Soldiers without an enemy

Neutral Switzerland had in the 1970's the largest army of male conscripts, in relation to its population. Military service was compulsory for all Swiss males until 1992, when the alternative option of a civil service was introduced.

40'000 young men were drafted annually and sent for basic military training. The tiny group of conscientious objectors (220 persons in 1971) faced monthlong prison sentences. What were the conscripts doing in the army without an enemy?

The photo essay reflects my personal experience of the four-month training as a recruit in the mountain infantry. The commander allowed me to carry a small camera. The result is a metaphor for a national defense that was in urgent need of strategic reorientation.

Switzerland, 1971