Chief of the Armed Forces
The Chief of the Armed Forces (German: Chef der Armee (CdA); French: Chef de l'armée) commands the Swiss Armed Forces in time of peace and reports directly to the head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports and to the Swiss Federal Council. The position was established in 2004.
History
Until the end of 2003, the highest level of command in the Swiss Armed forces was held by the General Staff, led by the Chief of the General Staff as primus inter pares. Together with other reforms of the Armed Forces (Armee XXI), the position of Chief of the Armed Forces was introduced. Christophe Keckeis became the first Chief of the Armed Forces, having already served as Chief of the General Staff since January 2003.
General information
The Chief of the Armed Forces is elected by the Federal Council and holds the rank of Korpskommandant (Three-star rank, equivalent to Lieutenant general). He leads the Swiss Armed Forces in time of peace. Only in time of war, a Commander-in-chief of the rank of General (Four-star rank) is elected by the Federal Assembly.
Past and Present Chiefs of the Armed Forces
| Rank | Name | Date | Portrait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lt Gen | Philippe Rebord | January 2017 - present |  |
| Lt Gen | André Blattmann |
|
 |
| Lt Gen | Roland Nef | January 2008 - July 2008 | |
| Lt Gen | Christophe Keckeis | January 2004 - December 2007 | |
External links
- Chef der Armee at the official Swiss government website