In the hallway leading to the office of Germaine Seewer, a wall exposes the photographs of the last directors of the education of the officers of the army, 48 men. First woman to this position, the first divisional, the Valais is an exception of women in a field of hyper-testostéroné. Very little media, it has granted a rare interview to the Time.
Time: Why did you get involved in the army?
Germaine Seewer: I grew up in a milieu and at a time when the service and the voluntary commitment to the company were self-evident. Nobody forced me to do it, I just want. I found it important to hire me for the safety of my country.
A woman in battle dress is a rarity today. What were the reactions at the time?
The gaze of the other has changed a lot since my first day. We are now accepted, and it is well like that. The youth of today grow up with the idea that women can do everything, which is a good thing. I encourage families to provide support. To overcome the preconceived ideas, it is necessary to be able to benefit from the support of his entourage.
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Your kind has he done live in weird situations?
While I was engaged in Kosovo, I was attending a meeting in Pristina with my collaborator of the day. On our arrival, a senior officer from another country spoke directly to him with this question: “Is she your assistant?” He turned to me and replied: “No she’s my boss.” This is not the only time that it’s happened to me.
Should we create a military service joint Norwegian?
You can’t compare the two systems. In Norway, the army selects those with whom she has a need among the general population. In Switzerland, the obligation to serve only concerns men. The question of whether we want to be closer to the Norwegian system is political. What I can say is that the role given to women in the nordic countries is not the same as in us. What works for them may or may not work for us.
But what do you say to young girls?
In Switzerland, all positions are accessible to women who would like to join the army. I encourage them to seize the current opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers did not have. It is then necessary that men understand and accept the women that commit. In return, the women must also understand that men have no choice.
You have resumed the training of cadres of the army. What is your vision?
The leaders of tomorrow must know how to lead, but they also need to be creative, they are flexible and they are able to adapt to a changing society.
The military leaders of tomorrow will, in fact, relatives of company executives.
The advantage of our system is that each brings its civil, its experience and its know-how in the army, and vice versa. We allow very young people to make driving experiences extraordinary. And they teach us what they have learned outside of the barracks. It is a win-win.
Feminism, racism, or the use of force are discussed during training sessions?
Yes, of course. Extremism in the army is closely monitored and managers are aware of these issues. We are not stuck in the Eighteenth century. We are an integral part of society today, we cannot close the eyes.
This novelty is well accepted by all?
I believe that each of us has the opportunity to evolve. New methods are made, the military equipment is changing, the mentalities also. The mix between generations, regions and professions are also part of the greatest treasures of the army. I want very much to this exchange between our citizens of all ages.
The outputs are well-watered between frames that gave rise to the controversy in 2018, it is in the past?
The society is changing. In the old family businesses, an employee was awarded a large meal or a watch after 50 years of service. This no longer happens. Our look at some traditions change, in the civil as in the military. Concerning these events, they date back more than two years. The head of the army was at the time apologized and announced a change of internal culture.
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Go to the coronavirus. The army underwent a test during the mobilization carried out to respond to the crisis. Mission accomplished?
Our troops have done their homework well. At all levels, the army was there. It has provided the services requested. I am very proud of the speed and efficiency with which we were able to bring our assistance to you.
A proof of the usefulness of the army?
Yes. She showed that she was ready. It was called, she came, and it has done its job.
What is good for the image of swiss troops?
The army has not intervened for his image but because the cantons and the swiss healthcare system has been called in for reinforcement. A hundred years ago, we would not have talked about image.
The media coverage of this last engagement, however, can have a positive effect. To convince the Swiss to purchase combat aircraft in particular?
We will see the result in September. But I hope indeed that the population will say yes. To be effective, we need the means. The army is a global system. If there’s something missing, we don’t function well. We just had a health crisis but that does not mean that you should forget the other risks. We need to anticipate. As a fire insurance we hope to never need to use.
Before the crisis, your name has been circulated for return to the leadership of the army. Are you interested?
It is not me who decides. I continue my work every day; we’ll see.
That is what it means to have a first head of the Department of defense, Ms. Amherd?
For some subjects, it will have a different look. But a folder remains a folder, for a man as for a woman.
Do you often work together?
No, not at all. There are still two heads between us. However, we have a common basis: to be women and upper valais.
A reform is underway to discourage the passage of the military in civil service, what say you?
The obligation to serve is in the Constitution. For the rest, it is the policy to respond.
Women should, however, have a better access to the civil service?
It is an alternative service. Anyway, here, too, it is a political question.
In your opinion, how does the hierarchy?
I have my ideas, but I have a function well-aligned. The army must be subordinate to the political.
Can you still tell me if you have participated in the strike of women?
I’m not down in the street. But this commitment is necessary and I welcome it. It is through this type of movement that women have obtained their rights. As for me, I consider that I contributed to this by showing each day that women can achieve positions like mine.
It becomes a man to the army?
I think that this is a picture a little past. For me, in any case, it did not work! (Laugh)
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