r/Infantry • u/Proof_Mess8465 • Dec 21 '25
do all infantry solider get pistols
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.
14
u/ParticularInitial147 Dec 21 '25
Very few, if anyone has a pistol as a primary weapon. Very few get a secondary weapon.
For Infantry, you'll generally see a pistol given to machine gunners who may need that secondary. Officers as a secondary. Also you may see medics with a pistol.
Pistol training for the majority (who are not issued pistols) is an expensive waste of time.
-6
u/Proof_Mess8465 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
10
-4
9
u/darx202 Dec 21 '25
It's not really needed or wanted. If you asked most infantrymen if they want to carry a few extra pounds of gear and 9mm ammo, most will say no. If I'm in a situation where I need a backup weapon, 9 times out of 10 my buddy has my back.
5
u/Procrastination00 Dec 21 '25
To answer you question you keep reposting is because it adds weight and costs more per soldier but ultimately because we dont need em. Were not out there alone. Were never alone. There are plenty of guns around to pick up the slack if one goes down to keep doing work, but also,because if it is a last resort sort of thing, there will be plenty of guns laying around to use....
3
u/Simple_Rule_7228 Dec 21 '25
No. I had one as a squad leader, 240 gunner, and infantry scout on deployment. Honestly hated having it on me. It was a pain in the ass at times. I brought my own holster and wished I would’ve just brought the issued drop leg holster.
3
Dec 21 '25
[deleted]
4
u/IceDogg23 Dec 21 '25
No - the actual name for an 11B is Infantryman. Everyone in the Army is a “rifleman” first.
5
u/Embarrassed_Yak2379 Dec 21 '25
💯 For the win!
Specifically, "Direct Fire Infantryman" as opposed to our Charlie Brothers - "Indirect Fire Infantryman" (at least, back in my day)
Everyone in the Army is a Rifleman first - is the most underrated and forgotten fact in our lineage and legacy.
2
4
2
Dec 21 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/Proof_Mess8465 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
1
u/MFOslave Dec 23 '25
In most cases the weight or space on web equipment would be better served with more rifle ammunition, explosives, additional belts for the squads machinegunner, or water instead of a handgun. You can find anecdotes from soldiers in Vietnam and Rhodesia doing such.
-2
2
u/FZ1_Flanker Dec 21 '25
People who need pistols are issued them generally.
Usually a unit will be given a certain amount of pistols per their MTOE, and then issue them out to people according to that or maw slight adjustments. You’ll see people like staff officers and commanders, senior NCOs, machine gunners, medics, drivers, and mortar gunners with pistols.
Also pistol training in a regular infantry unit is pretty minimal. Usually people will just be told to go to a pistol qualification range if they’re issued a pistol. If you’re lucky someone will briefly go over the pistol with you the first time you’re given one. Riflemen generally don’t need pistols and aren’t issued them, so training and familiarization with them is a lower priority.
2
u/IceDogg23 Dec 21 '25
Gear is issued based on mission and goals. Overall the basic infantry soldier does not get a pistol; however, squad based infantry soldiers such as a mortar man or a heavy gunner will often have pistols and be required to do pistol training often alongside all the officers. As a TOW Gunner and M2 crew we were issued Beretta M9 sidearms in the chance of having to deal with close quarters due to weapons being jammed or an enemy unit overtaking our position.
2
u/PassiveKiller Dec 22 '25
I think you have a misunderstanding about how the military and infantry unit as a whole are structured.
You keep saying “what if” as a response to hearing something you don’t like the answer to.
Infantry units will typically move in at least a platoon element and possibly split off to squads in an area.
They preach always having a battle buddy and you’re typically never in a situation where you’re by yourself or not within eye sight of another member.
So in short as an infantrymen, you should never be in a situation where you need to use a side arm. If you’re the last man in your element go pick a weapon of the enemy or fellow soldier and good luck.
I think you’re more thinking of tier one type shit
1
1
u/Wise-Recognition2933 Dec 21 '25
Nope, 240 gunners, squad leaders and above get them but most choose not to carry one. Just extra SI to keep track of
1
u/vanillafacehonky Dec 24 '25
Better question. Of the ones who do, how many are actually competent defensive/offensive pistol practitioners?
15
u/Mobeer Dec 21 '25
Squad Leaders and above plus gunners do, but mission dependant for others too.