Why do officers only have pistols?

Question

I just noticed that some higher-ups (like my dad) only carry pistols instead of rifles.

Answer 1

It depends on the job. In the army a lot of CGOs who are leading convoys or patrols are issued a rifle as well. I'm getting ahead of myself though.

The practice dates to the colonial times. Officers were either cavalry (couldn't carry a rifle) or infantry... if they were infantry, they needed to be able to issue orders to a rank and file of men. As such, they carried a sword... and a pistol was merely a last means of defense, so innacurate that it was generally fired left handed (swinging the sword with the right hand) from a distance of less than 3 feet.

Okay, fast forward back to today. You're issued the weapons it is useful for you to have. A CGO on patrol or convoy needs a rifle and is issued one. A CGO preparing to lead an armoured brigade doesn't need a rifle, he needs to manage his troops. An FGO SHOULD be always managing his troops rather than trying to fight (goes back to why officers didn't carry muskets/rifles in colonial days). Actually, an officer in a safe area may not carry a weapon at all.

Answer 2

Officers carrying only pistols has been a thing of the past since WWII. Since WWII officers have carried a pistol and a rifle. Higher ranking officers that are above Batalion level (Colonel or higher) still carry only a pistol. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan has seen more and more combat soldiers carrying both a pistol and a rifle whether they are an officer or not. A practice used by Special Operations units and now being adopted by the conventional military. When your rifle jams or runs out of ammo you can pull your pistol and continue to fight.

Answer 3

The unit has a "Table of Organization and Equipment" As a 2nd Lt in a mech infantry unit, I was issued an M16. as a infantry company executive officer, I was issued an M16. When I was a company commander I was issued a M1911,later a M9 Beretta. Each unit will have different equipment needs. But in combat you will acquire what you need. Many rifleman may pick up a pistol as a back up personal weapon. Some generals in WWII carried rifles, Jumping James Gavin carried the M1 Garand.

Answer 4

A pistol is a self-defense weapon. Officers and Senior NCOs are not "on the line" engaging the enemy, they are directing the fight (or working in an Operations Center, called a "TOC" or Command Post "CP"), so they only carry a weapon for self-defense.

If you look at Infantry officers, and NCO, they usually carry both a rifle/carbine AND a pistol becuase they do actively engage the enemy, but if and when they run out of ammo they have a self-defense/ close quarters weapon.

Tank Crewmen also only carry pistols under "normal" circumstances.

Answer 5

I am an Officer in Russia. (company grade. Rank equal to US Army 1Lt.) ANyways, I only carry a pistol by it self while in the garrison's or on the bases, or while in the field if we are doing more civil support based work. (You know hearts and minds/pesudo policing type of peace keeping) if we are expecting proper combat, while leading my infantry platoon, I will carry a Carbine (AK-74U) or Service Rifle (AK-74)

That applys for infantry. Most of the Log Officers always carry just a pistol. They are suppose to be leading men to preform technical tasks. Not fighting like infantry

Answer 6

Your weapon issue is based on your duty position. Officers are typically adminstrative leaders working with a staff of enlisted, NCOs, and other Officers. While serving in a staff function, your dutys will not place you on a line. Therefor a rifle is not required. You will also see enlisted carry pistols as well based on their role. You will often see tank crews use pistols do the confines of their workspace. Aircrew is no different.

Answer 7

Greenman, WWD, and Knight are correct...

As they point out, an officer's job is to lead (company-grade) or manage (staff-grade)... so for the most part, they aren't shooting if they're doing their job correctly.

As a Naval Aircrewman during the first Gulf-War, we (officers and enlisted) were all issued those cute (sarcasm) lil 9mm Berretta's. We also had an ISSUED M-60 in the door, rigged another... happened to borrow an M-79 from the ship, as well as M-16's for everyone. I also happened to be packing my Father's old M1911 Colt .45 pistol.

It really depends on the UNIT, JOB, and how much you're willing to carry and bend the rules.

Answer 8

Company-grade officers do often carry a rifle, but as insurance. They aren't expected to use them, since they're supposed to be "fighting their command," not fighting the enemy. An officer using a rifle in a firefight is taking time out from his job, which is to direct the men under his command. If the unit isn't being overrun, it could even be considered a busman's holiday.

Answer 9

Not just officers. Radio Operators, Corpsmen, NCO's, machinegunners, intel and a couple of others carry pistols-at least in the Marines.

Answer 10

now a days, the only reason field grade officers (major and up) carry a 9 mm is because they are not expected to be in a fire fight, they are administrative basically, unless you have a hooah battalion commander. but they give the rifles to the guys who actually fight