The civil service is enjoying great success. So much so that it attracts an audience for which it was not intended. Originally, it was the alternative to avoid prison for those who did not plan to carry a weapon. Conscientious objectors no longer ended up “in the hole”. Better still, they fulfilled a commitment to serving the population. At the time, there was no question of a free choice between the two. The army was the obligation; civil service, the exception.
Over the years, this principle has been lost. The power of attraction of the civil service has greatly increased, particularly among those who, once the recruit school was over, no longer saw themselves in gray-green. And we can understand it. Life in the barracks is restrictive: imposed and extended hours, strict hierarchy and community life. It is certainly less comfortable than the civil alternative, with a return home in the evening and, for those who do well, a useful internship for their future career.
The Federal Council wanted to correct the situation. Go back to the original idea. And bring back some equality of treatment in the system. We are therefore voting on June 14 on a series of measures intended to make this civilian service less accessible, particularly for newly trained soldiers.
The real issue: army numbers
But the real issue lies elsewhere. Above all, it is a question of slowing down the hemorrhage of army personnel. Those who prefer EMS diving or NGO premises to barracks dormitories are missing from the Swiss army. With the deterioration of the security situation in Europe, this desertion of volunteers is worrying; These are all forces that Switzerland will lack in the event of conflict, whatever its form. The defense of the country is based on the idea of responsibility assumed by citizen-soldiers; they fulfill their military obligations, then return to civilian life, remaining mobilizable. This system isn’t going to change anytime soon; we must therefore give it the means to exist.
Let’s be clear, if we have to accept this (mini-)reform, it is not a question of giving the army a blank check. There are many anecdotes of soldiers wasting their time during rehearsals. Too much downtime, exercises considered in vain, a lack of equipment… The army and its executives must give meaning to all of this. And prepare for the threat better than it does.
Civil service, seen as an important contribution to society, is highly appreciated by the Swiss; the army must be able to position itself like this. A yes vote on June 14 is necessary, but the army will have to prove that it deserves the reinforcements sent to it.
