Army advertising in St. Gallen schools
The Swiss Army has launched an information campaign to promote military careers, writes a St. Gallen SVP cantonal council member, who calls on the government to support such presentations at vocational schools and high schools.
As part of an information campaign, the Swiss Armed Forces have asked prospective officers and non-commissioned officers to offer presentations on military career opportunities at their former schools, writes SVP cantonal councillor Sascha Schmid in his motion. The presentations could improve the image of the Swiss Armed Forces and reduce the shortage of personnel.
The parliamentarian argues that it is in the interests of the canton of St. Gallen to ensure a well-staffed army. It ensures security and the ability to cope with extraordinary situations. The decision as to whether such lectures can take place lies with the educational institutions.
Schmid is now asking the government whether it is prepared to "allow and encourage" presentations by members of the armed forces. He also wants to know whether educational institutions in the canton of St. Gallen have been approached and whether information events have already taken place. The government has not yet commented on this.
This is not a campaign, clarifies army spokesman Daniel Reist at the request of Keystone-SDA. At their request, interested schools are provided with information about the army from the perspective of cadre candidates or cadres. The aim is to provide personal experience for people of approximately the same age.
The first presentations have already taken place. It is too early to draw conclusions at this stage. "But in the schools where the presentations were held, the response was very positive," says Reist. (sda)
