Armed Forces deployments at home and abroad
The Swiss Armed Forces are deployed for various taskes at home and abroad, such as security and protection tasks, support with disasters as well as in international missions to promote peace and stability. SEPOS drafts the necessary documents for such deployments.
Through their deployments at home and abroad, the Armed Forces contribute to Switzerland’s security and to international stability. At home, they support the civilian authorities by carrying out security and protection tasks, for example, or by helping to manage disasters and other major incidents. Abroad, the Armed Forces take part in international missions to promote peace and stability and provide humanitarian aid, for example during major forest fires or in the wake of natural disasters. The Armed Forces’ largest overseas deployment involves around 220 personnel as part of the KFOR mission in Kosovo, in which Switzerland has been participating since 1999.
In most cases, Armed Forces deployments at home and abroad require a decision by the Federal Council, and often by Parliament as well. SEPOS drafts the necessary documents for such decisions in collaboration with the Armed Forces and in consultation with the relevant departments or cantons.
SEPOS also produces reports on the direction and further development of the Armed Forces and ensures that their policy documents and deployments are consistent with security policy objectives and guidelines.