What Pistols Do the Military Use?
The military uses a variety of pistols for different purposes, including self-defense, combat, and special operations. The choice of pistol depends on the specific needs of the military unit, the environment, and the mission. Here, we’ll explore the different types of pistols used by the military and their characteristics.
What Pistols Do the Military Use?
The military uses a range of pistols, including:
- Handguns: These are the most common type of pistol used by the military. They are designed for self-defense and are typically carried by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.
- Submachine guns: These are compact, fully automatic pistols that are designed for close-quarters combat. They are often used by special operations forces and SWAT teams.
- Machine pistols: These are fully automatic pistols that are designed for sustained fire. They are often used by military units that require a high volume of firepower.
Handguns Used by the Military
Here are some of the most common handguns used by the military:
| Pistol | Caliber | Country of Origin | Military Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| M9 Beretta | 9x19mm | Italy | US Army, US Marine Corps |
| M11 Glock | 9x19mm | Austria | US Navy, US Air Force |
| HK USP | 9x19mm | Germany | US Army, US Marine Corps |
| Sig Sauer P226 | 9x19mm | Switzerland | US Navy, US Air Force |
| Glock 19 | 9x19mm | Austria | US Army, US Marine Corps |
Submachine Guns Used by the Military
Here are some of the most common submachine guns used by the military:
| Submachine Gun | Caliber | Country of Origin | Military Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP5 | 9x19mm | Germany | US Navy SEALs, US Army Special Forces |
| HK MP7 | 4.6x30mm | Germany | US Army Special Forces, US Marine Corps |
| FN P90 | 5.7x28mm | Belgium | US Army Special Forces, US Navy SEALs |
| HK UMP | 9x19mm | Germany | US Army Special Forces, US Marine Corps |
Machine Pistols Used by the Military
Here are some of the most common machine pistols used by the military:
| Machine Pistol | Caliber | Country of Origin | Military Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| HK MP5K | 9x19mm | Germany | US Army Special Forces, US Marine Corps |
| FN P90 TR | 5.7x28mm | Belgium | US Army Special Forces, US Navy SEALs |
| HK UMP45 | 45x13mm | Germany | US Army Special Forces, US Marine Corps |
Why Do the Military Use Pistols?
The military uses pistols for a variety of reasons, including:
- Self-defense: Pistols are used for self-defense in close-quarters combat situations.
- Combat: Pistols are used in combat situations where a rifle or machine gun is not practical or effective.
- Special operations: Pistols are used by special operations forces, such as Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces, for covert operations and hostage rescue missions.
- Training: Pistols are used for training purposes, such as marksmanship training and close-quarters combat training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military uses a range of pistols for different purposes, including self-defense, combat, and special operations. The choice of pistol depends on the specific needs of the military unit, the environment, and the mission. From handguns to submachine guns to machine pistols, each type of pistol has its own unique characteristics and advantages.
