I've mentioned this a number of times in past threads - not every soldier had a sidearm - their primary weapon is a long gun.
Sidearms went to those whose Military Occupational Specialty required them by the Table of Organization and Equipment of a unit - that part's spelled out.
Officers/NCOs - whose job it is to lead and direct - though many Infantry leaders 'mask' their position by use of a rifle so they blend in - snipers always go for the guy who's 'different'.
Tankers - so they remain armed when dismounting - submachineguns are in the vehicle.
Pilots/Aircrew - though many in Vietnam stuck something alongside their seat.
Machinegunners - their primary weapon is crew-served, but they need to remain armed.
MPs -- shotguns/rifles are in the vehicle.
The vast number will carry the rifle - that's their job - 'to close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver' and that's best achieved by aimed rifle fire.
During past wars, Cavalry carried both revolver and carbine and mostly fought on foot - and yeah, I know all about skirmishes like Brandy Station and Wilson's Creek - the truth of the matter was that 'marksmanship' was not stressed then as it is today and if any accuracy at all was to be expected, then it came from a rifle or carbine.
Hollywood's artistic licence has really skewed the reality of the situation - not every soldier's a sniper - not every casualty's shot by one, either - sometimes, that's the luck of the draw.
Sidearms went to those whose Military Occupational Specialty required them by the Table of Organization and Equipment of a unit - that part's spelled out.
Officers/NCOs - whose job it is to lead and direct - though many Infantry leaders 'mask' their position by use of a rifle so they blend in - snipers always go for the guy who's 'different'.
Tankers - so they remain armed when dismounting - submachineguns are in the vehicle.
Pilots/Aircrew - though many in Vietnam stuck something alongside their seat.
Machinegunners - their primary weapon is crew-served, but they need to remain armed.
MPs -- shotguns/rifles are in the vehicle.
The vast number will carry the rifle - that's their job - 'to close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver' and that's best achieved by aimed rifle fire.
During past wars, Cavalry carried both revolver and carbine and mostly fought on foot - and yeah, I know all about skirmishes like Brandy Station and Wilson's Creek - the truth of the matter was that 'marksmanship' was not stressed then as it is today and if any accuracy at all was to be expected, then it came from a rifle or carbine.
Hollywood's artistic licence has really skewed the reality of the situation - not every soldier's a sniper - not every casualty's shot by one, either - sometimes, that's the luck of the draw.
