A voluntary military service for more young recruits: it is the proposal of a Soleur citizen. The Federal Council seizes the idea and wants to seriously examine the creation of a troop of former soldiers.
19.08.2025, 11:5319.08.2025, 11:53
Lea Hartmann / ch media
Daniel Zimmermann is 64 years old and says he is ready to print the uniform in the event of a crisis. Today computer scientist in the canton of Soleure, he served in the 1980s as a motorcyclist of the army. Today, he hopes that alumni as it can do a military service again, in order to support the army in the event of a conflict.
Daniel Zimmermann released his old uniform.Image: Raphaël Dupain
Through the national councilor UDC Rémy Wyssmann, the idea made its way to Parliament. In his intervention, the Soleur politician underlines the decrease in army staff. The gaps could be “at least partially filled if we allowed former motivated soldiers to put their skills acquired at the service of the country”, argues Rémy Wyssmann.
The Federal Council approves the idea
The idea now finds an echo favorable beyond the bourgeois ranks of the Parliament: the Federal Council also recommends that the federal chambers accept the text:
“Current restrictions and conditions prevent using a useful potential for the Swiss army, and therefore for the security of the country”.
Another argument pleads in favor of a “troop of alumni”, according to the Federal Council: by mobilizing volunteers, “the militia army would be more anchored and integrated into society”.
The Department of Defense must now study the methods of implementation. It will be a question of checking the legal bases and preparing “if necessary, the required adaptations”, indicates the Federal Council. The army, for the moment, prefers not to comment, pending the decision of the Parliament.
A second recruitment for the old
Daniel Zimmermann is delighted that his idea is grabbed by Parliament. He is already thinking about his realization: the over 50s – or even already younger – could spend a second military selection. They would then take refresh lessons to become operational again.
In the event of a crisis, these recruits of a certain age could be mobilized for support missions: monitoring critical infrastructure, gathering information on the enemy or even piloting drones. Daniel Zimmermann says it:
“We can pilot a drone even with a small beer flop!”
Without political affiliation, the IT computer scientist has already submitted this proposal to the former Minister of Defense, Viola Amherd, who showed him a polite interest. His successor Martin Pfister could now materialize the project.
The other issue? Motivate youth
Daniel Zimmermann, however, believes that the army must also address youth. He explains:
“You have to create commitment and motivation. It is not only a question of knowing how to motivate the old ones to volunteer, but also how to maintain the young people mobilized. ”
According to him, the army must become more attractive again: “it must be able to offer something to young people”.
He himself did not particularly like to serve the recruit school, as he entrusts to us. But, like many others, the war in Ukraine and the uncertain geopolitical situation has deeply challenged it.
Adapted from German by Tanja Maeder
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