Are Vehicle Recovery Personnel Required to Carry a Pistol as a Secondary Weapon in the Army?

Often misunderstood, the question of what secondary weapons vehicle recovery personnel in the army carry is a common one. This article delves into the realities and dispels some myths surrounding this issue.

The State of Secondary Weaponry

According to records, vehicle recovery personnel in the US Army are not authorized to carry secondary weapons like pistols as part of their standard equipment. Their primary weapons are rifles, not pistols. However, there are specific cases where pistols may be issued to certain individuals. For instance, in the 1990s, an actual vehicle recovery guy used an outdated M3A1 Grease gun, a weapon primarily dated to the mid-20th century. Despite its historical significance, this weapon is no longer a secondary choice for recovery personnel.

Historical Context and Current Standards

Back in the mid-1990s, while I was a medic, I had the opportunity to assist in a rail-load team. One of the tasks involved unloading gear at Yermo, en route to the National Training Center in California. During this time, I had an insightful conversation with a tank recovery specialist using an M88 recovery vehicle. What struck me was the type of weapon he was armed with: an M3A1 Grease gun, a weapon that was adopted more than 50 years prior. Moreover, these soldiers often had to purchase their own ammunition to qualify with this outdated weapon, highlighting the impracticality of secondary weapons for vehicle recovery personnel.

Current Practices and Reasons

A key reason provided for the lack of secondary weapons is the stowage rack issue. The M88 recovery vehicle had a designated place to store the M3A1 Grease gun, which did not fit other weapons. In a combat area, additional defensive measures are usually in place, such as a .50 Browning machine gun mounted on the commander’s hatch for self-defense. Typically, at least one or two rifles or carbines may be issued to a recovery team for self-defense and for carrying out guard duties.

It’s important to note that the need for a secondary weapon is less for drivers, cooks, and personnel who work with their hands with a small risk of combat exposure. These individuals are usually issued pistols to minimize the need to fumble with a rifle. Additionally, the primary focus of vehicle recovery personnel is on repairing and salvaging vehicles, not engaging in combat. Therefore, the expectation is that they will be armed with an M4, a versatile and reliable choice for various tasks.

British Army Comparison

In the British Army, the situation is slightly different but still adheres to similar principles. Vehicle recovery personnel there are typically armed with rifles or carbines. While pistols might be issued to some, they are not considered a standard secondary weapon. The emphasis is on ensuring personnel have the necessary tools for vehicle recovery without overburdening them with heavy weaponry. The use of a large spanner or wrench as a secondary weapon is humorous but highlights the practicality of tools over firearms for this role.

It is essential to understand that the requirement for secondary weapons varies based on the specific role, the environment, and the mission. In the case of vehicle recovery personnel, the focus remains on the efficient and practical execution of their critical tasks, rather than the generalized need for a secondary weapon.

Conclusion

The issue of secondary weaponry for vehicle recovery personnel in the army is highly nuanced. While historical practices may differ, modern standards prioritize the effective and practical use of weapons tailored to specific roles and environments. Understanding these nuances helps clarify the real-world realities and dispels common myths surrounding this topic.

Keywords: vehicle recovery, secondary weapon, military gear