My guest today is Mathias Müller, an elected member of the SVP party in the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern. He is a career officer in the Swiss Army and was previously the commander of recruitment for the Swiss Armed Forces. In addition to his military and political work, he is an author and hosts the official podcast of the Swiss Armed Forces.
Expect to learn about the paradox of a peaceful nation with a strong military and how this relates to its long history of neutrality. We'll explore the core philosophy of the Swiss militia army and how it compares to professional armies, discussing the effectiveness of its unique part-time system. We also dive into the ongoing debate about conscription, public support for the military, and how Switzerland's defense strategy adapts to modern geopolitical challenges.
CONTACT MATHIAS MÜLLER
CONTACT MIKE
https://howitticks.ch/contact-page/
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Switzerland has not been to war in over 150 years—do they really need a military?
04:47 The Swiss military as a "melting pot" and a tool for national cohesion.
09:20 The conscription system: how it works and the unexpected rise of young men who want to serve.
12:00 The "brain power" of the militia army and its advantages over a professional military.
17:00 How training is conducted and the roles of conscripts and professional soldiers.
25:35 The 2013 referendum to abolish conscription and the shocking 1989 vote that shook the army.
28:40 The changing personality of a new generation of recruits.
33:30 The unrealistic goal of 10% female participation in the military and a debate on mandatory service for women.
37:00 The military's modern technology, from F-35 fighter jets to the Patriot system.
44:20 Mathias's perspective on the future of Switzerland and whether he is optimistic.