Crisis resistant and alliance-independent network, information procurement and evaluation
The defence attachés (DAs) build a crisis resistant and alliance-independent network that is focused on the needs of Swiss security policy and our armed forces, run and ensure its performance and effective development. This network is also the merit of the DAs and prerequisite for their further activities. It is based on their direct access to the defence ministries and general staffs. Such access is important for recognising crises at an early stage, mastering them and for bilateral cooperation.
If critical developments arise, the DA is able to fathom the options of his accredited states, assess the consequences for Switzerland and bring in the interests of Switzerland at an early stage or draw attention to developments that are contrary to the wishes of Switzerland. Willingness to share information is an expression of confidence that can only be established and maintained through permanent contacts.
As Switzerland has made agreements with many states to protect military information, experience shows that the willingness to share even confidential information amongst partners is much greater than with the media.
Relationship management
For mastering most threats and dangers Switzerland depends on cooperation with foreign partners.
Contributions of the Chief of the Armed Forces towards implementation of military training cooperation and towards cooperation directives
For Switzerland the ability to cooperate is an essential requirement for maintaining political and military freedom of manoeuvre and solidarity.
Regional military cooperation
As part of its regional military cooperation Switzerland supports foreign armed forces after a crisis or a war in issues relating to disarmament, establishing reliable democratically controlled military structures and institutions and creating own resources for peace support.
Basic and progressive training abroad and exchange of operational experienc
To ensure that basic and progressive training of Swiss officers meet the military requirements abroad, the scope of our training must be continually evaluated. Because of the access to the permanent administrative bodies abroad or training institution commands, the DA is able to enhance Switzerland's use of future offers not only through his knowledge of courses that can be obtained from the internet anyway, but also because he is informed on the current status of planning.
Direct contact at a high level
Direct contacts and exchange of experience between political and military leaders are of central importance for safeguarding security policy and military interests abroad. These include the contacts of the head of the DDPS and the Chief of the Armed Forces, but also contacts and staff talks on planning operations, armament, etc. The services of the DAs are of considerable importance for enabling these contacts and ensuring that they achieve their purpose.
Consultation of the head of mission
As a specialist the DA is integrated into the respective embassy. In this function he provides security policy and military support in the embassy’s assessment of situation and risks and safeguarding of interests on location.
