A delegation from the Swiss Armed Forces visits the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment’s Patriot battery Nov. 7 in Baumholder, Germany. The purpose of this visit was to strengthen interoperability on the Patriot air defense system with Switzerland, a valued and long-standing NATO partner. Human, tactical, and technical interoperability are foundational to integrated air and missile defense with our Allies and partners. Engagements like this with key Allies and partners will continue to ensure readiness and interoperability across air defense organizations throughout Europe (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Yesenia Cadavid).

Swiss voters approved an amendment to the Civilian Service Act on June 14, backing tighter rules for men who seek civilian service instead of military duty. The reform passed with 52.5% voting Yes and 47.5% No, according to Swissinfo.

Under the reform, anyone transferring to civilian service must complete at least 150 days, alongside stricter assignment-planning rules. The Federal Council and Parliament say the aim is to keep civilian service an exception and stop late transfers from the army after a large portion of military service has already been completed.

Read the entire law on the Swiss Federal Council portal.