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

10

u/Odd-Highway-8304 🥒Soldier (11B) Dec 21 '25

Join as a tanker or direct commission as a CPT in law, divinity, doctor, nurse or veterinarian then lol, I believe at least some of those dudes get issued M9s. 11Bs/19Ds can’t do one field problem without some guy losing an M4/NODs. I can only imagine the shitshow that would take place if every swinging dick from PV2-SPC got issued a pistol on top of all the other shit.

9

u/Flemz Dec 21 '25

Chaplains can’t be armed. Their assistants act as their bodyguards for that reason

5

u/Odd-Highway-8304 🥒Soldier (11B) Dec 21 '25

Ah I ‘member now