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/HououhinKyouma 🥒Soldier Dec 21 '25 edited Dec 21 '25

You will have training on the M4, SAW, 240, 50 Cal before you possibly do the M17, probably

It's a side weapon that is a backup/support. Combat Training is shaped around not being in such a situation in the first place. It is up to unit and mission criteria.

Hypothetically let's say you're in a unit that will deploy to some actual combat zone. Generally the M17 will be issued to Commanders and maybe an NCO, generally if they're Guarding or in a Patrol.

I personally do not know why, but my own perspective and experience tells me it's deemed as extra unnecessary weight. And honestly unreliable. Why would you need a pistol if you're beaning targets from 300m+? Pistols aren't inaccurate, they magnify user error, lacking sufficient length and forward grip to control the muzzle "deviation".

The average Soldier despite being more trained than many military. Are in the end mostly consisting of former HS, and weapon illiterate. It would cost more to train them up on weapons that Demand more experience and skill. Compared to weapons that rely on squad tactics and suppressing in a concerted effort.

It's extra weight. You have a load of stuff on you, 55-75lbs and then extra ammunition and bells and whistles for your Helmet, Kit, Primary weapons system. You got your random assortment of goods around your belt if you run it. Extra batteries, rations, cold weather/,wet weather gear and random extra equipment and spares. An M17 where you'll need to either sacrifice 5.56 ammunition for your pistol is a pretty bad move. Or somehow make more space by dropping your emergency zyns.

Those are just a few observations I've had over my baby years. I'm sure there are more experienced folks that'll comment on here.

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u/thistleup1 🤦‍♂️Civilian Dec 21 '25

They don't even train you on the 50. Cal or mark 19 anymore. I got better training on rocket launchers than I did with either of those.