Barbecue with the Chief of the Swiss Defense Force at the Wellington Swiss Club

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Chief of the Swiss Defense Force Lieutenant General – Korpskommandant André Blattmann © FDFA — Chief of the Swiss Defense Force Lieutenant General – Korpskommandant André Blattmann FDFA

Many of us Swiss living in New Zealand have served in our militia army in younger years. After the end of the Cold War, this Army, with many others in Europe, has undergone profound changes and down-sizing. Where we once had 750’000 men, the next reduction will see an army of only 100’000. It is sometimes difficult to follow and understand these changes from 20’000 km away.

Lieutenant General – Korpskommandant for those of us still familiar with the Swiss ranks or also three-star general – André Blattmann has been Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces for the past eight years will leave this function on 31 December 2016. Soon after that date, he will travel with his wife to New Zealand and stay for a few days also in Wellington with our Ambassador who has enjoyed some army command training under him.

General Blattmann has kindly accepted to talk to his fellow-citizens in New Zealand at a very informal gathering about the security of our country, its challenges in an unsafe world and the present and future of our Armed Forces. All members of other Swiss Clubs and all Swiss in New Zealand are most welcome. Please announce your participation to: wellingtonswissclub@gmail.com. Contribution NZ$ 10.- per person.

The Swiss Club of Wellington is happy to welcome General and Mrs. Blattmann for a barbecue at its Wainiuomata Clubhouse on Saturday, 21 January 2017. Drinks as from 6 p.m., arrival guests at 7 p.m. The Swiss wine will be offered by the Ambassador.