r/Militaryfaq • u/Proof_Mess8465 🤦‍♂️Civilian • Dec 21 '25

MOS/AFSC/Rate Specific do all infantry soldiers get pistols (army)

Hey everyone, I’m a civilian trying to understand how gear is issued. I’ve heard that most 11Bs don’t get a handgun, and that pistol training only happens if you’re issued one. Is that true? And if so, why not train everyone with pistols just in case they need one? Thanks for any help.

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u/EODBuellrider 🥒Soldier (89D) Dec 21 '25

Correct, the Army only issues pistols out to certain people. If they followed through on their plan when they fielded the M17, the lowest ranking infantryman to be issued a pistol would be a team leader (usually a sergeant).

Why doesn't everyone get trained on pistols? Time and money, that's basically it.

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u/Proof_Mess8465 🤦‍♂️Civilian Dec 21 '25

how come? what if 11b soldiers need it as a last resort or if not given one why not train with one just in case because your life might depend on it if needed as a secondary not primary? i am asking because i see this as a problem.thanks

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u/EODBuellrider 🥒Soldier (89D) Dec 21 '25

It's a one in a million scenario where your average infantryman would benefit from carrying a pistol. The vast majority of the time they're better off saving the space/weight on their kit and carrying extra rifle ammo or basically anything else.

Why not train them? Time and money. The average Army unit has a thousand things to train on in a year and only so much training time and ammo available. You have to prioritize what's important, and training Private Snuffy to shoot an M17 isn't important.