In article ,
Larry Jaques wrote:

Just men, but women are encouraged, too. More info he
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1566715.stm

"From an early age Swiss men and women associate weaponry with being
called to defend their country."

Used to be the same here. Individuals owned and practiced with guns to
be able to use them in defense of the country or themselves.