Is it common to not record pistol qualifications?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 07:55:59 -0500

At the M4 range, there is typically an M9 range as well. Some of us were able to shoot the M9 qualification but were told that it would be unofficial, and not tracked on our ERB. I was told this is how its always been.. What's the reasoning behind this?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 13 at 2021 8:14 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 08:14:41 -0500

Is it your authorized Weapon?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2021 10:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 10:56:38 -0500

It's based on your assigned weapon. If your assigned weapon is not an M9, then it's not gonna be listed as official.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2021 12:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 12:37:24 -0500

By authorized we mean it is the weapon linked to your MTOE billet you are occupying.

When I deployed as a SGT I was issued a pistol and had to qualify with it.

No one cared about tracking it but they kept the score cards out mobilization packet

I managed to get a copy of my signed qual card and when de mobilized was able to get pistol expert added to my out processing DD214

A small win for the little guy

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 13 at 2021 2:59 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 14:59:35 -0500

From the viewpoint of an Air Force guy this is strange. Some Air Force personnel qualify with weapons. Security Forces get to use all the fun stuff in addition to pistol and rifle. Aircrew officers qualify with pistol. During my time, aircrew enlisted qualified with rifle and pistol. We were limited in the number of rounds we could fire during training and qualification due to cost and would never have been allowed to train or qualify on a weapon we weren't required.

Reading the post, I'm asking myself, why were Soldiers allowed to train and qualify on a weapon other than that they were assigned? What about the cost of the ammunition? Instructor time? If the use of the range was unofficial, was it safe? If the Service is going to expend the personnel and materiel cost to allow Soldiers to qualify on multiple weapons, then the training and qualification should be formally recorded. If you do the work you should get the credit.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2021 3:09 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 15:09:53 -0500

"Unofficial" is a little misleading.
A record fire is a record fire, and is (should be) recorded as such in DTMS, even if you have more than one.
As far as your ERB goes, there is only one line, so that will be your assigned weapon.
As far as USR goes, it is (again) only the record on your assigned weapon, which sounds like M4.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 17 at 2021 10:28 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:28:45 -0500

If you were assigned the M9 then your qualification would be recorded. If not, then not. I've always taken advantage of the opportunity to shoot M9. I usually score all hits, but occasionally I miss one or two. Eleven times I've qualified expert...not on my ERB...Not my assigned weapon. Still, it was fun every chance I got. Besides, at least I knew I could pick it up from the sacrificed LT and use it when it was needed.