Quote:
Originally posted by ymboc
I thought I posted this earlier, but apparantly I must have hit cancel or something...
The difference with switzerland is that the reason it is among the most heavily armed nations is because those arms are provided by the swiss militia (army) -- they call it a militia.
Every 'man' between the ages of 20 and 26 gets drafted into the army (they're somewhat flexible about when you have to go so that it meshes well with studies or apprentiships). Everyone drafted gets issued an assault rifle -- usually they will keep it for the duration of their service. After the initial boot camp called 'RS' (for Rekrutenschule) they essentially become reservists but go on active duty for a few weeks to a couple months every couple of years (how often vs how long can vary).
Not everyone becomes reservists though you can chose to go profesional too. Another interesting fact...non swiss citizens living in the country or those who opt out of the draft (with medical, religious or other 'good' reason) have to pay an surtax (ontop of income tax) for the rest of their lives.
Naturally what you do in the army also largely depends on what you're studying on the outside...
Last I heard though the assault rifles they're issued to take home are semi-auto only... In addition I dont think the issued rifles are allowed to leave the home unless going to an army function (like the yearly schedualed target practise).
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In Sweden every boy has to do a recruit test when he quites high school and if you have working eyes and ears then you automatically get drafted 3-15months of military service, and you can become anything from radio operator to special forces. Then after your military service anyone who which may become professional. Every soldier has a AK-5 which is a assault rifle equal to a M16A2. You have free travels to your home every month and you may not bring the rifle home. If you don't want to be a professional military, you can join the national guard and the run around in the woods every month and have weekly meetings. Their task is to defend the local cities where you live. And if there is a war, everyone between 16-70 years old are forced to if called upon, to join the army and fight.