The Wil military training area in Central Switzerland traces its origins to 1775, when the canton of Nidwalden established a granary on the site. This building was later converted to military use, serving as barracks from 1857 until 1961, when the outdated facilities were decommissioned. New barracks opened in 1971, quickly becoming a key centre for Swiss military training. The canton of Nidwalden initiated the first major renovation of the barracks in 1992 and opened a new training building in 2003. A pivotal moment came during the Armed Forces XXI reform project, when Wil was chosen as the new home for international peacekeeping. This led to the establishment of SWISSINT in early 2004, which has continuously evolved and expanded since then. In addition to the original barracks and multi-purpose hall, the complex now comprises a command building, dedicated training facilities, a vehicle and equipment hall, a filling station, and several charging stations for electric vehicles. It also houses a camp with 234 containers serving as offices, dormitories and medical facilities, alongside a training village. The logistics building, inaugurated in 2022, houses additional classrooms for the Training Centre SWISSINT, an armoury with maintenance facilities, storage rooms for cantonal logistics, another vehicle hall and cantonal military and civil protection administrative offices. Since 2011 the Wil military training area has also hosted the Civil Protection Centre, which serves as a logistics base and the premises for cantonal command and control facilities.
