Switzerland Moves Towards Mandatory Army Orientation for Young Women Amid Recruitment Concerns

Federal Council Initiates Consultation on Mandatory Orientation Day

The Swiss Federal Council announced on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the opening of a consultation process for a constitutional amendment that would require young women to attend an army and civil defense orientation day. This move marks a significant step towards potential gender-neutral military service in Switzerland, driven by the dual objectives of addressing personnel shortages within the armed forces and fostering greater gender equality.

Under the current system, attendance at the orientation day is voluntary for women, with approximately 1,200 Swiss women participating annually. The government's proposal aims to make this day compulsory for women from 2030, mirroring the existing obligation for men. The Federal Council believes that providing better information will encourage more women to volunteer for service. The orientation day is designated as an official date, requiring employers to grant female employees time off for attendance.

Addressing Personnel Shortages and Promoting Equality

The Swiss army is facing a growing challenge with recruitment, as early departures are making it difficult to adequately staff refresher courses. Projections indicate that the effective number of military personnel is expected to decrease to 125,000 by 2029, down from 146,718 on March 1, 2025. Women currently constitute a small fraction of the armed forces, accounting for only about 1.7% of its members as of March 1, 2025.

Defence Minister Viola Amherd has publicly stated her ambition to increase the proportion of women in the armed forces to 10% by 2030. The government views the mandatory orientation day as a crucial measure to secure the personnel base and simultaneously advance gender equality. While military service remains compulsory for all able-bodied Swiss men, women have historically served on a voluntary basis. Public sentiment appears to be shifting, with a 2021 survey by the Centre for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich revealing that 67% of Swiss citizens support compulsory service for both men and women.

Ongoing Debate and Future Outlook

The proposal has not been without its critics, with some arguing that making the orientation day mandatory for women could infringe upon personal freedoms and potentially lead to increased gender stereotyping within the military. Concerns have also been raised by various political parties, suggesting the policy might be perceived as patronizing.

Despite these discussions, the government is not currently pursuing full gender-neutral conscription, citing that such a measure would significantly increase the number of eligible conscripts and incur substantial direct and indirect economic costs. The proposed changes will now undergo a period of consultation, after which the ultimate decision on the constitutional amendment will rest with Swiss voters and cantons. Switzerland's consideration of these changes aligns with trends in other European nations, such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, which introduced gender-neutral conscription in 2025.