On 1 March 2026, the Swiss army counted a total of 147’017 members who were divided into formations. After the counting of the army published on 6 October, this stock is currently sufficient to provide the required services and to ensure a target population of at least 100’000 members in case of use.
By 2030, the army is expected to fall below 130’000, which is why, among other things, 2028 and 2029 have released the last two years with a 12-year military service obligation from the army.
According to the army, the recovery of young people would be secured in a military suitability ratio of 70 percent and moderate demographic growth. However, the problem is premature departures, especially in civil service. At present, nearly 12’000 military service workers were lost per year, which describes the departures from the military service requirement and not an annual decline in the total army population by exactly the same number.
According to the communication, the proportion of women continues to increase slightly, among other things because many women choose a cadres runway and thus remain longer serviceable. A mandatory orientation day could increase the proportion in the long term; the corresponding proposal lies with Parliament, a referendum is expected for 2028.