If you happen to visit Switzerland, expecially on Sunday at the local station, you have a feeling that we are probably at war with someone, although basically it is all training. From the age of 18 until they have completed their service time, every able bodied man is a soldier. For three weeks per year they have to go to their regisments and do their duty. They also have to do the recruit school for three months before the annual service begins.
Here he is when he was in the three month recruit school. this was many years ago. He now has his own son, my grandson, who will probably have to do service one day.
We also have officers, and they have to do a little more time than the others, some are even professional soldiers, full time.
On Sunday the men return to their regiments, generally by public transport. My No 2 son did his service, not as an officer, but he was called up for special assignments. I remember once there were floods in Switzerland, and he was in one of the regiments that helped to organise everything. Apparently the village where he was stationed was thankful for the help and when they went to a local restaurant for a refreshment, they never had to pay.
FOWC with Fandango
Chronicles of an Anglo Swiss 
They go back and forth between national service or not here. I think they should do it again, at least for a year after school. It gives discipline and skills to those school leavers with no work, and those with problems at home a place to be.
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Our recruits do three months for the first service and afterwards they have to do three-four weeks a year according to what they do. My son was with the tanks, although his job was mainly in the office They once took him for a journey in a tank for the experience. However, he finished his service a few years ago.
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I think it’s a good idea to do a little national service. It really does give great life experience and help teenagers move into adulthood doesn’t it.
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I am not so sure, but it depends what they learn. Each of our soldiers has their own rifle. The offericers have a pistaol, as well as the women in our army. Yes, we have a female section as well. When they are finished with their service, they can decide to keep the rifle (at a price) or return it. My son returned his.
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I’m delighted the females can do it as well. I don’t think anyone should be allowed to bring a gun home though. That’s allowing to many weapons to be where they can be used for murder at schools etc like in America.
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They have to do a shooting practice once a year, all organised and that is why the rifles are at home. However they have only one pack of live bullets and that is because of an emergency if there was a war. Then the soldiers must bring the rifle and bullets. The bullet packet is not allowed to be opened without the permission of an officer.
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