SmokeySam81
Member
I wanted one most of the time, and had one part of the time. As a backup incase of malfunctions, and as a primary if poking around in houses or tunnels. The rifle however, will always be my weapon of choice beyond ten yards.
Maybe it should be mostly a matter of choice (when the soldier has a choice),
Armchair experts tend to want more ammo for a primary weapon.
I've been in Iraq in every year for the last 4 years. I've "been there" and I'm just an Army JAG. I've spent a lot of time outside the wire in all sorts of vehicles (air and ground) (and a fair bit on foot).
Modern combat veterans generally prefer both a primary and a sidearm. Modern "combat" frequently involves VERY confined quarters of riding in HMMWVs, MRAPs, RG33s, Blackhawks, etc... where wielding and firing an M4 would be impractical or flat out impossible. Or even in meetings with locals where you may set your M4 down but you want to keep your M9 on your person.
M.P's have a sidearm and either a m-16/m-4 or SAW or M-60 or M-2 50 Cal, M-203 Grenade launcher. Convoy escort in some places is combat. M.P's now can get the C.I.B.