Armtec Team - 06. Jan. 2024

Procedure for leave requests in the Swiss military 2024

Army Digital Media Center (DMA)

The Swiss military distinguishes between 4 different types of leave. In the following article you will find all the important information, from the difference between the leaves to submitting a leave request.

The 4 leaves in the Swiss military:

1. General leave
2.Personal leave
3. Freely selectable leave (new)
4. Leave abroad

The blog in a nutshell

Content:
Anyone performing military service in Switzerland is entitled to various types of leave. The associated rules and procedures are explained here.

Highlights:
1. General leave - starts on Saturday morning and ends on Sunday evening
2. Personal leave - granted upon request
3. Optional leave - approved on request 2x 24 hours per service
4. Leave abroad - is approved for a stay abroad of more than 12 months in peacetime

GENERAL VACATION

General leave is time off lasting more than one day for most graduates of a training service (RS & WK).

General leave usually begins on Saturday morning and ends on Sunday evening.

During general leave, however, you may be assigned to special duties, such as guard duty.

PERSONAL VACATION

Personal leave in the Swiss military is time off that is granted by the responsible commander at the soldier's request.

As a rule, there isno entitlement to leave.

A request for leave must be submitted before the start of service, but in emergencies (e.g. death in the family) requests for leave can also be submitted during service.

The unit commander is responsible for approval.

FREELY SELECTABLE VACATION

The service regulations of the Swiss military now allow those serving in a recruit school to apply for freely selectable leave.

This may amount to a maximum of two times 24 hours per service and can be taken as individual days or consecutive days.

No justification is required, but a written request must be submitted to the commander.

Approval is granted if the service operation allows it.

VACATION ABROAD

For a stay abroad of more than 12 months, you must apply for leave abroad.

The application must be submitted in good time to the district command of your place of residence together with your service record book.

If you have received approval for leave abroad, you are exempt from your official and non-official duties in peacetime. Only the obligation to report remains in force.

Details are set out in the information sheet that is attached to the service record booklet when leave is granted.

If you are abroad for less than 12 months , you do not need to apply for leave abroad. In this case, you are not released from your military and off-duty obligations!

Submit leave request (for personal leave)

You can submit a vacation request online or using a form.

Submit vacation request online

If you would like to submit your leave request online, you will need your marching orders. If you do not yet have your marching orders, it is best to contact your commander directly by e-mail.

Follow this link to submit your leave request online: Submit vacation request online

Submit vacation request form

If you decide to submit your leave request form, you can either download the form here and print it out. Or you can collect it from your company's CP.

Fill out the form and hand it in to your commander with enclosures (reasons).

Your commander will now decide whether to approve your request.