Commentaries: Art. 58

Switzerland shall have armed forces. In principle, the armed forces shall be organised as a militia.
The armed forces serve to prevent war and to maintain peace; they defend the country and its population. They shall support the civilian authorities in safeguarding the country against serious threats to internal security and in dealing with exceptional situations. Further duties may be provided for by law.
The deployment of the armed forces is the responsibility of the Confederation.¹

Adopted by the popular vote on 28 Nov. 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2008 (FCD of 3 Oct 2003, FCD of 26 Jan. 2005, FCD of 7 Nov. 2007;AS 2007 5765;BBl 2002 2291, 2003 6591, 2005 951). ↩

Art. 58