Quote:
Originally Posted by HorseSoldier
Depending on the MTOE, probably none in the T2K timeline (though the basis of issue for the HK CAW is an open question).
Real world, in the SF unit I was in we had about a million shotguns on the inventory. No idea who they belonged to on paper (ODAs versus support units, etc.) but in practice three per ODA for ballistic breaching and spares from there. In the current light cavalry unit I'm in we have (I think) eight for the troop authorized, though none on hand since shotguns are being issued above and beyond the authorized MTOE for conventional units down range, again for ballistic breaching.
Real world US military -- even white side SOF -- privately owned weapons downrange can be a career killing error, possibly even leading to criminal prosecution. I know some people whose careers in SF were essentially destroyed because they went downrange with personally owned sidearms that were better quality/better weapons than the M9 (well, because they got caught with them, anyway). Even the super cool kids on the black side do not, as far as I know, take stuff they bought themselves anywhere, they just are in units that have latitude to color further outside the lines on acquiring and issuing odd stuff.
T2K -- I think any unit with any motor transport to speak of would be a traveling bazaar of odds and ends, weapons wise. Guys who have to haul everything they own on their backs aren't likely to squirrel away a 9mm sub gun and a couple pistols and an AKSU and a nice 30-06 hunting rifle they happened upon along the way, but if you can chuck that stuff in the back of a truck or an APC it's wide open game on sort of stuff unless the command environment goes out of its way to discourage it.
Our shotguns were strictly used for breaching -- set up with pistol grips only, nothing but #9 birdshot or product designed breaching rounds loaded and carried, and shotguns carried on an empty chamber or an expended round still in the chamber at all times except when actively 'gunning a door. (That latter required SOP after a SEAL managed to shoot another SEAL in the clown shoes with a slung shotgun (loaded, safety off) during training -- yet another entry in the highlight reel for the Sleep Eat And Lift boys.)
Real world US military the only other people who drew from the Ammo Supply Point I got my bombs and bullets from with shotguns in the inventory were several MP companies. The Sergeant Major who ran the ASP frequently noted (as I was signing for several thousand rounds of #9 birdshot for breaching and 00 buckshot for fighting applications) that he was always amazed that you apparently couldn't pay those MP units to do anything with their issued shotguns at all. Literally most FYs they fired a grand total of zero rounds of shotgun ammo.
Which honestly makes sense -- civilian LE uses shotguns partly because of institutional conservatism and partly for liability concerns (rifle bullets having the external ballistics to accidentally kill someone quite a bit further downrange than shotgun pellets), but are increasingly switching to the M4 or similar patrol carbines. If you've got an M4 you don't really need a shotgun for any LE application (except, here in Alaska, putting down the odd moose or bear).
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Well on the Civilian LE side of thing for many years the various SWAT and other Tactical units have used some versions of the M16, Uzi, and MP5 for several years. That little bank robbery in south L. A. with them wearing their home made bullet proof suites has lead to more of these weapons to find their way in the hand of the normal patrol officers. Still there plenty who still have shotguns too. Especially road patrol officers I can see them having both weapons, shotgun up front with them and the carbine/rifle/smg in the trunk.
As for light units in the t2k on the move, I am sure they would find a way to move their cache of weapons as well as all their other equipment to their new digs. The Mechanized/Armor/Motorized units have the advantage of having their regular vehicle on hand to help in the move.
Not saying that troops no matter if they regulars, Special Ops types, Reserve, or National Guard would deployed with unauthorized weapons, but as the fighting continues and the need for specialize weapons come to light. Some people will have light fingers and liberate what they need in the field. Where as WWII, Korea, and Vietnam it happen as soon as the troops were committed, in the t2k war I see it taking a tad longer for troops and their Commanders realize at times their authorize TO&E doesn't take into account all situations. Lot of the shotguns would be pick up due to the amount of MOUT fighting that unit would encounter. The Hunting Rifle would be pick up later say 1999 and later. As for pistols and SMGs, will they will be pick up at first as war bounty. Later they may come in handy.
Honestly by 1998 lot of the rules and regulation will start to erode due to the high volume of people who are now in jobs they haven't been totally trained for. Also with the number of sailors and airmen who are transferred to security and other combat units would probably bring all assortment of weapons along with them. A Command can try to complain and belly ache that the weapons belongs to them, but they wouldn't want to ship a troops unarmed to other posting either in t2k war. One where the enemy who at the start of the day were miles aways could show up at any time, under certain circumstances.
Just some thoughts.