The Swiss Army’s exit uniform will now only be provided for representation purposes. It will therefore no longer be automatically given to all recruits. The measure should save 55 million francs by 2035.
The decision is part of a package of measures aimed at reducing the army’s operating costs. Currently, the distribution to all recruits of the exit outfit (the famous “outfit A”, composed of a gray jacket or blazer, pants or skirt of the same color, a shirt, (a tie, a belt and an outing coat) costs 5.2 million francs per year, the Defense Group said in a press release on Tuesday.
The uniform must be returned at the latest at the end of compulsory service. They will be repaired and stored for reuse by future soldiers wherever possible. Otherwise they will be destroyed.
More money for arms
The army has also decided to save 210 million by 2030 on personnel salaries, which corresponds to a saving of 3%. The number of positions will be reduced thanks to ordinary retirements. No layoffs are planned, the army said.
These savings in operating expenses respond to a request from Parliament and take into account the current security situation in Europe. They must make it possible to invest more in strengthening defense capacity, that is to say weapons and equipment.
The Defense Group already decided at the end of November to restrict Air Force demonstration events. Other measures are being examined.
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