Conscription in Switzerland

Switzerland has mandatory service (German: Militärdienst / Zivildienst; French: service militaire / service civil; Italian: servizio militare / servizio civile) in the Swiss Army or Civilian Service for all able-bodied male citizens, who are conscripted when they reach the age of majority. Women may volunteer for any position. Conscripts make up the majority of the manpower in the Swiss Armed Forces.

On September 22, 2013, a referendum that aimed to abolish conscription was held in Switzerland. However, the referendum failed with over 73% of the electorate voting against it, showing strong support for conscription of men in Switzerland.

On November 30, 2025, a referendum called the Civic Duty Initiative was held, which would have replaced compulsory military service for males with compulsory civic duty for both genders. However the referendum failed with more than 84% of voters voting against it.

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