FactSentinel

This claim misrepresents Switzerland's gun laws and military service requirements. Switzerland does not require all citizens to own guns. While the country has a militia-based military system where most able-bodied male citizens undergo military training, gun ownership itself is not mandatory for the general population.

The confusion stems from Switzerland's conscription system. Swiss men between 18 and 34 are generally required to serve in the militia, and during their service period, they are issued military firearms to keep at home. However, this applies only to those actively serving in the militia, not all citizens. Women are exempt from mandatory service (though they can volunteer), and men can choose civilian service instead of military duty. Additionally, after completing military obligations, soldiers can purchase their service weapon but are not required to do so. Many choose to return their firearms instead.

Switzerland does have relatively high rates of gun ownership compared to other European nations, with an estimated 28 guns per 100 residents, but this is far from universal ownership. The country also maintains strict regulations on ammunition and requires permits for gun acquisition. The notion that every Swiss citizen must own a gun is a persistent myth that conflates the country's unique militia tradition with a non-existent universal gun ownership mandate.