According to this system the conscript has to pass only a few weeks or months in being trained, and is subsequently called out for only a few weeks annually during peace-time. This system certainly allows of universal service in the widest sense of the word, and also gives a small State the power of calling out a proportionally large Army in time of war. At the same time, however, this system, in order to be of any use, would require the people to be naturally of a warlike tendency, and every man to be thoroughly accustomed to the use of a rifle; in fine, it would require that there should always be a nucleus of thoroughly-trained troops, even in peace-time.
Every Swiss is liable to service from the 20th to the 44th year of his age. Of these twenty-five years of service, thirteen are spent in the “Auszug” (Active Army) and twelve in the “Landwehr.” All able-bodied men between the ages of 17 to 50 who are not employed in either of the above branches belong to the “Landsturm.” Anyone who is not fit to serve has to pay a small fine as a sort of compensation.
In case of war the “Auszug” would provide the Army as follows:—
Organisation.
Infantry—98 Fusilier and 8 Rifle Battalions.
Cavalry—8 Regiments (24 squadrons) of Dragoons and 12 Companies of Guides.
Artillery—24 Regiments of Field Artillery, and 1 of Mountain Artillery, each of 2 batteries of 6 guns each—total, 300 guns, besides 10 batteries of Position Artillery.
Engineers—9 Battalions.
Train—8 Battalions.
Strength of Army.