Switzerland continues to adhere to conscription and the militia system introduced in Switzerland in 1848, even after the end of the Cold War, the transformation of the Swiss Armed Forces, and the trend of suspending conscription in Europe. The armed forces and conscription abolition initiatives, which were rejected in 1989, 2001 and 2013, are emblematic of Switzerland’s direct democratic system and illustrate the acceptance of the military in the Swiss society. While conscription is mandatory for men, women can volunteer for military service. Because of Swiss neutrality, Switzerland cannot be part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or other binding security organizations. The electorate supports the current military structure and form of recruitment. But demographic change, departures to civilian service, and the declining social significance of the militia system in society, politics, and the armed forces are challenging the military in terms of personnel recruitment. Recruits attest to the social and societal relevance of compulsory military service.