What to take to Afghanistan...

[Collector0311]

So it looks like I'll be able to take my own pistol over, but can't bring it back. Which means I'll have to sell it to the unit replacing me. What's a cheap, rugged 9mm that I can wield with gloves, but is still somewhat compact? Thanks for any help

 

[Sam1911]

Under what orders are you allowed to take a firearm into theater with you when you deploy?

 

[Collector0311]

None, there's no customs check on the way out. Just back. And we aren't getting them issued to people who need them. So we adapt.

 

[BADUNAME13]

Used Beretta for ~ $300.

Parts, mags etc...

At minimum 9mm, ammo.

Blend in.

 

[txhoghunter]

Not my field of expertise at all but, Glock? Or for about the same price a Beretta 92 so that (i believe) you can use the same magazines as those used by issued M9's. I don't know what you meant by "cheap" but if I was deploying, I don't know that I would spend much less than what those sidearms cost since my life would depend on it.

 

[Sam1911]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=475996

You really, REALLY want to make sure you aren't walking into a huge mistake.

 

[Grunt Medic TXARNG]

Under USCENTCOM General Order #1, the following are prohibited activities;

purchase, possession, use or sale of privately owned firearms, ammunition, explosives, or the introduction of these items into the USCENTCOM AOR.

I'm assuming you are military, and thus subject to the UCMJ. If you violate an order like this, you are subject to punishment including reduction in rank, fine, restriction, extra duty, REFRAD back to the States, and discharge. It's just not worth it.

Just because YOU feel you need a sidearm in addition to your rifle does not mean the Army will issue you one. And yes, some people have done this and gotten away with it - but it's your career you're risking any time you disobey orders.

 

[Collector0311]

Better my career than my life.

 

[Bonesinium]

If you have the (unofficial) approval of your unit commander, are part of an advon, or are one of the people in charge of building the pallets/packing the equipment, then I guess I could see you bringing your personal sidearm (though illegally). When transitioning out to the AOR, you could potentially be stopping in a number of different countries, so unless you have it with the gear, if you are personally carrying it, or even if it is in your checked baggage, you could issues.

Are you flying out on a rotator (DoD commercial) or on military aircraft?

What is your specialty/MOS?

Are you going to be on a major airfield/base or outside the wire or at a FOB?

These all matter, because depending on your answers, not only would it be impractical, useless, and potentially dangerous, but it can get you arrested.

You more than likely don't need to bring a personal firearm, and shouldn't.

 

[Collector0311]

We are flying on mil-air. I'm an 0311 (USMC infantryman) and this pump will be squad sized element PB's (patrol bases) meaning I'll be spending 3-4 months at a time with no more than 13 Marines living and operating in presence patrols in and around key villages

 

[RhinoDefense]

I would point you to www.m4carbine.net and ask there. There are professional warriors that have in-country experience that will help you so much more that the civilians here. Not a knock against this site, but certain topics are not THR material.

 

[Collector0311]

Message received

 

[mljdeckard]

Dude, seriously. Don't violate the general orders. The circumstances under which the possession of a pistol will make the difference between your living or dying when you will have a rifle on you at all times are so narrow as to be ridiculous.

I went around and around with my command on this. I have them all completely convinced that the army gives inferior pistol training, the M-9 is a poor choice to equip an inexperienced co-ed force, the ammunition that the army uses for pistols is terrible, and that I could do a much better job of training them for pistol fighting than army doctrine. NONE OF THIS MATTERS. This is one of those; "You don't have to like it, you just have to do it" moments. It doesn't matter if your CO says he will cover you. YOU will agree to and be briefed on all general orders before you leave, and when you arrive. You will sign a roster saying that you received this and you understand. This will be prosecution exhibit C.

Use your rifle and be glad that you won't be forced to draw a pistol when people are engaging you with rifles.

