In that regard, the following is the Summary of a 1983 white paper entitled, "THE SWISS REPORT, A special study for Western Goals Foundation," by General Lewis W. Walt, U.S.M.C. (Ret.) and Major General George S. Patton, IV, U.S.A. (Ret.) [son of General Patton of World War II fame].
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Summary
Switzerland, a small country with limited resources, has conceptualized, planned, and implemented a rational security policy which provides maximum effect with minimum expenditures. The militia system, being both universal and a part of the constitution, has wide public acceptance. It allows mobilization of a large army without the draining costs of a large professional army. The personnel savings have been invested in redoubts, barriers, equipment, storage facilities, hospitals, and weapons.
To a remarkable degree, the Swiss require private sector participation in the defense effort. These private contributions are estimated to equal the annual government expenditures. By integrating their security policy to include foreign policy, social policy, defense, civil defense and economic measures, the Swiss have, in effect, oriented their entire public effort toward the end of security for their nation and their people.
The Swiss General Defense system provides a high dissuasive value and credibility to this small, neutral country in the heart of Europe. In case of war Switzerland would not attract the more powerful nations who might consider Switzerland to be a military vacuum. On the contrary, Switzerland can activate the densest defense system—on the ground and in the air on short notice—in Western Europe.
Thanks to Civil Defense as well as intricate economic preparedness, there is a high degree of survivability even in a modern war of long duration. The most important factor remains that the overwhelming majority of the Swiss has a strong will to defend the country against any aggressor. They are prepared to fight, and will fight whenever and whomever necessary.[/size]
http://www.constitution.org/mil/swiss_rpt.pdfThe conclusions of that 1983 report ring as true today as when published.
