I did my military service in Switzerland, and I can only speak from my experience.

First of all, military service is mendatory in CH, but it's easy to be declared unapt for various reasons.

2nd: I was in the infantery which is not the easiest branch, it's physical and mental, so most people go for easier stuff.

Let's begin: After a few month half the cadets left the army. At this stage, the men remaining are generally motivated by something to stay. Some it's a patriotical value, some it's a requirement for their job, some for sports (like me), prove something, etc..

Clans are begining to form as people starting to know each other better. The "nationalists" which is an already great proportion in CH, see SVP/UDC -right wing- and first party of CH, and "foreigners" from East Europe. And some people inbetween (students, druggies, fun guy...)

There were clashs between the "nationalists" and the "foreigners", both very proud of themself, like the guy with his back tattooed with the flag of his canton. And some guys who bring albanians flags and patches and who were doing the albanian double-head eagle with their hands. The clashs were: "you're not Swiss!"/"stop speaking foreigner!" to a guy with an East European name, the guy would respond "fuck Switzerland" although both are Swiss..

There were fights with Swiss-Germans, as we were Swiss-Romands and sharing the same base. Like stealing stuff, and calling each other lazy, etc.

I've seen insult toward everyone: "fucking nigger/swiss/shqiptar/faggot/your canton is shit/..."

Since we don't have war in Switzerland I don't know if things would have been different, but I think. I've never seen people so egotistical than during my time in the army, otherwise we wouldn't last in a war.

Of course some people still help each other, like carring an extra bag or riffle after a long walk, etc. But not band of brothers like. Anyway you will still end up being close to some people, as you live 24h a day with them.

In conclusion: no band of brothers in Switzerland, but friendship. Also racism, but more blatant than usual. What really shocked me was the homophobic and mygonistic attitude.

Worst thing I've seen was a sergent with this tattooed, and other nazis stuff.

AMA

Peace.