Published on 25 March 2025

Compatibility of military service with civilian life

The Armed Forces strive to find the best possible solution for combining military service with education, career and private life. Consideration is given wherever possible to studies, further training, professional commitments and caring for small children. In the event of serious difficulties in achieving this combination, support is provided by military superiors and the Armed Forces' advisory and support services (partners). WiAD can be called upon to provide additional or intermediary support.

• How can I attend important appointments and exams during my military service for my civilian education?

  Submit an application for ‹personal leave›. Your commanding officer will grant it if your military performance and the operational requirements permit it and your private interest in being granted leave is greater than the public interest in your military service. (Reg. 51.002 DRA art. 55.2, 55a.2, links available in German, French, and Italian)

• I have the option of going abroad for +/- 12 months (for work / training / studies). What does this mean for my military service?

  If you intend to stay abroad for a continuous period longer than 12 months, you must apply for an overseas leave. Military personnel should submit their application as early as possible to the district command responsible for their canton of residence. The service record book must be enclosed with the application.

  If you have been granted permission to take a leave abroad, you will be released from your official and unofficial duties in times of peace. You are only required to register your address. Details are set out in the information sheet that is attached to the service record book when the leave is granted.

  If you are living abroad for less than 12 months, you do not need to apply for a foreign leave. In this case, you are not exempt from your military and non-military duties! (Reg. 51.002 Service Regulations of the Armed Forces art. 89.4, links available in German, French, and Italian)

• I work part-time in my civilian life, but do military service full-time. How much Compensation for Loss of Earnings will I receive?

  During your military service, you will receive Compensation for Loss of Earnings (EO) based on your pre-service income (not on your workload). If you are not responsible for the support of children, this will be a maximum of 80% of your pre-service income, or a minimum of CHF 69.00 per day. The Armed Forces Welfare Service [link available in German, French, and Italian] does not make wage compensation payments, but it can, if necessary, make additional contributions to the EO on the basis of your budget.

  You can obtain additional information from You can obtain additional information from the Armed Forces Welfare Service [link available in German, French, and Italian] or the OASI office of your canton of residence.

• Can my employer terminate my contract during my military service?

  If you are not in your probationary period, your employer is not permitted to terminate your employment contract during your military service. If your service lasts longer than 11 days, your employer is also not permitted to dismiss you in the four weeks before and after your service. (Code of Obligations art. 336c)

• I became a father; am I entitled to paternity leave during military service?

  In Switzerland, fathers are generally entitled to two weeks‘ paternity leave. During military service, a request can be made to postpone military service for personal reasons. Members of the Armed Forces who perform training service lasting more than three weeks are entitled to two weeks’ personal leave within the first six months after the birth of their child. You can take your personal leave by the week or by the day. You can also postpone your service (in which case the number of days of service to be completed remains unchanged). (Instruction 90.112 Directives of the Chief of the Armed Forces on military service (WMDP) Art. 50; Reg. 51.024 Organisation of training services art. 24.7, link available in German, French, and Italian)

• I am a parent. How do I get leave from military service to look after my child/children?

  Contact your superior and request "personal leave". (Reg. 51.002 Service Regulations of the Armed Forces art. 55a, links available in German, French, and Italian)

• I am a parent. Am I allowed to do part-time military service due to my childcare responsibilities?

  There is no part-time military service (training school / repetition courses). Please contact the Armed Forces Welfare Service [link available in German, French, and Italian] to find a solution for your situation.

• I am a parent. Do I receive child benefits during my military service?

  Members of the Armed Forces with children of their own receive the child allowance in addition to the basic compensation (Compensation for Loss of Earnings, link available in German, French, and Italian). This amounts to CHF 22 per child per day.

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