I am a recruit — what should I do if I observe discriminatory behaviour?

You can report the incident using the anonymous reporting tool available since the beginning of 2025, which protects you by ensuring anonymity. You can also contact the Victim Protection Working Group, established in May 2025, which provides structured support to military personnel who have experienced or observed discrimination or sexualized violence. Anonymous reporting reduces the risk of retaliation.

When will the complete procedure manual be available?

The manual, originally intended only for the militia component, has been extended to all categories of army personnel. This extension increased the workload, postponing the completion date. The manual will be available for all categories by the end of 2027, in line with the three-year implementation period of the 16 measures (2025-end 2027).

How will the effectiveness of the new measures be assessed?

Army Command will repeat the investigation into discrimination and sexualized violence allegedly in 2028. The results will be compared directly with the 2024 study to measure the concrete impact of the 16 measures adopted and identify any need for further interventions.

Have all 16 measures been implemented as planned?

No. The 2026 interim report shows that 8 out of 16 measures have already been fully implemented, 7 are being implemented and 1 is experiencing delays. The total implementation period is three years, from 2025 until the end of 2027. The measures are divided into six different fields of action.

What is the main objective of these measures?

The goal is to create a safe and respectful environment within the Swiss Army, where zero tolerance towards discrimination and sexualized violence is guaranteed. This creates the basis for trust-based collaboration, reliable fulfillment of military tasks, and maintenance of the army's defense capability.

Swiss Army: Assessment of anti-violence measures (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 22 August 2026

Swiss military personnel during training in professional institutional setting

16 additional measures against discrimination and sexualized violence: interim report 2026 shows 8 implemented, 7 in implementation. Nearly 20,000 recruits have completed mandatory training.

Context

In a nutshell

16 measures against discrimination and violence in the Swiss Army
Since 2025 over 19,500 recruits have undergone mandatory training
Report 2026: 8 implemented, 7 in implementation, 1 with delays
Verification investigation planned for 2028

Key facts

What: 16 additional measures for zero tolerance of discrimination
When: From 1 January 2025 (implementation start)
Where: Swiss Army (all categories of personnel)
Who: Army Command
Affected recruits: Approximately 19,500 since 1 January 2025
Implementation status: 8 implemented, 7 in the implementation phase, 1 with delays
Next evaluation: Efficacy survey expected in 2028

In the Bern communiqué of 21 August 2026, the Swiss Army Command presents the interim report on the implementation of the 16 additional measures against discrimination and sexualised violence. These measures follow the study presented in October 2024 which highlighted the need for further interventions in addition to the already existing diversity package of measures.

The 2026 interim report shows that 8 measures have been fully implemented, 7 are in the implementation phase and 1 is experiencing delays. Since 1 January 2025, around 19,500 recruits have completed the mandatory online awareness class. The jointly developed code of conduct was introduced starting from the 2/25 recruit school and is implemented at section and company level. It is

Operational details

# How Recruitment Procedures Change

The mandatory online awareness class for around 19,500 recruits as of January 2025 is a departure from the past. This initial training sets a new standard of awareness on the issues of discrimination and violence, and is accompanied by the code of conduct that recruits encounter already at the recruiting school stage 2/25. The capillary implementation at the section and company level ensures that the code is known and applied in all military units.

Victim reporting and protection tools

A central element of the new model is the availability of an anonymous reporting tool. This mechanism allows the military to report incidents of discrimination or violence without risk of retaliation or identification. The Victim Protection Working Group, established in May 2025, provides structured support for those who experience or observe discrimination or violence. The combination of anonymous reporting and dedicated support represents a significant change from previous years, reducing the barriers that prevented the military from reporting.

The extension of the manual to all categories

Initially intended only for the militia component, the complete manual on the procedure to be followed in the event of discrimination has been extended to all categories of army personnel. This

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Key points

How to Access Protection Services

If you are a recruit in the Swiss army, starting from January 1, 2025, you are required to follow the mandatory online awareness course. This training provides the basis for the new zero-tolerance strategy and familiarizes you with the code of conduct that will be implemented in your unit. Participation is recorded, ensuring that all new military personnel start their journey with the same foundation of awareness on rights and duties regarding mutual respect.

If you observe or are a victim of discrimination or sexualized violence, the anonymous reporting tool allows you to report the incident without identifying yourself. This anonymity protection was introduced specifically to encourage the reporting of inappropriate behavior, reducing the psychological barriers that often prevent soldiers from reporting.

Support for Victims and Next Steps

The victim protection working group, operational from May 2025, represents the structured point of contact for those who have been affected. You can contact this structure through the official channels of the Army to obtain guidance, emotional support, and assistance in following the reporting procedure. The concrete procedures will be described in the comprehensive manual, which will be available for all categories of personnel by the end of 2027.

In 2026 and 2027, the remaining measures will continue to be implemented, including the completion of the extended manual. In 2028, the Army will repeat the investigation into discrimination and sexualized violence — the results will be compared with the 2024 study to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the 16 measures adopted and identify any need for further interventions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I am a recruit — what should I do if I observe discriminatory behaviour?: You can report the incident using the anonymous reporting tool available since the beginning of 2025, which protects you by ensuring anonymity. You can also contact the Victim Protection Working Group, established in May 2025, which provides structured support to military personnel who have experienced or observed discrimination or sexualized violence. Anonymous reporting reduces the risk of retaliation.
When will the complete procedure manual be available?: The manual, originally intended only for the militia component, has been extended to all categories of army personnel. This extension increased the workload, postponing the completion date. The manual will be available for all categories by the end of 2027, in line with the three-year implementation period of the 16 measures (2025-end 2027).
How will the effectiveness of the new measures be assessed?: Army Command will repeat the investigation into discrimination and sexualized violence allegedly in 2028. The results will be compared directly with the 2024 study to measure the concrete impact of the 16 measures adopted and identify any need for further interventions.
Have all 16 measures been implemented as planned?: No. The 2026 interim report shows that 8 out of 16 measures have already been fully implemented, 7 are being implemented and 1 is experiencing delays. The total implementation period is three years, from 2025 until the end of 2027. The measures are divided into six different fields of action.
What is the main objective of these measures?: The goal is to create a safe and respectful environment within the Swiss Army, where zero tolerance towards discrimination and sexualized violence is guaranteed. This creates the basis for trust-based collaboration, reliable fulfillment of military tasks, and maintenance of the army's defense capability.