The Organization Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) was founded on the 18th February 1948 in Nice, France, by five countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. With 135 member states today, it has become the third biggest sport association in the world (behind IOC and FIFA) .

An objective of the association is to encourage the broad-based development of military sports and promote friendly relations between armed forces and between member states. It supports athletes from less privileged countries in the fields of sport and advocates the progressive and harmonious development of young people. In particular, the CISM organization wishes to contribute to the global efforts for peace in general.
The CISM motto is:

«FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SPORT»

CISM organises annual World Championships that include twenty-six different sports. The summer - and winter Military World Games in many of these sports are organised every four years.

Military sports

Aeronautical, naval and military pentathlon, shooting and parachuting

Individual sports

Athletics (incl. cross-country), cycling, equestrian, swimming (incl. lifesaving), orienteering, modern pentathlon, skiing (nordic and alpine), tennis, triathlon and sailing

Combat sports

Boxing, fencing, judo, wrestling and taekwondo

Team sports

Basketball, football, handball, ice hockey and volleyball

Other sports

Regional competitions in rowing, canoeing/kayaking, climbing and golfing

Switzerland has been a CISM member since 1968. From the variety of CISM sports, Switzerland has decided to participate in a selection of military and combat disciplines, based on their military importance.
Determining factors in this choice were: Sport and solidarity are two basic pillars of all CISM events. Sporting encounters between the armed forces of different countries are intended to foster friendship and lead to better understanding between nations. Sport has also become an important stabilising tool in conflict regions.
Based on these ideas, participation has been decided on in the following CISM sports/disciplines: