Swiss reject proposal backed by pacifists and left-wing parties to eliminate mandatory military
service.
Swiss voters have decided not to abolish the country's mandatory military draft, in a referendum on Sunday. The proposal was backed by pacifists and left-wing parties, but opposed by Switzerland's cross-party government.
But the government had rejected doing away with the current system, saying there would be a lack of volunteers and could result in Switzerland being unable to not only defend itself, despite being surrounded by friendly nations, but limit the services and protection it provides internationally.
Swiss citizens who are male and aged between 18-32 begin their service with a seven-week boot camp, and take six 19-day refresher exercises over following years. However conscientious objectors have been able to complete non-military service in areas such as environmental projects since 1992.
Men who do not serve must pay four percent of their salary instead, as a special tax.
http://www.dw.de/swiss-voters-say-no-to-ending-mandatory-military-service/a-17105548
I had never heard that men who do not serve in the Swiss military have to pay a 4% tax on their salaries.