Published on 25 March 2025

Age

The Armed Forces generally stipulate a maximum age for recruitment. Recruitment usually takes place before the end of the calendar year in which the person reaches the age of 24. Under certain circumstances (e.g., following naturalisation), recruitment may also take place at a later date (recruitment after the age of 24, link available in German, French, and Italian).

• I am over 24 years old. Am I still allowed to do military service?

  The age limit for recruitment is generally the calendar year in which you turn 24.

  Those who have not yet been recruited by this age may still apply to perform military service. To do so, you must submit a written request to participate in recruitment (valid for both men and women). (VMDP Art. 2, 3, 117, Sect. 5, links available in German, French, and Italian)

• I am over 24 years old. Is it possible to be assigned to a higher age group if I still want to complete basic military training?

  No. Those over 24 years of age attend basic military training together with the 18-24 age group.

• I am x years old. Can I still get the suggestion or and a promotion to become xx?

  The time frames for making a suggestion and for a promotion, as well as responsibilities in the case of promotions, can be found in Appendix 3 of the Ordinance on Military Service [link 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