Civil service: Restoring its purpose

Switzerland is set to vote on June 14th on a revision to the Federal Law on Civil Service, a move intended to tighten the conditions for accessing this alternative to military service. The proposed reform addresses concerns that the civil service system, established in 2009, has been exploited by individuals seeking to avoid military duty rather than genuinely objecting on grounds of conscience.

Since 2009, the process for conscientious objection shifted from a conscience examination to a 'proof by act' system. This change led to a significant surge in civil service admissions, with over 7,000 new entries in 2025 alone. Many of these individuals had already completed substantial military training. The reform seeks to re-establish civil service as an exception, not a loophole.

Proponents of the reform argue that the current system allows for opportunistic choices, such as avoiding military refresher courses or enhancing one's CV. The proposed measures include technical adjustments like a waiting period, a minimum number of service days, and an assignment rhythm aligned with military service. These changes aim to ensure that civil service is chosen for genuine reasons of conscience, not convenience. It is crucial, the article notes, to distinguish civil service, an individual alternative for conscientious objectors serving in roles like hospitals or environmental projects, from civil protection, an organized force that supports authorities during disasters.