What concretely changes in the army's conduct structure?

The new structure more centralizes tactical conduct: Operations Command becomes the new hub for planning and managing army deployments, while Ground Forces and Air Forces come under the direct control of the army chief. This allows you to manage different types of threats (hybrid attacks, remote attacks, large-scale attacks) with the same organizational architecture without continuous structural rearrangements.

If I am a militia member, am I obliged to serve abroad?

No, you have the right to choose. You can request a deferral and provide the service in Switzerland, as long as you submit the request within the deadline indicated in the official communication. Those who act promptly will not be obliged to provide foreign service against their will.

What are the new powers of the military police in terms of protection?

The military police may take preventive and immediate measures to determine whether there are any criminally relevant facts in the case of suspicious incidents. It will be able to safeguard evidence, conduct preliminary interrogations and acquire information on hazard prevention, facilitating the opening of criminal proceedings by the competent investigating authority.

When do these changes go into effect?

The consultation procedure is currently underway (started on 9 September 2026). After collecting the feedback, the Federal Council will present the legislative message to Parliament. The amendments will only come into force after parliamentary approval and publication in the Swiss Federal Gazette.

What are Military Education Pilot Projects?

They are short-term experimental initiatives that test new models of education and military service without changing the law as a whole. The Federal Council may, by order, temporarily derogate from certain provisions of military law in order to evaluate innovative approaches.

Federal Council: new Swiss army structure (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 9 September 2026

Swiss Federal Parliament in Bern, where the Federal Council initiated the consultation on military law reforms

The Federal Council launches consultation on changes to military law: new conduct structure, overseas services for militia servicemen, protection from espionage.

Context

In a nutshell

Public consultation on changes to military law and army organisation started on 9.9.2026
New Conduct Structure to Strengthen National Defense Capabilities
Compulsory education services abroad for militia members with the right of exemption
Enhanced protection against espionage/sabotage; pilot projects to innovate education

Key facts

What: Consultation procedure on amendments to military law (RS 510.10) and organization of the army (RS 513.1)
When: 9 September 2026
Where: Federal level (Federal Council, Bern)
Who: Federal Council of the Swiss Confederation
Background: Deterioration of the global security situation

On 9 September 2026, the Federal Council launched a consultation procedure on significant changes to military law and the organisation of the army. The decision responds to the deterioration of the global security situation and implements a central element of the defense guidelines adopted by the Federal Council itself on June 19, 2026.

The proposed changes concern three key areas: the creation of a new army conduct structure, the introduction of compulsory overseas education services for the military militia, the strengthening of the army's protection against espionage and sabotage, as well as the authorisation of pilot projects to test innovative models of education and service.

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Operational details

Modified obligations for the military militia

One of the most direct novelties concerns the militia soldiers, that is, Swiss citizens who perform military service on a part-time basis. The Federal Council intends to create a legal basis for calling militia members into service to provide compulsory education services abroad.

The reason is practical: the geographical limits of Switzerland and the restrictions on security techniques make it increasingly difficult to guarantee adequate infrastructure in the national territory to cover all modern training needs. Some specialist training requires camps and facilities that the Swiss territory cannot provide sufficiently.

However, the new regime DOES NOT eliminate freedom of choice. Soldiers called to serve abroad but who are unable or unwilling to accept have the right to request a deferral and to serve in Switzerland. This alternative is granted on condition that they apply within an appropriate timeframe. Those who react promptly will therefore not be obliged to carry out any education service abroad against their will.

This clause represents an important protection for those who for personal, family or economic reasons cannot leave the national territory.

Enhanced protection against espionage and sabotage

The deteriorating global threat environment has

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Key points

How to Follow the Consultation Procedure

The consultation procedure is the mechanism through which the Federal Council gathers opinions from cantons, political parties, organizations, and the public before finalizing the law. During this phase, anyone interested can submit observations, critiques, and proposals.

The consultation covers two main legislative instruments: the Military Law (ML; RS 510.10) and the Organization of the Armed Forces (OAF; RS 513.1). Official documents and the procedures for participating in the consultation are available on the Swiss federal administration portal (admin.ch). It is recommended to regularly check the website to learn about consultation deadlines and channels for submitting comments. Federal consultations typically remain open for several weeks, allowing a wide range of stakeholders to provide feedback.

If You Are a Militia Member: What You Need to Know

If you are a male Swiss citizen subject to military service or an active militia member, the proposed changes could have direct implications for your career and personal obligations.

Right of Choice for Overseas Service: If you are called to provide instruction service abroad, you can request a deferment and opt for equivalent service in Switzerland, provided you submit your request within the deadline indicated in the official communication. No particular justification is required, but it is essential to meet the deadlines.

Procedures to Follow: When you receive a notification of a call to overseas service, carefully read the deadline terms to potentially submit a waiver request. Timeliness is essential: a late request may not be accepted. Keep the documentation and response deadlines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What concretely changes in the army's conduct structure?: The new structure more centralizes tactical conduct: Operations Command becomes the new hub for planning and managing army deployments, while Ground Forces and Air Forces come under the direct control of the army chief. This allows you to manage different types of threats (hybrid attacks, remote attacks, large-scale attacks) with the same organizational architecture without continuous structural rearrangements.
If I am a militia member, am I obliged to serve abroad?: No, you have the right to choose. You can request a deferral and provide the service in Switzerland, as long as you submit the request within the deadline indicated in the official communication. Those who act promptly will not be obliged to provide foreign service against their will.
What are the new powers of the military police in terms of protection?: The military police may take preventive and immediate measures to determine whether there are any criminally relevant facts in the case of suspicious incidents. It will be able to safeguard evidence, conduct preliminary interrogations and acquire information on hazard prevention, facilitating the opening of criminal proceedings by the competent investigating authority.
When do these changes go into effect?: The consultation procedure is currently underway (started on 9 September 2026). After collecting the feedback, the Federal Council will present the legislative message to Parliament. The amendments will only come into force after parliamentary approval and publication in the Swiss Federal Gazette.
What are Military Education Pilot Projects?: They are short-term experimental initiatives that test new models of education and military service without changing the law as a whole. The Federal Council may, by order, temporarily derogate from certain provisions of military law in order to evaluate innovative approaches.