 

[Rocketmedic]

Dude, don't do it. You'll never draw the thing, and it'll just weigh you down. . A. Just use the extra space to carry more 5.56. Or a grenade. Or a radio. If you really want get one from your corpsman or somebody. Use issued weapons! sidearm is heavy and

 

[devildog4329]

What unit are you with. That is some shady stuff. Not only will you get fried for it but your whole chain of command. My guess is you are probably deploying with a company or battlion not a squad.

More than likley making a statement like I can take my own weapon to combat with me you are a junior enlisted man. Your Co. First Sergeant, Company Gunny, Platoon commander or platoon Sergeant will tell you that you are not allowed to do so.

If you got this information from a "Salty Lance" or team leader they are probably just screwing with you. Like "hey boot go to the motor pool and check out the humvee keys or go to supply and get some Chem light batteries."

After all this is said if i was you I would delete your posts here and not take a personal weapon with you. It is Illegal and now you have left a paper trail.

Sempir Fi. from Sgt. 0311

 

[cottonmouth]

I rarely saw a pistol leave the wire, I did carry mine out a few times then summer hit and I ditched the 9mm and carried more water. Try to get your hands on a shotgun when you get there and some buckshot, it'd be a good tool to have inside the wire.

J.B.

 

[Grunt Medic TXARNG]

As has been said, 'the purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you shouldn't have put down in the first place'. Maintain your M16 and it'll serve you just fine.

 

[shiftyer1]

I don't know what you can or cannot take, but if you are indeed serving thank you!

Also to those that have responded to this post that have......Thank you also!

 

[Shadow 7D]

HEY
Rhino defense, if you bother to check, most of those commenting on this thread

ARE
wait for it
ACTIVE MILITARY, or VETERANS WHO HAVE DEPLOYED TO SAID COUNTRIES.....
but this guy is a marine, and well.....
have fun dude, the brig is pretty boring from all the stories I was told when I was in, just lots of pointless details and time.

 

[StrawHat]

Collector0311 So it looks like I'll be able to take my own pistol over, but can't bring it back. Which means I'll have to sell it to the unit replacing me.

If your hell bent on having your own, just buy it from the guy your replacing.

Good luck over there.

 

[WC145]

You try taking a personally owned weapon over with you and someone is going to find out and you're going to get burned, guaranteed. I've been out 25 years and we didn't get to carry personal weapons back then, it hasn't changed any, deal with it.

My son is a USAF TACP, he's over there now (2nd deployment). He's been working with spec ops from all the branches of the US military, New Zealand, Denmark, etc. and he hasn't seen or heard of any personal weapons in use. Everything he's seen being carried is issued and mostly rifles, a few shotguns.

The only things he took over or had me send him were a couple of good quality knives, molle attachments for the Serpa holster he was issued for his M9, and a bunch of 30rd PMags fo his M4, quality boots and socks.

 

[inherentical]

I'd take the money you want to spend on a pistol and spend it on the best blade you can afford, along with a good sheath. You can find anything else you need once you get there.

 

[Rocketmedic]

+1 on the 'carry more water'. I took my side plates out, stripped my kit to bare essentials, and distributed most of the medical supplies around the vehicles and my body. My M9 stayed in the truck for most of the time.

Keep your rifle semi-clean and it will be far better than any pistol. Its also worth noting that the only guy shooting a 9mm in a rifle fight is at a severe disadvantage.

 

[R0CKETMAN]

Is it that hard to simply answer the OP's thread question?:banghead:

Glock 17 with a few key spare parts. Easy to address issues yourself in field.

 

[Zach S]

I would point you to www.m4carbine.net and ask there. There are professional warriors that have in-country experience that will help you so much more that the civilians here. Not a knock against this site, but certain topics are not THR material.

Agreed.

A Marine used to come into the store I'd hang out at when he was on leave. He got a few high-dollar items. An Aimpoint and mount come to mind, Surefire X200 with rail for an M9 (in case his didnt have one), but most of his other money was spent on magazines and surefire batteries.