Soldiers Carrying a Seconday Pistol in Iraq and the Military? Why Not?!?

Question

There never seems to be any soldiers in Iraq that carry sidearms in conjunction with their primary weapon. Why not? You would think it makes sense to have one in case of weapon jam, zero ammunition or loss of weapon. Cost cannot be the reason for this.

Answer 1

Some do, it depends on there major command and there mission. Our M16's are not as faulty as some would like you to think and they do not jamb to the point that a soldier cant correct the issue with in seconds. Ammo is not an issue either. we do not go on extended patrols and always have a back up and ready resupply. We are trained to use our weapons effectively and not spray and pray like you see on T.V. so going red on ammo is not a very often occurring issue. Then you have to think of the Added weight that you are asking a soldier to carry for something he would very seldom use. most soldiers combat load if greater than most civilians would carry from the car to their house with out some one helping them and you want to add to that. Even though it is a small amount with just the weapon but then you add the basic load of ammo and you are talking a few pounds

Answer 2

Others gave sound reasons... extra weight of the pistol and ammo. Sidearms are also normally issued only to Officers and NCO's (and flightcrews).

Back during Desert Shield / Storm, I was issued a Berreta 9mm to carried on my flight-vest (as an SH-60B Seahawk crewman). We ALSO had 2 M-60's as door-guns, each crewman also had an M-4 as a personal weapon.

I ALSO carried a 1911 Colt .45, because I felt the 9mm was a POS. I figured if I ended up on the ground, I wanted the stopping-power of a .45, so I carried my PERSONAL weapon along in complete violation of the regulations.

Answer 3

It really depends on the unit's table of organization and equipment. For example, a 'light' infantry platoon will only be authorized maybe 6 pistols (PSG, PL, RTO, 3 x MG's) where as a 'mechanized' scout platoon will be authorized 18 or more pistols (vehicle crewmen).

When I was last over (04-05) out of 30 guys we had about 25 pistols. They come in handy for house clearing sometimes such as climbing a ladder to get to a roof, caves, dry wells or crawl spaces. They are also great intimidation tools. We could be on a patrol and a civilian car would try to get in amongst our Hummers and you could point a .50, Mk-19 or a M-4 at them and they'd ignore you. You pull a rinky dink piece of Italian steel and they'd back off.

Answer 4

They carry what they are told, what their position is authorized.

All MPs Carry at least 2 weapons. A 9mm pistol and their primary weapon. Most other Soldiers are not so lucky.

Answer 5

As a tanker, we have M9 pistols as a sidearm with M4's as our primary weapon when we are dismounted. We had hip-holsters to keep them accessible and out of the way of the rest of the gear we carry and wear.

Answer 6

Hmmm, A Handgun takes lots of Training to learn to shoot it well

Needs frequent training to remain proficient

its weight vs. utility factor sucks

Its range sucks

and Most People couldnt hit a Barn from INSIDE with one

Rather carry an Extra 4X 30 rd mags than an M9, at least then I have 120 Rds 5.56mm More




Of Course the Fobbits find it de Riguer for the PX run

Answer 7

E-a million, E-2 and so on via E-9. then you certainly've WO-a million, WO-2 and WO-3. After that, you have O-a million, O-2 and so on via O-10. Now, in case you opt to understand what those ability, it would count on the branch of provider you're speaking approximately. interior the Air rigidity, you have Airman worry-unfastened, Airman, Airman firstclass, Sergeant, team Sergeant, Technical Sergeant, grasp Sergeant, Senior grasp Sergeant, and finally chief grasp Sergeant. Then the WO's or warrant officers, yet there are no interior the Air rigidity, was, yet not to any extent further. The for officers, you have 2nd Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, considerable, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier wide-unfold, considerable wide-unfold, Lieutenant wide-unfold, and finally wide-unfold. each and every branch of the protection rigidity has their very own names for each paygrade, however the paygrades are all a similar.

Answer 8

some do, as a radio operator i carried a pistol and a rifle and the most dangerous weapon of all, a radio, as small as a pistol is it would just be in the way, extra ammo, extra weight, they have no need for one.there is always someone to back you up in case of weapons failure

Answer 9

Some do, but your average grunt never has, when given the option, because he's already lugging around a perfectly suitable weapon and forty kilograms of other stuff, so he doesn't need that extra two or three kg of stuff he's not going to use.

Answer 10

You are wrong, most personnel in war zones or security areas, do carry a pesonal sidearm. Open you eyes when you see video footage or pictures.