page_title: Swiss Armed Forces
section_title: Structure since 2018
hierarchical_section_title: Swiss Armed Forces / Structure since 2018
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Schweizer Armee. Pz 87 Leo. Kampfpanzer Leopard 2. Defilé an der "Steel Parade" der Heerestage 2006, Thun. English: Swiss Army. Leopard 2 / 2A4 main battle tank. Participating in the "Steel Parade" of the 2006 Army Days, Thun.
context_page_description: The Swiss Armed Forces operates on land and in the air. Under the country's militia system, regular soldiers constitute a small part of the military and the rest are conscripts or volunteers aged 19 to 34. Because of Switzerland's long history of neutrality, the Swiss Armed Forces do not take part in conflicts in other countries, but do participate in international peacekeeping missions. Switzerland is part of the NATO Partnership for Peace programme.
  The regulations of the Swiss militia system stipulate that the soldiers keep their own personal equipment, including all personally assigned weapons, at home, or in an armory. Compulsory military service applies to all male Swiss citizens, with women serving voluntarily. Males usually receive initial orders at the age of 18 for military conscription eligibility screening. About two-thirds of young Swiss men are found suitable for service, while alternative service exists for those found unsuitable. Annually, approximately 20,000 persons are trained in basic training for 18 weeks.
context_section_description: In peacetime, the Swiss Armed Forces are led by the Chief of the Armed Forces (Chef der Armee), who reports to the head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and to the Swiss Federal Council as a whole. The current Chief of the Armed Forces is Lieutenant-General (Korpskommandant) Thomas Süssli. Lt-Gen Süssli replaced Lieutenant-General (Korpskommandant) Philippe Rebord on 1 January 2020.
   Chief of the Armed Forces, in Bern
   Joint Operations Command, in Bern
   Training and Education Command, in Bern
   Armed Forces Command Support Organisation, in Bern
   Armed Forces Logistics Organisation, in Bern
   Armed Forces Staff, in Bern
   Medical Service, in Ittigen
  In times of crisis or war, the Federal Assembly elects a full General (OF-9) as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (Oberbefehlshaber der Armee). The rank is distinct and particular, as it is associated exclusively with wartime fighting or a national crisis due to war among Switzerland's neighbouring countries.
caption: Leopard 87 main battle tanks
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