The Swiss Cycling Regiment, known for carrying heavy equipment on green camouflaged bicycles, was active from 1891 to 2003. Switzerland hasn’t engaged in combat since 1847 and prioritizes peacekeeping missions over military service.
The Swiss Cycling Regiment was introduced in 1891 and remained battle-ready for famed neutral Switzerland until 2003. The 3,000-strong regiment rode green camouflaged Swiss Army bicycles and was known for moving quickly over difficult alpine terrain, carrying often up to 352 pounds (160 kg) of equipment, including bazookas, mortars, grenades and ammunition. A casualty of modernization in an age of high-tech warfare, the Swiss Cycle Regiment was the world’s last two-wheeled combat unit.
Choosing peace over war:
Military service is not very popular in Switzerland. After an initial 15-week training session, able-bodied men must participate in three-week refresher courses every two years until age 42.
The last time the Swiss military actually engaged in combat was during the Sonderbund War, a short civil war in November 1847.
In 1996, Switzerland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program and has since deployed some soldiers on peacekeeping missions abroad.
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