The alternative of not having a military sucks a lot worse.

Not necessarily. I doubt we need a military in modern day Germany to defend us against our neighbours. Just make sure to have enough cash on hand to hire mercenaries in case of attack.

Modern-day Germany has a military:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundeswehr

Call it a defense force, or a militia, or whatever you will, it's still the German military.

Yes, I am quite aware that modern-day German has an army. And a draft.

I just doubt the Bundeswehr is necessary. (Disclaimer: I was drafted, but refused to serve.)

Two million German civilians have fire arms and they train in their "Schützenvereine". No need for no army or mercenaries.

Small nitpick: "Schützenvereine" are more about drinking beer and having a party ("Schützenfest"). If you want to shoot, join a "Schießverein".

Costa Rica has no army and fares very well without it in stark contrast to the nations around them: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3929177.stm Just educate yourself.

Perhaps the education can go both ways:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_Costa_Rica

So, yep, they've still got a military, it's just also their police force (and national guard), which is pretty smart, in my opinion.

Looking up Wikipedia is the opposite of education. Also this entry just confirms what I said. Costa Rica has only security forces with very basic fire arms.

Nuclear weapons are interesting science? Maybe you want to try something of this science on your city or area? FAIL.