Lynn S. Higgins and David R. Whitaker are wrong in attempting to use military weapons policies as a reason to deny civilians their rights to own semi-automatic weapons.
The rules of a free society and the military that protects it are of necessity very different. This goes way beyond restrictions on hair and clothing.
Unlike civilians, soldiers cannot quit or change jobs at will. Their rights to travel, even on weekends and holidays, are limited. Freedom of expression is limited, especially as it relates to politics.
They are subject to monthly weigh-ins and physical fitness testing twice a year.