Chief of the Armed Forces (Switzerland)

The Chief of the Armed Forces (German: Chef der Armee (CdA)) 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.

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.

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.

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