Very interesting article. It is difficult to appreciate how you feel as I have never lived in a "neutral country". Even though Switzerland hasn't been directly involved in a war, I think I would sleep better knowing that I had someone protecting me. As a former military person, we had a saying called the six "P's"... Prior planning prevents piss poor performance.

As far as conscription... Does Switzerland justify it because it lacks the people to volunteer service? I believe service should be voluntary except when a country is in a defensive war. I enjoyed reading your article. Nice pictures!