Can personal firearms be used in Iraq?

[Ala Dan]

Just Wondering

Has military protocol changed since Viet-Nam? I how for a fact, that personal
sidearms were carried in the 'Nam; so how come our troops are not allowed to
do the same in Iraq or Afaganistan?

 

[CWL]

Ala Dan,

The US Military has changed alot over the decades. I remember when DIs were allowed to slap, punch and kick recruits -now they aren't even allowed to point their finger let alone touch anyone.

But to counter this, we now have a more professional all-volunteer force, their motivation comes from within. Some regulations are stupid, but most are meant to keep everyone safe both on the battlefield and in the courts.

 

[Sawyer]

if personal weapons aren't allowed, why are "found" AKs ok for troops to use?

 

[Xdtravis]

Pretty sad that we can get enough support to get some money over there to get them some weapons.....

On the other hand I wish her the best.

 

[Josh Aston]

if personal weapons aren't allowed, why are "found" AKs ok for troops to use?

They're not ok for troops to use, but just like the personal weapons that do find their way over there, sometimes the higher ups turn a blind eye.

 

[General Geoff]

Can personal weapons be used in Iraq? Sure.


Should they be used? Probably not.

 

[squadfounder]

I can just see it now if personal weapons were allowed, you'd have privates blowing scads of money on chrome pistols and sniper rifles that they simply don't need. It's already bad enough with the ridiculous knives the vendors sell. I for one would like the option to bring a personal weapon, but I can appreciate the problems it could cause if the practice were widespread.

My unit (82nd ABN) is pretty good about modifications, our m-4s already come issued with aimpoints or ACOGs, and accessories like forward grips and surefires are readily available from the armorer. If you want to add different accessories or change optics, that's fine, you'd just better be able to shoot with it.

 

[JamisJockey]

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Has military protocol changed since Viet-Nam? I how for a fact, that personal
sidearms were carried in the 'Nam; so how come our troops are not allowed to
do the same in Iraq or Afaganistan?

The best reason is uniformity of supply. If you and I are on a post in a fight for our lives, and we need to redistribute ammo, we'd better have the same damn ammo. If you run out of ammo for your super duper wonder pistol I can't just through you another mag, now, can I?
I can certainly see the value of carrying a Bug of somekind, maybe a keltec or .38spl....however, that extra weight could go towards ammo for the primary or secondary weapons.

 

[littlegator]

but it's near impossible to bring anything back.

That's the way it was in Vietnam.

I understand it was the same thing with the dogs that were used in Vietnam. Couldn't bring them back either. What a shame.