Is it true that Switzerland has a large civil defense force? I was told that all men from 18 to around 40 are required to join. They train each year. Also they are required to have an assault rifle and ammunition in their home. Is this true? ? Is that safe? How does that affect crime? Would someone from Switzerland tell me?
2006-11-16 10:30:03 · 6 answers · asked by Philippine Traveler 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Everyone is a part of the Swiss Army. Everyone has weapons and ammo at their residence.
Very true
Very safe
Little crime
2006-11-17 05:00:58 · answer #1 · answered by lowflyer1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm not from Switzerland, but I have heard the same thing from a good source. I believe also that they go through a sort of basic training once out of school, provided they have reached age 18, are physically and mentally competent, and don't have a criminal record. It is completely safe (you don't let your 5 year old play with your rifle, of course), and it affects crime by making it virtually non-existent (who's going to break into your house under these circumstances?). The Swiss are extremely well educated and moral people with a pretty homogeneous society. These are factors which permit this system to work (it obvously would not work in Sudan!).
2006-11-16 11:14:05 · answer #2 · answered by Pete 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They only have 7,523,934 people in the whole country!
the Swiss Constitution states that "every Swiss male is obliged to do military service"; every Swiss male has to serve for at least 260 days in the armed forces; 19 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscripts receive 15 weeks of compulsory training, followed by 10 intermittent recalls for training over the next 22 years; women are accepted on a voluntary basis but are not drafted (2005)
2006-11-16 10:39:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I cannot give you an answer to your question but I think that Switzerland has a great idea if that is what is being done.
Compulsory service in the protection of one's country is a small price to pay for the freedom offered.
Here in America we have too many "free-loaders" who want benefits but are not willing to pay for them.
Good for you, Switzerland. You have my respect.
2006-11-16 11:04:28 · answer #4 · answered by Mr.Been there 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They really do-the whole country is a fortress. Their is a place in a bunker for every citizen to hide. Their roads also have tank traps built right in, ready to de deployed at any time.
and their crime is non-existant-they are taught from a young age how to handle and respect the power of the gun.
2006-11-16 15:44:40 · answer #5 · answered by Dustpan1987 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have bombs on their bridges in case they are ever invaded, they will blow them up.
2006-11-16 11:36:16 · answer #6 · answered by GrapeMSH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