Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS

The DDPS is responsible for Switzerland’s security policy – that policy is implemented through the Armed Forces, the State Secretariat for Security Policy, the Federal Office for Civil Protection, the Federal Intelligence Service, armasuisse and the National Cyber Security Centre. The role of the DDPS also involves promoting sport through the Federal Office for Sport and producing geoinformation through swisstopo.

Viola Amherd Head of the DDPS.

Member of the Federal Council 2019 until end of March 2025

Each apprentice has a unique set of qualities. That makes it easier for us to overcome challenges.

Priorities of the DDPS in 2025

A good education is the key to a successful future. That’s why the DDPS is committed to offering a wide range of apprenticeships. Whether traditional or modern, manual or technical, at the DDPS the choice is yours.

Six-hundred apprentices are trained at the DDPS each year. That is half of all apprenticeships in the Federal Administration. The 40 occupations on offer at locations across the country range from mechanical engineer to carpenter, from cook to laboratory technician to information technologist.

One of the major advantages of apprenticeships at the DDPS is the personalised support on offer. Apprentices receive regular feedback from qualified and motivated practical instructors. The courses offered are recognised for their quality and seriousness, ensuring that those on board acquire a solid set of skills that are relevant to the job market. The learning environment is modern and stimulating, with practical activities that encourage autonomy and a sense of responsibility.

The DDPS offers career development opportunities to anyone who wants to work in a dynamic and innovative environment. It operates throughout Switzerland and offers 12,500 jobs in more than 200 occupations. It is committed to promoting an exemplary working environment based on clear values and an inclusive culture.

Expenses 2023 (CHF)
6.79bn

Staff (FTEs) 2023
12,252

Organisation chart DDPS

General Secretariat GS-DDPS
Secretary General: Daniel Büchel
www.vbs.admin.ch

State Secretariat for Security Policy SEPOS
State Secretary: Markus Mäder
www.sepos.admin.ch

National Cyber Security Centre NCSC
Director: Florian Schütz
www.ncsc.admin.ch

Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP
Director: Michaela Schärer
www.babs.admin.ch

Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse
Chief of Defence Procurement: Urs Loher
www.ar.admin.ch

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
Director: Fridolin Wicki
www.swisstopo.admin.ch

Federal Office of Sport FOSPO
Director: Matthias Remund
www.baspo.admin.ch

Defence sector
Chief of the Armed Forces: Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli
www.vtg.admin.ch

Federal Intelligence Service FIS
Director: Christian Dussey
www.ndb.admin.ch

Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General
Armed Forces Attorney General: Stefan Flachsmann
www.oa.admin.ch