In Israel all military persons, both men and women carry their weapons at ALL times. It was very common to see them mixed with people at malls, restaurants, anywhere in public with a weapon slung over their shoulder. It was comforting to know if anyone tried anything crazy, there would be someone within eyesight to take them down!
Thank you for that bit of info. I had read somewhere where Israeli soldiers carry their weapons at all times, but I couldn't place it.