The General is an office and rank in the armed forces of Switzerland. It is held by the commander-in-chief of the Army in time of war only. Under the Swiss Constitution, he must be elected by the Federal Assembly, assembled as the United Federal Assembly, specifically for the purpose of taking on the war-time responsibilities.
Kepi of General
Image: Hans Herzog
Image: Guisan Visp 1942 D2.8916
Image: lossy page 1 General Wille CH BAR 3237761 cropped.tif
Military ranks of Switzerland
The ranks of the Swiss Armed Forces have changed little over the centuries, except for the introduction, in 2004, of a new set of warrant officers. The ranks are worn on shoulder boards with the appropriate background colour. Designations are given in the four national languages, with an English translation which is used during overseas missions.
Image: Uniform Képi of a Brigadier General of the Swiss Army
Image: Divisionär
Image: Korpskommandant
Image: Kepi General