From The Truth About Guns:

Guns are a tool. I used them in the military to accomplish our mission and most of all, to protect myself and those around me. Law enforcement officers use the same tools for the same reason. As an American citizen; self-defense is a primary consideration. Civilian ownership of firearms also serves a mission. That mission is to be prepared to form the Reserve Militia to back up the Federal and State government’s forces. Without civilian ownership of military-type firearms in common use, their capability as a backup to the military is severely diminished.