What are millitary members allowed to do as far as upgrading equipment?

Question

Are you allowed to purchase a handgun on your own as long as a higher official(s) approves it?

Can you purchase upgrades to your assault rifle, such as a scope, tactical light, different stock, etc.? (as before, as long as a higher official(s) approves it)

I imagine if you get approved to carry a certain handgun, that a thigh holster would be ok for that.

By the way, no sarcastic or smart-*** answers. My question is genuine, and I would just like to know. Also, I plan on being a USMC infantry rifleman.

By the way, no sarcastic or smart-*** answers. My question is genuine, and I would just like to know. Also, I plan on being a USMC infantry rifleman.

Ok, 3 different answers. Who is correct?

Another by the way, thanks for the tip on the body armor. I'm not worried about dying though. ;) Whatever happens is just what happens.

Answer 1

The answer to this question is complicated.

Yes you are allowed to purchase firearms in the military, however you are not allowed to carry them in combat. To do so is a violation of many many military laws and international laws. I have seen people go to jail for this. If you buy a firearm you are allowed to keep it, but has to be stored in the arms room on post if you live in the barracks, or on post housing. Off post you are allowed to keep it in your residence.

Upgrades for your weapons can be purchase and used. Things such as scopes, tac light, and stocks are ok, but the military issues you these items if you need them. Personally why would you waste the money.

If the army issue you a handgun (the army only uses a 9mm barretta) you may purchase a thigh holster as long as it is in keeping with the uniform. It would have to be camo, tan, or digital pattern. It couldnt be black or leather.

Hope these answers will help you. if you need further info email me at [e-mail].

good luck

Answer 2

I don't know, but if you plan on buying better body armor, read this.


Army Orders Soldiers to Shed Dragon Skin or Lose SGLI Death Benefits
By Nathaniel R. Helms
Soldiers for the Truth

Saturday 14 January 2006

Two deploying soldiers and a concerned mother reported Friday afternoon that the US Army appears to be singling out soldiers who have purchased Pinnacle's Dragon Skin Body Armor for special treatment. The soldiers, who are currently staging for combat operations from a secret location, reported that their commander told them if they were wearing Pinnacle Dragon Skin and were killed their beneficiaries might not receive the death benefits from their $400,000 SGLI life insurance policies. The soldiers were ordered to leave their privately purchased body armor at home or face the possibility of both losing their life insurance benefit and facing disciplinary action.

The soldiers asked for anonymity because they are concerned they will face retaliation for going public with the Army's apparently new directive. At the sources' requests DefenseWatch has also agreed not to reveal the unit at which the incident occurred for operational security reasons.

On Saturday morning a soldier affected by the order reported to DefenseWatch that the directive specified that "all" commercially available body armor was prohibited. The soldier said the order came down Friday morning from Headquarters, United States Special Operations Command (HQ, USSOCOM), located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. It arrived unexpectedly while his unit was preparing to deploy on combat operations. The soldier said the order was deeply disturbing to many of the men who had used their own money to purchase Dragon Skin because it will affect both their mobility and ballistic protection.

Answer 3

No you are not allowed to use any off the shelf imporements on tatical weapons. The Military issues you the weapon and it is property of the US Goverment and is no open for your own personal upgrades. If you want a scope on the weapon one can be issued to you if there is a need and your position dictates that upgrade.

Answer 4

To best stuff to upgrade isn't the weaponry, because our stuff is good. Its the rest of the tactical gear that you should modify to adapt to your mission as long as the Commander approves it. I'm buying a rack from US Cav for next time so I can carry even more stuff on my IBA.

The new stuff, well thats OPSEC.. go play in traffic.

Answer 5

Any non-issue weapon is banned. Certain modifications are allowed - as long as they can be easily removed and do not replace things the US government put on the rifle.

Thigh holsters are now issue.