What happens if you refuse conscription Switzerland?

According to the Military Criminal Code, refusal of military service remains a criminal offence if admission to civilian service is also refused or the application is not submitted in time. The same applies to refusing civilian service. However, such cases are very rare and the sanctions are usually mere fines.

Do foreigners have to do military service in Switzerland?

Switzerland, like many countries, requires military service from most men. Women may serve if they wish. Foreigners are exempt. Swiss living abroad are also basically free from being recruited and serving in the military during times of peace as long as they remain abroad.

How long is mandatory military service in Switzerland?

about 21 weeks
The basic military service is about 21 weeks long; additional training, however, is required throughout adulthood. Most commonly it amounts to six training periods of 19 days each (Verordnung über die Militärdienstpflicht (Compulsory Service Regulation) (Nov. 19, 2003), as amended, SR 512.21).

Do Naturalised Swiss citizens have to do military service?

“Every man with Swiss citizenship is liable for military service. Alternative civilian service shall be provided for by law,” as determined by Article 59 of the Federal Constitution For women, there has never been a military obligation, however Swiss women can volunteer for military service or Red Cross work.

Can you avoid the draft for religious reasons?

Today, all conscientious objectors are required to register with the Selective Service System. A conscientious objector is one who is opposed to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms on the grounds of moral or religious principles.

Can you refuse draft?

If you get a draft notice, show up, and refuse induction, you’ll probably be prosecuted. However, some people will slip through the cracks in the system, and some will win in court. If you show up and take the physical, there’s a good chance that you’ll flunk.

Does Switzerland have any allies?

Traditionally, Switzerland has avoided alliances that might entail military, political, or direct economic action. Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as a neutral intermediary and host to major international treaty conferences.

Can you refuse national service?

A conscientious objector is an “individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service” on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, or religion. A number of organizations around the world celebrate the principle on May 15 as International Conscientious Objection Day.

Why does Switzerland have conscription?

The political system in Switzerland is characterized by the so-called militia-system, where civilian service tasks basically are carried out on a part-time basis. Therefore there is a mandatory service for Compulsory Fire Services and in Swiss civil defense and protection institutions for all inhabitants as well.

What are the requirements to join the Swiss army?

You must have Swiss citizenship and be of a proper age to join the Swiss Army. Understand that all Swiss men must serve a compulsory term of military service once they reach the age of 19, although they can join voluntarily at the age of 18.

Why does Switzerland have a conscription requirement?

The conscription requirement is a way to pull together young individuals from Switzerland’s multiple traditions, so you can think of conscription as less a military obligation and more of a nation-building exercise — or even an exercise in personal and social growth.

Should Switzerland abolish military service?

Swiss defense minister Ueli Maurer argues that abolishing military service could break the link between the Swiss people and its army. But it turns out there are a lot of decent reasons for keeping conscription in place, and they don’t all have to do with the vague notion of ‘tradition.’

Should there be conscription in Europe?

However, conscription there is only employed if there is a shortage of volunteer recruits. It has not been that long since the draft was the norm in Europe. During the Cold War and into the 1990s, compulsory military service existed in nearly every European country.

Is military conscription being phased out in Europe?

EU nations continue to phase out military conscription. Much of Europe has done away with compulsory military service, or made heavy cut-backs.