An agreement reached between Swiss ICMIF member La Mobilière and the Swiss Army aims to further intensify the exchange of knowledge between the private sector and the Army. Cybersecurity is the first area that will be covered by this cooperation.

With this new agreement, the two organisations hope to highlight the added value of the militia system in Switzerland. The Army benefits from the skills that its members acquire in the private sector and then use in their militia activities. Meanwhile, the private sector benefits from the knowledge and experience acquired by employees in the Army.

Michèle Rodoni, CEO of Mobiliar, says: “Cyberattacks are one of the biggest threats to Mobiliar. Thanks to this collaboration with the Swiss Army, we can benefit from its expertise and it can benefit from the know-how of Mobiliar. These exchanges move us both forward.”

Thomas Süssli, Chief of the Army, added: “The cyber training of the Army can help to overcome the shortage of IT specialists. People who have completed this training are in high demand in the private sector. This cooperation has great potential that both organisations can exploit.”

Intensification of a long-standing partnership

The first joint project of this enhanced partnership involves a cyber defence exercise, developed and piloted by the Army. With this project, the Army also intends to identify, within the framework of cooperation, ways of thinking and approaches that are different from its own.

In the past, La Mobilière had already carried out projects in collaboration with the Swiss Armed Forces. Thus, as an economic partner, La Mobilière has largely contributed to the development of a “Cyber Security Specialist patent”. At the suggestion of the Swiss Army, this training was designed by ICT-Formation professionnelle Suisse, a national organisation which champions Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills in vocational training, in close collaboration with the Swiss Confederation (the state) and the private sector.

With this cooperation agreement, the Army is forging important links with economic circles. La Mobilière is the first company to sign such an agreement. Having expressed interest, it is expected that other companies will follow.

Photo shows: Urs Berger, Chairman of the Board, La Mobilière; Michèle Rodoni, CEO, La Mobilière; and Thomas Süssli, Chief of the Swiss Army