U.S. Army - Choosing/Using Weapon other than M16?

Question

I have heard rumors that a soldier has the option to purchase his main combat weapon so long that it follows NATO specs. I can't find any information confirming that or discrediting it.

I know the M16A2 is standard issue but it makes sense that one can purchase and supply their own weapon system. Also like replacing the Berreta M9 for something more reliable (yet still 9mm).

p.s. M4 is not what I'm asking.

Answer 1

Sorry 20 years in service never heard that, if u could buy the weapon of choice, how about ammunition, how are u going to keep yourself supplied??

Answer 2

No you can't. You will be issued the weapon that you need.

Regarding your choice: There are liability concerns - you are not  trained to use that weapon by the DOD.

And then there is weapons maintenance - you are not trained to maintain that weapon by the DOD.

The great thing about having a common weapon system is parts availability and interchangeability. Your weapon doesn't fit in there.

The M16 type weapon is a perfectly fine weapon.

Answer 3

no, i dont believe you're allowed to do that, the Army chooses your weapon for you, standard issue for the U.S. Army is the M4 Carbine Rifle.

Answer 4

I seriously doubt that, however, I did experience a couple of periods where secondary weapons were tolerated. In 1986 or 87 when Berreta's replaced the .45's those who were assigned side arms were allowed to leave their 9mm's behind and draw their own personal .45's. This was not an authorized departmental policy. It was at the Regimental level so I doubt it would fly had the unit not been a rapid deployment component.  

Answer 5

no, you are issued your weapon accordingly.

Answer 6

In some cases in some units the Marines will allow you to use a military caliber personal firearm as a secondary weapon.  Some Army units were doing it but I think that was stopped but not sure on that; my niece in the National Guard was allowed to take her 9mm Glock to iraq but still had a M9 issued.  The Marines were approving on a case by case basis some personal weapons (typically m14 variants) but that was usually higher ranking enlisted (Staff Sergeatand above) and Officers.  The lower ranks were not typically approved as the civilian versions of the rifles in 5.56 do not have the capability of automatic fire (full or burst) and have no advantage over the M-16 family used.  The M-14 variants (Springfield Armory mainly) had the advantage of using the 7.62 NATO round giving it better range and M-14 are semi-automatic; the problem with bringing the M-14 out of storage was that most were destroyed during the Clinton administration to save money (storage costs) so when they were being issued the stockpile was quickly depleted.  The Marines wanted one per squad (the desiganted marksman) and the Army then started the same idea and then the M-14's were gone.

Answer 7

Special Forces and Delta Force can choose weapons and in certain cases get a stipend to purchase them. This is rare and not an option for the majority of the Army.

M16A4 and M4 is the standard, they still use M16A2's in basic training.

But for the most part you do not have an option, you get what your leadership tells you.

I never had an issue with any of my issued weapons. Other than 9mm issued Mags, I know a lot of Soldiers that purchased there own cause the issued ones springs were ****.  

Answer 8

I think a lot of people from maybe the WWII era or earlier got an option to buy their weapon as long as it wasn't fully automatic,  but nothing today