Published on 25 March 2025

Body and mind

A person's physical and mental condition is crucial when determining their fitness. This condition determines the type of service and influences the assignment of functions. The admission criteria and functions are regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.

• Am I allowed any privacy when I'm doing my military service and is there space to be alone sometimes?

  Military life takes place in a community that cannot be freely chosen. It often takes place in a confined space and in simple living conditions. Privacy is limited (e.g., there are usually shared sleeping quarters and washrooms) and there is little room for individual habits and wishes. In addition to duty time, service also includes rest time and free time. Free time includes going out and holidays. During leisure time, you can withdraw and do not have to be in the group all the time. (Reg. 51.002 Service Regulations of the Armed Forces art. 3.3, Chap. 5, link available in German, French, and Italian)

• Are there uniforms and personal equipment in my size?

  Boots, uniforms with accessories and certain personal items of equipment are available in different standard sizes or can be adapted (e.g., helmets). The new modular clothing and equipment system for military operations (MBAS) is currently being implemented and includes innovations: The modular system can be assembled/adapted to suit different body sizes and requirements. (Regl. 51.009, section 1.4.3)

• What are the regulations regarding hairstyles, piercings and make-up?

  Hair must be clean and well-groomed; long hair must not be worn loose. Hair, jewellery and piercings must not hinder the service activity or endanger personal safety. (Reg. 51.002 Service Regulations of the Armed Forces art. 58, link available in German, French, and Italian)

• I have health impairments and/or a disability. Am I eligible / obliged to serve?

  From a medical point of view, someone is eligible for military service if they meet the physical, intellectual and mental requirements of military service and do not endanger their own health or that of third parties when meeting these requirements.

  The qualifications required vary depending on the function to be performed.

  Your eligibility will be determined during the recruitment process based on various criteria. You can find out more in advance from the military medical service. [links available in German, French, and Italian].

• I am / was under medical / psychological / psychiatric treatment. Am I eligible / obliged to do military service?

  From a medical point of view, someone is eligible for military service if they meet the physical, intellectual and mental requirements of military service and do not endanger their own health or that of third parties when meeting these requirements.

  The qualifications required vary depending on the function to be performed.

  Your eligibility will be determined during the recruitment process based on various criteria. You can find out more in advance from the military medical service. [links available in German, French, and Italian].

• I am not feeling well mentally at the moment. Whom can I contact?

  Contact your superior, the Armed Forces Pastoral Care Service, the Psychological-Pedagogical Service of the Armed Forces or the Armed Forces Welfare Service the military medical service [links available in German, French, and Italian] or WiAD.

• I have been declared unfit for service, but I would like to do military service. What can I do?

  Firstly, you can appeal against the decision of unfitness to the military medical service. If the decision is final, you have the option of registering for military service with special medical conditions [links available in German, French, and Italian].

Contact

Specialised Service for Women in the Armed Forces and Diversity (WiAD)

Swiss Armed Forces
Training and Education Command
Papiermühlestrasse 14
CH - 3003 Berne

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Telephone: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

In urgent cases