So if sidearms are so invaluable, why are entire infantry regiments deissuing them from combat troops?
Not being a smart-alec, just trying to get folks to think outside a traditional box. I can tell you why my infantry command deissued them in combat.
Why are they doing so ? I read where many other countries are issueing Glocks to most troops ,all SOF troops and alot of other troops . BTW don't take it as SA ,
In 2006-2007, serving in Haditha with 2/3 Infantry (highly kinetic, 40 KIA in our TF, 3-400 wounded), within a month of high intensity combat, my men were requesting to turn in their sidearms as they were ineffective against the enemy, and they more greatly feared losing them. That was a grass roots voluntary movement. In 2008 in Fallujah, policy was to not issue sidearms and call back any that were; all those who usually only carry a sidearm were issued M4s, and as many as could swap out the A4 for an M4, did. Again, reason cited, combat ineffective against the enemy who was firing from distance and/or from cover. The M4 can serve both in CQB (room clearing) and open spaces equally. Our enemy does not assault in waves against a defensive position to where we'd run out of ammo, fix bayonets and draw our sidearm to defend flag and fatherland. I've been on several hundred patrols, on foot and mounted, dozens of kinetic engagements in which the enemy will make contact, fall back, resume contact, fall back, and so on until they've faded into the back drop. Or snipe from cover, or use indirect fire (mortars), or IEDs. We've had a vest wearing suicide bomber soak up 9mm while continuing to move forward and still detonate within range of a target. Policy changed to engage with 5.56. I've not served with specops folks since the late 80s, so I can only speak to Marine infantry.
The sidearm is still kept in inventory, still issued to garrison, detainee guards, some specops units (who represent a small % of the total combat force). Some units will still draw sidearms and issue to non-combatants, or primarily vehicle mounted troops. My units actually preferred M4s for drivers, etc. because when you get hit in an ambush, you want everybody able to engage the enemy at range. As a combat backup piece, my grunts preferred more mags and a big knife over a sidearm pound for pound.
This conversation cannot be held in the vacum of personal preference. It has to be held understanding the current combat conditions, current combat loadouts (back when I carried a 45 and an M60 in the 80s, I wasn't also wearing 50# in protective gear), and current warfighting doctrine.
