The history of the Swiss Army
The origins of the Swiss Army date back to the late Middle Ages. The militia army founded on general national conscription is relatively young by comparison.
Switzerland's defence systems were once the responsibility of individual towns and cantons. A properly organised army first came into existence during the Helvetic era (1798-1803). The development of a confederate army was one of the main items on Switzerland's political agenda during the decades after 1798. In 1815, Europe's major powers recognised the neutrality and independence of the Swiss Confederation. Consequentially, national defence – assuring domestic law and order and defending the territory of the Swiss Confederation – advanced to become a definitive strategic objective of the army.
During the second half of the 20th century, and especially after 1980, the future and alignment of the Swiss Army increasingly became an issue of political dispute. Whether proponent or opponent of the army, whether academic or “simple” recruit: every interested party can find documents on the history of “their” military in the Swiss Federal Archives.
Swiss soldiers in foreign service
Many Swiss men earned their daily bread as soldiers in foreign military service well into the 19th century. These soldiers were known as mercenaries and lansquenets. It was not until the founding of the Federal State that Swiss mercenaries were reined in. Swiss citizens, however, continued to serve in foreign military services – in the papal Swiss Guard, for instance, or in the French Foreign Legion or as Spanish brigadists.
Information and data on military staff
The Swiss Federal Archives do not maintain any personnel lists of the Swiss Army. That is why you will rarely find any documents here to help you search for former fellow soldiers from recruit school or refresher courses.
Military jurisdiction, peace movement and conscientious objection
During the course of the 20th century, Swiss citizens have adopted a critical view of the army. Antimilitarists and proponents of the peace movement attracted the attention of the federal police, whilst conscientious objectors had to appear before military tribunals.
The military aircraft, weapons, tanks and fortifications
The various army reforms (Army 61, Army 95, Army XXI) implemented against the background of a changing security situation always went hand in hand with a fundamental reorganisation of the Swiss Army and its equipment. Texts and photos held by the Swiss Federal Archives document these developments.
Swiss Federal Archives
Archivstrasse 24
CH - 3003 Bern