The Chief of the Armed Forces (German: Chef der Armee (CdA); French: Chef de l'armée; Italian: Capo dell’esercito) commands the Swiss Armed Forces in time of peace and reports directly to the head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports and to the Swiss Federal Council.

Until the end of 2003, the highest level of command in the Swiss Armed forces was held by the General Staff, led by the Chief of the General Staff as primus inter pares.

Together with other reforms of the Armed Forces (German: Armee XXI), the position of Chief of the Armed Forces was introduced.

The Chief of the Armed Forces is elected by the Federal Council and holds the rank of Korpskommandant (three-star rank, equivalent to Lieutenant General).

He leads the Swiss Armed Forces only in time of peace.