The
Swiss army has long been a
militia trained and structured to rapidly respond against foreign aggression. Swiss males grow up expecting to undergo basic military training, usually at age 20 in the
Rekrutenschule (recruit school), the basic-training camp, after which Swiss men remain part of the "militia" in reserve capacity until age 30 (age 34 for officers).
Each soldier is required to keep his army-issued personal weapon (the 5.56x45mm
SIG SG 550 rifle for enlisted personnel and/or the 9mm
SIG P220 semi-automatic pistol for officers, military police, medical and postal personnel) at home or (as of 2010) in the local armoury (Zeughaus). Up until October 2007, ammunition (50 rounds 5.56 mm / 48 rounds 9mm) was issued as well, which was sealed and inspected regularly to ensure that no unauthorized use had taken place.
[4] The ammunition was intended for use while travelling to the army barracks in case of invasion.
In October 2007, the
Swiss Federal Council decided that the distribution of ammunition to soldiers shall stop and that all previously issued ammo shall be returned. By March 2011, more than 99% of the ammo has been received. Only special rapid deployment units and the military police still store ammunition at home today.
[5]
When their period of service has ended, militiamen have the choice of keeping their personal weapon and other selected items of their equipment.
[citation needed]However, keeping the weapon after end of service requires a license.
