Troops report for special duty

Switzerland is hosting the 5th Military World Winter Games of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). More than 1,800 military personnel will be arriving in the next few days to make this friendly test of strength possible, with 1,400 participants from 43 countries, including 850 athletes.

3/13/2025

From mountain specialists to logisticians, from communicators and linguists to military musicians and drivers, the Swiss Armed Forces are currently mobilizing a large number of soldiers to make the 5th International Military World Winter Games 2025 possible under the hashtag #Lucerne. More than 1,800 military personnel will be deployed to enable 850 athletes from all over the world, including, for the first time, disabled veterans, to compete in various disciplines on Swiss soil in a friendly contest of strength. A total of 1,400 participants from 43 nations will be traveling to Lucerne.

The competitions will begin on March 24 and continue until March 29. As the host city, Lucerne will be at the center of this major event. Most of the guests will be accommodated in army barracks and accommodation for troops. As host, Switzerland will demonstrate that major modern sporting events can be organized in an economically responsible, socially sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

As part of the army budget

An organizing committee under the leadership of Major General Germaine Seewer has formulated the military requirements for Lucerne2025. The corresponding services will be provided in the next few days under the leadership and coordination of Territorial Division 2, mainly by soldiers from Territorial Division Staff Battalion 2 and Headquarters Battalion 25. In addition to these two battalions, competent citizens in uniform from across the army are making their contribution to this international event.

The military personnel will be providing their services as part of their regular training. The event budget of up to CHF 13 million will be financed as part of the regular military budget. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on June 30, 2021.