Weapon Training and Usage in the British Army: Insights from an NCO Medical Technician
Understanding the Complexities of British Army Training
Is it true that all British Army soldiers receive training to shoot pistols, or is this a privilege reserved for officers only? The answer is more nuanced than one might imagine. While it is accurate that not all soldiers receive extensive pistol training, the specifics vary widely based on role, position, and operational requirements.
Training and Limitations in the Late 1980s and Early 1990s
As a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) medical technician in the British Army during the late 1980s and early 1990s, my experience with pistol training was limited. I received extensive training on the Sterling Submachine Gun (SMG), which required minimal knowledge as it was not one of the Army's most complex pieces of equipment. The Browning Hi-Power pistol, another weapon in my arsenal, provided less training. I only had the opportunity to fire it a couple of times a year during range days, having less than an hour of instruction. The Sterling SMG was the firearm I carried the most frequently, though even then, we were typically not allowed to have it loaded and were instead carried a loaded magazine in a webbing pouch in case someone was shot.
I often carried an SMG on guard duty, but the rules sometimes restricted us. For instance, when guarding married quarters during the First Gulf War, I was allowed to carry the SLR (Sidewinder Light Rifle), which required only basic instruction for safe handling. Even then, regular breaks in my training were necessary, with junior staff members performing the primary cleaning and maintenance tasks due to rank hierarchies.
The Evolution of Weapon Training in the British Army
The days where only officers were issued pistols are long gone. Modern British Army training is highly tailored towards the specific roles of the service member. Factors such as the type of opposition, the area of operation, and personnel requirements all influence what weapons an individual soldier may receive training on. Officers, for instance, may be issued a different weapon than their subordinates, and the designation of officers often includes the carrying of a pistol.
Examples of Weapon Training in Various Roles
During my time, as an officer stationed in Camp Bastion in 2008-2009, my personal weapon was the SA80 L85A2, and I did not also carry a pistol. Conversely, when serving as an officer in Sierra Leone on loan service in 2002-2003, I was issued an AK-47 and Makarov 9mm pistol as a side arm. In Northern Ireland, junior ranks operating covertly often carried a pistol while riding in a car, but had a long gun stored elsewhere in the vehicle. Very senior officers, such as Lt Col H Jones in the Falklands Conflict, were known to carry a weapon, often an SMG.
Tank crews, on the other hand, carried a SA80 carbine L22A2, not a pistol. Similarly, helicopter aircrew are typically issued with a pistol for their operations. This variability in weapon issuance and training underscores the British Army's adaptable approach to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its personnel in diverse roles and environments.
Conclusion
While it is not accurate to claim that only officers are trained to shoot pistols in the British Army, such training certainly varies. Factors including role, position, and operational context determine which weapons individuals receive training on and which they are permitted to carry in the line of duty. Understanding these dynamics provides a clearer picture of the British Army's multifaceted approach to weaponry and training.