Switzerland – Thomas Süssli wants more women in the army

The army chief Thomas Süssli wants to increase the share of women in the army from 0.8% today to 10% in 2030. According to him, the army is already doing a lot for the integration of women, but there is a lack of a global strategy, which is under development.

It is wrong to see women only as a solution to the problem of army personnel. “We find that women in the military are particularly motivated and committed. They often bring a new way of thinking ”, notes Mr. Süssli in an interview published Friday in the German newspapers of Tamedia.

The gender issue, however, is only one aspect for Mr. Süssli, whose aim is “a Swiss army for all”. There is a place in the army for all those who want to contribute to the security of Switzerland, whatever their religion, language or gender, he explains.

The army chief does not rule out that there may be army imams for Muslims in the future. Currently, the constitution excludes foreigners, Swiss citizenship being a prerequisite for military service. Mr. Süssli may consider that this issue be revisited in the longer term.

Recently, he warned that by 2030 the army could miss about 30,000 soldiers, or a quarter of its workforce.

(ATS / NXP)

Posted: Jun 26, 2020, 6:35 a.m.–