Understanding side arms in the military

Hey, I'm just a junior thinking about future career paths and the military keeps coming up. I've been watching a lot of military movies lately, and I'm curious about the side arms used in different branches of the military. Can anyone provide some insight here?

Sure, I'm happy to share some information on the side arms used by the various branches of the U.S. military.

The standard-issue pistol across all U.S. military branches is the SIG Sauer P320, designated as the M17 (full size) or M18 (compact). This weapon replaced the Beretta M9, which itself had replaced the venerable M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol. The SIG Sauer M17/M18 uses 9mm ammunition and was adopted for its versatility, reliability, and ease of use.

While these are the standard, that doesn't mean they are the only sidearms you'll see. Specialized units often have more latitude in their choice of equipment. For instance, the U.S. Marine Corps' special operations units have been known to use the Glock 19, while the Naval Special Warfare units (a.k.a. the Navy SEALs) used the SIG Sauer P226 for many years before transitioning to the Glock 19 as well.

It's important to note that while sidearms play a role in the tools available to military personnel, they're generally considered a secondary weapon. They're used when a service member's primary weapon (generally a rifle or carbine) isn't available or would be impractical. Emphasis in training is placed more on the primary weapon systems.

Remember though, while it's interesting to know about the weapons used, a military career involves more than just equipment. It's also about the role or job you want to perform and how you see your overall career trajectory. Consider different branches' cultures, benefits, and mission to make an informed decision if you decide to pursue this path.