La Place de la Concorde Suisse

John McPhee, a student of Princeton and Cambridge University has worked for The New Yorker as well Time magazine, written nearly thirty books, eight of which received nominations for National Book Awards. In 1977 he received the Award in Literature, and also received the Pulitzer Prize in 1999. Somehow, I’m sure it wasn’t difficult with these credentials, McPhee was given access to the mystery known as the Swiss Army. McPhee is able to successfully unveil the methods, and mentality of the army, but more importantly the people who are involved. La Place de la Concorde Suisse is an excellent read that’ll leave you wanting more.

   Switzerland is a remarkably beautiful country that is as intricate and effective as their knives. It’s been      a global symbol of neutrality for five centuries. Strategically located bordering Germany, France, and Italy, it is unbelievable that the Swiss have been able to hold on to this title. McPhee serves    

alongside the “knuckleheads” of the Swiss army and is able to find out how they’ve managed to steer clear of trouble for so many years.  

         “The Swiss have not fought a war for nearly five hundred years, and are determined to know how so as not to.”

The Swiss have built a cult-like obsession in military involvement. Men, as soon as they are of age, enter the military. To be turned down by the army is the ultimate shame to the family. Want to do well in your civilian job? Let’s see what your rank in the military is, and then we can talk. Although it is not the main factor in whether or not you get a job, you’d be hard pressed to find a low-ranking officer with an upper-level civilian job. Teachers who have reached the pinnacle of their careers can still rely on promotions within the army. This type of bias serves as motivation for people to join the army and want to excel.

Saying that the Swiss have built an amazing military would be a lie. The Swiss, are, an amazing military. With the exception of a few rebellious teens, the entire country does their part somehow. Businesses fund the necessary trips for a soldier to serve his time. Civilians patiently wait as soldiers run across the bridge during mock demolition exercises. Barns are offered as shelters. Vehicles and land are given up without hesitation if needed. It is an environment dramatically different from that within the United States and McPhee does an excellent job of capturing it.

McPhee brings his typical journalistic style and blends it with the language and lingo of the Swiss. Juxtaposing the battalion he is serving with to the rest of the military. The beauty of the terrain with the squares cut out of mountainsides used to rain fire down on anyone who dares to rebuild the self-destructed bridge. Describing all of the offensive advantages the Swiss possess but reiterating the “porcupine” retreat-then-protect motto. It’s this blend of humor, irony, and imagery that keeps the pages turning, quickly, and before you know it it’s over. Unfortunately.