Can personal firearms be used in Iraq?

[Shooterer]

Here is my story.

A friend of mine who is an officer in the military has been just shipped over to a forward base in Iraq. I received an email just after she reached the base with the news that she was issued an “M-16” even though all her training was on an M-4 (it is a length of pull thing, she a small woman) and that they are out of side arms and she’ll “have to wait” to be issued one.

My question is can I buy a Berretta (I’ll need help with which sub model to buy) and send it to her to use? (I know there might be “staw” issues there)

Any info would help.

She said no, but sometimes people are afraid to ask or there may be a “don’t ask don’t tell” thing.

Thanks,
Shooterer

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[A1C Lickey]

No. If she's an officer and she were caught doing that she would end up in quite a bit of trouble.

[jpedone76]

Nope, I wish we could though. Also, I wish I could have taken along some good +P hp ammo. It doesn't seem right that our enemy can use what ever they want and we can't. I say we just nuke em all!!!

[BigEFan]

I believe itis illegal to export firearms but don't quote me on that. I doubt the DoD would appreciate getting a firearm at an APO either.

As a side, we continue to pray for your friend and her colleagues who are paying dearly for all of us. She is a hero in my book and I appreciate her service. Please pass on my support to her.

[Skygod]

Absolutley no POW's are allowed to be carried, much less transported into theater. What you are issued is what you will carry.

I've heard others on other boards claim that they have taken their pistols into theater in Iraq and Afghan. They clearly have no military experience and are posing as an soldier.

You might see other weapons on contractors thighs and in their hands, but their under the direction of the State Department/DSS not the military.

[SIGguy229]

General Order #1--no privately owned weapons (among other things)

Believe me, if I could take my SIG--I would in a heartbeat.

Now, there are exceptions, but then that is why they are called "unconventional" forces.

Do not try to purchase a firearm and ship it overseas--it would be illegal and bad.

Tell me, is she AF? It sounds like that is something they would do.

[srfl]

Please wish her well.

As in officer in Iraq, as I was in 2003 when I was deployed, I wish I was issued an M-16 instead of the alleged M9 that was in armory at the time.

[JD]

I've seen people smuggle their own sidearms in, it is not advised, as stated purchasing a gun for another person and shipping it over seas is a big no-no.

Tell her to talk to the unit armorer and see if they will install an M4 style stock on her 16

[MitchellCT]

Can she simply purchase a firearm from a street vendor and keep it hidden till the SHTF?

[JD]

Can she simply purchase a firearm from a street vendor and keep it hidden till the SHTF?

Different culture over there, handguns are a status symbol, almost impossible to get on the street, and it's hard to hide an AK.

[Skygod]

General Order #1--no privately owned weapons (among other things)

Believe me, if I could take my SIG--I would in a heartbeat.

Now, there are exceptions, but then that is why they are called "unconventional" forces.

Do not try to purchase a firearm and ship it overseas--it would be illegal and bad.

Tell me, is she AF? It sounds like that is something they would do.

SOF Forces do NOT carry any POW's. Army SF still carry/issued Beretta M9's, SEALs the Sig P226, Marine MARSOC/MSOAG the 1911. Army Rangers the Beretta M9, etc.

These are all issued weapons, not POW's.

[SIXTO]

Yup. A huge no no. I do know of some who have, but they risk a lot by doing so. Pilots are well known for this, but they are known to do what the want anyway.

[QKShooter]

Shooterer - you would be in violation of a hefty list of Fed laws if you did that and you would be looking from the inside out of GrayBar Institute.
It's an absolute no-can-do and you would do guaranteed real time if you got caught.

[Herknav]

Pilots are well known for this, but they are known to do what the want anyway.

All I can speak for is the C-130 world, and I have not seen this.

The AF, as an organization, is pretty hoplophobic. I've seen aircrew get funny looks for the knife they were carrying.

[srfl]

All I can speak for is the C-130 world, and I have not seen this.

The AF, as an organization, is pretty hoplophobic. I've seen aircrew get funny looks for the knife they were carrying.

Very, very true.

My earlier post was based on my wing commander in Iraq not authorizing personnel in carrying weapons at our base...unless they were on-duty security forces or AFOSI agents.

Mind you, he carried an M9 in a shoulder holster all of the time.

No weapons in a war zone...how foolish is that??