Application

From application to mission abroad

Interested persons can apply for a peace support mission abroad with the Swiss Armed Forces through the SWISSINT Centre. Sought after profiles are professional individuals with various professional occupations. The base-line requirements vary from mission and type of deployment.

Requirements

SWISSCOY/KFOR | EUFOR LOT

Swiss nationality
Completed professional training
Relevant civilian and/or military specialist training
Completed recruit school (except for technical specialists)
Military assigned or fulfilled mandatory service
Knowledge of foreign languages depending on function (especially English)
Driving license category B
Age: 18 to 65 years

UN missions/NNSC

Swiss nationality
Officer rank for at least 5 years
Completed professional apprenticeship or studies
Very good English skills, knowledge of French an advantage
Driving license category B
Age: 25 to 55 years

Submission of application documents

At SWISSINT, a team of 10 people continuously work towards ensuring that the right individuals are placed in the appropriate positions for a peacekeeping mission with the Swiss Armed Forces and at the right time.

Please send the application documents to: rekr.swissint@vtg.admin.ch.

The documents that are required for evaluation of an application are as follows:

Completed application form (HMR, SWISSCOY/LOT, UNMEM/SO, Capacity Building)
Completed electronic personal questionnaire SWISSINT (personal questionnaire)
Cover letter
Resume/CV
Copy of military service book (copy of all pages, including empty pages)
Copy of work certificates
Copy of completed trainings or certificates
Copy of diplomas
Copy of criminal record and debt collections records not older than three months
Military qualifications of higher non-commissioned officers and officers
Back and front copy of drivers licence
A colour picture

Selection process

Step 1
Recruitment day
Step 2
Interview and Assessment
Step 3
Training
Step 4
Mission

Recruitment day
All candidates take part in a first recruitment day at a Swiss Armed Forces recruitment centre. Depending on the mission type, the candidates will undergo a medical evaluation, a psychological qualification evaluation for executive positions, a computer based aptitude test for drivers as well as an English test.
Interview and Assessment
Following a positive outcome from the first recruitment day, the selected candidates will be invited to SWISSINT in Stans-Oberdorf. A half-day recruitment process is held for SWISSCOY and EUFOR missions with discussions of specialist services and functions as well as short briefings. For all other missions, candidates take part in a two-day assessment which includes an interview, an in-depth psychological examination as well as briefings.
Training
All persons who take part in a peacekeeping mission complete a mission related training which can last anywhere from one to three months depending on function and mission type. This training sets the foundation for service personnel to be able to successfully carry out assignments in an international environment and how to appropriately handle challenging situations. They are trained in the Rules of Engagement, the handling of all-terrain vehicles, the correct behaviour in mine contaminated areas, medical assistance or staff duties.
Mission
A mission typically lasts either 6 or 12 months. Depending on availability, there is the possibility to extend the mission period of an individual.

Women in mission

Women in peacekeeping are characterised by their determination, their flexibility and their motivation. The participation of women is decisive for a mission's success. Women facilitate the direct access to women in the areas of operation. Moreover, they bring with them a multitude of skills and qualities, which are sought after throughout the various peacekeeping missions.

Integration skills, empathy and social tactfulness are just a small selection of these qualities. For certain functions the civilian know-how is critical. This allows Swiss national women without military background to apply for a peacekeeping mission. Women without military background will be trained and equipped according to function.

Return on investment

A peacekeeping mission provides many opportunities: knowledge acquired from an individual's career, university as well as military background can be applied in an international environment, and these skills can be put to the test in a mission. Additionally, a mission abroad provides the opportunity to experience diverse and varied working days, develop personal social competencies, better understand foreign cultures and to represent the values of Switzerland. Likewise, the Swiss Armed Forces benefit from the experience of the individuals deployed in a mission.

Professionals as well as service members of the Armed Forces bring valuable knowledge back with them, which brings value and added benefits to their career as well as to the military service.