Population.

Protection, assistance and support

Civil protection is above all a means of intervention of the second level within the framework of the population protection system. In principle, it is engaged to strengthen other partner organizations, particularly during large-scale and long-lasting events. She performs the following tasks:

• provision of protection infrastructure and means to transmit the alarm to the population;
• support for the homeless and people seeking protection;
• protection of cultural property;
• support for other partner organizations, particularly in the event of a disaster or emergency situation;
• command and logistics support as reinforcement;
• restoration work;
• deployments for the benefit of the community.

Structured according to the threat

The organization of civil protection is dictated by the analysis of dangers, geographical data and the political structures of the cantons, municipalities or regions. It may differ from one entity to another.

Federal and cantonal regulations

The Confederation sets the legal framework for civil protection and issues requirements within the limits of its powers, particularly with regard to recruitment and personnel. The cantons are responsible for organizing civil protection and implementing federal regulations.

Federal Law on Civil Protection and Civil Protection (http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/520_1/index.html)

Civil Protection Ordinance (http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/520_11/index.html)

Who is required to serve in civil protection?

All men of Swiss nationality aged 20 to 40 are required to serve in civil protection, provided that they are able to work and are not required to do military service or during the period of civil service.

Is volunteering accepted?

The following people can voluntarily engage in civil protection:

• Men freed from the obligation to serve in civil protection
• Men subject to the obligation to serve in the army who are no longer required to do military service or civil service
• Men freed from the obligation to serve in the army or from the obligation to perform civil service
• Women of Swiss nationality, from the beginning of the year in which they reach the age of 20
• Foreigners established in Switzerland, from the start of the year in which they reach the age of 20

Loss-of-earnings compensation – APG

What should I do with this document?

Each participant receives an “Allowance for loss of earnings” form at the end of the course.

This document must be completed then:

• if employed, send it to their employer
• if unemployed, send it to your last employer (for 1 year) or to the unemployment fund
• if independent or student, send it to your compensation fund. 

Insurance

How am I insured during my course?

People who carry out civil protection service are insured in accordance with the federal law of June 19, 1992 on military insurance (LAM).

Leave

Who should I contact for leave?

Any request must be made in writing to the ORPC (download the leave request form). As long as the body has not validated the leave request, the service obligation remains.

Equipment

What personal equipment should I take with me when participating in a course?

• Civil protection service booklet
• Materials for taking notes
• If working outside, good shoes, otherwise boots will be provided

What attire should I wear when participating in a course?

In civilian clothes, as well as protection against rain and cold and good shoes. Participants engaged in the field will be equipped with civil protection clothing upon entry into service.

Service pay

What is the service pay received at the end of the course?

It is a daily allowance based on your service rank.

Catering (meals)

How are meals arranged during a course?

Meals are the responsibility of civil protection.

Transportation

Am I entitled to free transport during my course?

The participant in a course has the right to free use of public transport for entry into service and dismissal outside the municipality of residence.

Military service exemption tax

What is the military service exemption tax?

Taking into account services performed in civil protection¹ 

For men serving in civil protection, the military service exemption tax calculated under the law is reduced by 4% for each day of service completed during the assessment year and credited under Article 24 of the Federal Act of 4 October 2002 on Civil Protection and Civil Defence.

Rate² 

The tax amounts to 3 francs per 100 francs of income subject to the tax, but at least 400 francs. People who carry out civil protection service are insured in accordance with the federal law of June 19, 1992 on military insurance (LAM).

Until what age must the military service exemption tax be paid?

The obligation to pay the military service exemption tax ends upon reaching the age of 30.

Link: Federal Tax Administration

Private vehicles

How is the use of private vehicles regulated during the course period?

The use of private vehicles is prohibited during the service, unless specifically authorized. However, for entry into service and after dismissal, authorization is generally granted.