2024

The role of women in the Swiss Armed Forces: progress and opportunities

Army Digital Media Center (DMA)

The Swiss Armed Forces have seen an increase in female participation in recent years, indicating that the traditional image of a male-dominated armed force is slowly changing (Statista, 2023).

In 2022, around 1,778 women served in the Swiss Armed Forces, but their share of 0.8 percent still lags far behind that of other countries such as France (20 percent) and Germany (13 percent). Since 2004, women have had access to all functions in the army and enjoy the same rights, rules and requirements as men.

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Content:
Historically, military service was only compulsory for men, but today women are encouraged to join the armed forces voluntarily in order to promote gender equality. Switzerland strives for a diverse and modern armed force and believes that women can bring new ideas and perspectives.

Highlights:
At the age of 18, you receive an invitation to the orientation days - the best way to get information and ask questions. Visiting days at the recruit school allow you to get to know functions and areas.

Swissrookie - helps you find the right function
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ready - helps you prepare for the sports test
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WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE SWISS ARMY AND WHAT IS THE ROLE OF WOMEN?

The Swiss Armed Forces have a responsibility to ensure the security of Switzerland and its population and to support the civilian authorities.

Historically, military service was only compulsory for men, while women could enlist voluntarily. Today, women are called upon to join the army and promote equality in the armed forces.

WHY SHOULD WOMEN JOIN THE SWISS ARMY?

Switzerland is striving for even greater diversity and gender equality in the armed forces in order to make them a modern armed force of the 21st century.

Women bring new ideas, perspectives and approaches that can enrich the military. A balanced mix of both genders is desirable. It is important that women who are interested in joining the army show courage and inspire other young women to do the same.

Army Digital Media Center (DMA)

THIS IS HOW YOU CAN QUALIFY AND REGISTER FOR THE MILITARY:

THE ORIENTATION DAY WITH THE SWISS ARMY

At the age of 18, you will automatically receive an invitation to the orientation day (OT), where you can find out more about the army, civil defense and recruitment.

The OT is the best way to find out more and ask questions. In some cantons there are special OTs for women only.

THE VISITING DAY OF A RECRUIT SCHOOL OF THE SWISS ARMY

To gain a direct insight into the world of the Swiss Armed Forces, you can take part in a recruit school visit day. This allows you to get to know the various functions and areas.

An app called Swissrookie helps you to find the right function.

PREPARATION FOR RECRUITMENT INTO THE SWISS ARMY

Good preparation is crucial if you want to join the Swiss Armed Forces. You can prepare yourself optimally for the sports test, for example with the ready sports app.

The same value tables apply for women and men in the sports test, but women and men are rated differently when it comes to the sports badge.

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS OF A WOMAN IN THE SWISS ARMY

If you, as a woman, are interested in enlisting in the Swiss Armed Forces, you must actively register. After registering, you will receive a call-up for recruit school, which you will complete together with male comrades.

Recruitment includes various tests, including sports, concentration and coordination. During the two to three days of recruitment, you will also receive a medical check-up.

Women up to the age of 24 go through the recruitment process three to twelve months before recruit school at one of the six recruitment centers. Older women apply for recruitment once they have passed the age limit.

HOW DOES A WOMAN SIGN UP FOR MILITARY SERVICE?

At the end of the recruitment process, you will be invited to an assignment interview. If you are assessed as fit for military service and sign the "Registration for the army" form, you are obliged to do military service.

You can obtain the registration form either on the orientation day in your canton of residence or directly from the Recruitment Command. Your signature on the registration form is your commitment to take part in recruitment.

Once you have registered, you will receive your marching orders, pay and loss of earnings allowance as well as a service notice. The call-up for recruitment usually takes place six weeks before the date.

Committing to military service requires courage and commitment, but also pride in your achievements.