Switzerland to Increase Female Military Recruitment... Considering Norway's 'Female Conscription' Model

Measures to Maintain 140,000 Troops Despite Service Period Reduction
Mandatory Female Participation in Male 'Enlistment Briefings' to Be Promoted First

The Swiss Federal Government is considering measures such as conscription to increase women's military enlistment. Photo by Yonhap News Agency, provided by the Swiss Ministry of Defense.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Switzerland is considering various measures, including the introduction of female conscription, to maintain its military forces. According to the Swiss Federal Government on the 17th (local time), a government research project on maintaining military personnel has been underway since April. This aims to shorten the military service period while preventing a reduction in the current troop size of approximately 140,000.

Switzerland has a conscription system similar to that of Korea, where military service is mandatory. Swiss men are drafted into the military from the age of 19 and must undergo 18 weeks of basic training. Women can become soldiers if they wish.

For those who do not meet physical requirements or are conscientious objectors, an alternative service system is in place, allowing them to serve in nursing homes or hospitals instead of military service. To fill the active duty gaps that may arise from alternative service, the Swiss Federal Government is considering increasing the number of female soldiers. In particular, it is reviewing the case of Norway, which has implemented female conscription.

Previously, Norway became the first member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to introduce female conscription in July 2016. Approximately 60,000 men and women who turn 19 each year are eligible for service. However, only about 8,000 personnel are conscripted based on military needs.

As of this year, 1,778 women are serving in the Swiss military. Although this is a 10.5% increase compared to last year, it accounts for only 0.9% of the entire army.

The Swiss Federal Government announced plans to mandate the participation of women in the enlistment briefing sessions, which 18-year-old men must attend one year before being drafted. If female conscription is introduced, further research will continue on measures to complement conscription, including effectiveness and financial management.

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