Switzerland is well known as a neutral country and its army does not take part in armed conflicts in other countries. But this doesn’t stop them from assembling a large military for defensive purposes. As you wander through this beautiful country, it was interesting to find what lies just beneath the surface. All the key bridges, tunnels, and mountain passes are primed with explosives, so that in the event of an invasion, the country becomes one big mountain fortress. Airstrips, command centers, and hospitals, are hidden and carved right in the side of mountains. And while ordinary hay barns dot the landscape, open the door and you might find a missile launcher instead of food for the cows. But with today’s military spending cuts (like many other countries), some of the 15,000 hidden fortresses have been turned into tourist’s attractions.
As for the soldiers, every male in Switzerland between the ages of 19 and 31, must serve in the military. (For women it’s voluntary.) When men (or boys for that matter) turn 19 they serve an initial 22 weeks, followed up by 3 or 4 weeks per year. Many try to avoid promotion in the ranks because this just means longer service time.
All soldiers are required to keep their rifle and uniforms at home for immediate immobilization, as well as 50 rounds of ammunition in a sealed tin. (This is for self-defense if attacked on their way to a mobilization point.) Soldiers must also take their rifles to a shooting range each year for target practice. We found the “Schiessubungen” posters everywhere, which show the dates and locations for everyone to report. If they do not meet a minimum score in target practice, it means extra service time in the given year. And if they do not appear at their assigned time, it's 3 days in jail.
A few more interesting tidbits…
- Even today, all new building permits must include a first class radiation/bomb shelter.
- If you become a Swiss citizen after the age of 25, you will not be summoned, but instead pay an additional 3% annual income tax.
- Soldiers can only delay service to finish high school, not to start college.
- Men who want to apply for the Swiss Guard (unit that has protected the Pope in Vatican City since 1471), must complete basic training, be single between 19 and 30 years old, and at least 5’ 8½” tall.
- And finally, Swiss Army Knives are in fact issued to all new recruits.
A Swiss fighter doing a little training along our route to Lauterbrunnen.
This is the Gimmelwald Fire Station, with all the shooting practice schedules posted on the side.
We happen to pass this earth-covered base near Ariolo.
