Shortage of personnel in the army and civil defense –
In the future, women will have to join the army – but only for one day
The army and civil defense warn that they will lack people in the future. Now Federal Councilor Viola Amherd is making women responsible for the first time. The people will vote on it. This is what you should know about it.
Published today at 2:00 p.m
In the future, women will have to take part in the army’s orientation day. To do this, the Federal Council will have to change the constitution.
Photo: Urs Jaudas
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How big is the change in compulsory service for women?
The revolution was a choice, but Viola Amherd decided on a comparatively small step: women should have to attend the army’s orientation day in the future. Whether they then complete recruit school and even pursue a military career is still up to them – in contrast to the men. Switzerland’s first female defense minister will not introduce any actual compulsory service for women.
What does the Federal Council expect from this?
Women should be given “a deeper insight into the possibilities and opportunities in the army and civil defense,” writes the Federal Council in a media release. This improves equal opportunities. In addition, the government hopes – and is even “convinced” – that more women will volunteer in the future if they have been on the orientation day.
Can Swiss people have a say in this change?
Making a single day compulsory for women sounds like a small step – but formally it takes a lot of effort. Because: The constitution must be changed for this. This is because the women miss a day at work. In addition, the federal government must also be able to enforce the obligation if women do not show up on the orientation day. And whenever the Federal Council changes the constitution, it must automatically allow the population to have a say. That means: There will be a vote.
What changes for men?
Nothing for now. But the mandatory orientation day for women alone will hardly solve the future personnel problems of the army and civil defense. The Federal Council has therefore given Amherd an additional task: her people should examine two variants of a new compulsory service model.
What are these two variants?
One model is called “security service obligation”. Only men are still required to serve there. However, community service and civil defense would be combined to form a new disaster protection system. The second model is the “needs-based service obligation”. Women would also be given responsibility here. In the end, not all Swiss people would have to join the army, community service or civil defense – only those who are needed. At the same time, compulsory service for foreigners should also be examined.
What else is up for discussion?
An initiative on the topic is currently pending: The Citizen-Service-Initiative. She wants all Swiss people to have to perform a service for the general public. Either in the army, in civil defense or in civilian service. The Federal Council rejects the initiative and does not make any counter-proposals. It will soon be Parliament’s turn. And if it does not decide on a counter-proposal, the voters will then decide on the initiative.
When do women have to attend the orientation day?
First, Amherd’s people should work out a template by the end of the year on which cantons, parties and other organizations can comment. Then it’s Parliament’s turn. If Parliament says yes, the vote follows. But this will hardly take place before 2027.
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