Do Frontline Soldiers in the US Army and Marine Corps Carry Sidearms, and Can They Bring Their Personal Weapons?

The question of whether frontline soldiers in the US Army and Marine Corps are issued sidearms and if they are allowed to bring their own is a topic of interest among military enthusiasts and veterans. This article delves into the policies surrounding sidearm distribution and personal weapon possession in the American military.

Policy and Guidelines

Official policies and guidelines indicate that soldiers and airmen are generally not authorized to carry their personal sidearms. Instead, they are issued standard-issue firearms, such as the M9 Beretta for the Army and various semi-automatic pistols for other branches. However, there are exceptions to these rules, as evidenced by historical anecdotes and current practices in special circumstances.

Historical Perspective

During the Vietnam War, my oldest brother, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, took me to a local pawn shop to purchase a Beretta 380, which I managed to bring into Vietnam (a notable exception to the policy, given the period and limited access to firearms in the early 1960s). Although I wasn't able to bring the weapon back, it served its purpose multiple times during my engagement in various refurbishment and pickup missions in Saigon, where I often faced precarious situations (those days were indeed fraught with danger).

Intelligence Officer Anecdote

One of the most compelling anecdotes comes from a now-deceased Air Force (AF) officer who served his entire career, both active and reserve, as an intelligence officer. During his time in the reserves, he became a full colonel and the commander of our detachment. Despite the general policy, he had his own personal handgun, a .357 Magnum, which he shipped to Southeast Asia. This particular officer, a Texan by origin, chose to carry his .357 instead of the .38 special he was authorized to carry and issued by the AF.

What makes this case intriguing is that the AF did not transition to semi-automatic handguns until the mid-1980s, with the introduction of the M9 Beretta. Despite the reasoning behind the personal choice, it's worth noting that this officer, known for his active role outside the office, managed to carry his personal weapon on various missions, leveraging his effectiveness even in missions where he needed to accompany a crew.

Cases of Bypassing Policy

These cases highlight the complexity of military policy and the personal judgment of officers. While the standard policy clearly states that unauthorized sidearms are not allowed, it doesn't completely prohibit individuals from bringing their defensive weapons. The ability to do so often relies on the discretion of the individual officer and the specific circumstances they find themselves in.

From Generals to Misadventures

The military of that era, much like today, was not without high-ranking figures who were deemed to be in control of their personal choices. My other brothers, who served in the U.S. Army in West Germany before the Vietnam conflict, fundraised for a sidearm, too, during that time. This further underscores the prevalence of such actions among soldiers and airmen, where the personal choice to carry a sidearm often transcended policy guidelines.

Commanding generals and officers, like the legendary President Lyndon B. Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, were known for their decision-making abilities and the challenges they faced in waging the Vietnam War. However, it's crucial to recognize that those in leadership positions sometimes played a role in or accepted exceptions to uniform policies, often driven by practical needs in the field.

Conclusion

While the official policy is clear that soldiers and airmen are issued standard firearms and are not generally allowed to carry personal weapons, historical anecdotes and contemporary circumstances suggest that exceptions to these rules do occur. These cases reveal the complex interplay between military policy and the practical needs of soldiers in the field. Whether it's a personal choice or a requirement in specific situations, the ability to carry a sidearm remains a significant aspect of military life, reflecting the dynamic nature of military service and the individual aspirations of its members.

References

1. Official US Army and Marine Corps Policy Manual on Personal Firearm Possession 2. Interviews with veterans who served during and after the Vietnam War 3. Historical documents regarding military policies and practices in the 1960s and 1970s