Given the subject matter, and my concern about the necessity of militias, I’ll forgo my usual sarcastic criticism of european constitutions written like fairy tale menus in children’s stories. That said, this is all the constitution says:
- Switzerland shall have armed forces.
- In principle, the armed forces shall be organized as a militia.
- The armed forces serve to prevent war and to maintain peace; they defend the country and its population.
- They shall support the civilian authorities in safeguarding the country against serious threats to internal security and in dealing with exceptional situations.
- Further duties may be provided for by law.
- Every Swiss man is required to do military service.
- Alternative civilian service shall be provided for by law.
- Military service is voluntary for Swiss women.
- Any Swiss man who does not do military or alternative service is liable to pay a tax.
- The Confederation shall legislate for fair compensation for loss of income.
- Persons who suffer damage to their health or lose their lives while doing military or alternative civilian service are entitled to appropriate support from the Confederation, whether for themselves or for their next of kin.