Rollout and Adoption of M365 for the Militia Cadre
Overview
With the introduction of Microsoft 365, the Swiss Armed Forces are setting a significant milestone on the path toward Vision 2030:
Digitally powerful. For the first time, militia cadres have access to a unified, modern collaboration platform with M365, enabling efficient cooperation across all units – from preparation to execution and follow-up of the refresher courses (WK).
This central collaboration solution significantly reduces off-duty workload, promotes motivating and effective teamwork, and prevents the usage of shadow IT through standardized tools. At the same time, the Armed Forces align themselves more closely with proven private-sector standards and lay the foundation for a sustainable cultural shift toward a digital future.
The Swiss Army
The Swiss Armed Forces are the backbone of national security and consist of both professional and militia members. With around 150,000 active personnel, they are one of the largest organizations in the country. The militia – citizens who take on military duties alongside their civilian professions – forms the core of the army.
Digitalization and the modernization of work processes are key priorities for the military leadership to ensure continued efficiency, flexibility, and security in the future. By introducing Microsoft 365, the Swiss Armed Forces are taking a decisive step toward a digital future and setting new standards for collaboration and leadership within the militia system.
Initial Situation
Before the introduction of Microsoft 365, the militia cadres of the Swiss Armed Forces lacked a unified digital collaboration platform. Coordination often relied on unofficial channels such as Dropbox, private email addresses, or WhatsApp groups. These shadow IT solutions not only hindered efficient planning and execution of refresher courses (WK), but also posed significant security risks and led to high off-duty workloads.
As part of Vision 2030 and the goal of making the army digitally powerful, the decision was made in favor of Microsoft 365 – a robust, centralized solution for a modern collaboration. With isolutions, the army has an experienced partner at its side for Modern Work and adoption.
Solution
Together with isolutions, Microsoft 365 was introduced as the central collaboration platform for the entire militia. The rollout took place in stages, starting with pilot projects in selected units and gradually expanding to all militia cadres.
Particular emphasis was placed on flexibility: access to the platform is possible via both military and private devices (BYOD). A key element of the implementation process was the targeted training of super users and commanders, who acted as multipliers within their units and actively supported the rollout.
The introduction was closely supported – with the goal of ensuring a smooth transition and achieving high user acceptance throughout the troops.
Nutzen der Lösung
With Microsoft 365, militia cadres now have access to a flexible platform for the first time that can also be used on private devices – without a smartcard or KP network device. This simplifies access and enables location- and time-independent collaboration, including outside of official service. Features like real-time document editing, quick data collection with Forms, and task management with Planner noticeably increase efficiency. Especially for militia members with civilian responsibilities, this brings significant relief and better structure in their daily workflow.
- Central collaboration platform for all militia cadres: No more shadow IT, improved security, and support for personal devices
- More efficient collaboration: Simultaneous document editing, fast data capture, transparent task tracking
- Access anytime, anywhere: All relevant tools and information available regardless of time or location
- Reduction of off-duty workload: Especially in the planning of refresher courses (WK) outside of official service
- Increased satisfaction: Survey score rose to 4.3 out of 5 (anonymous user feedback)
- Cultural shift: Moving toward private-sector work practices and modernizing the Armed Forces
Marc Roth
Projektleiter | VBS
«I remember the entire project as a very positive experience.»
VBS
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