Originally Posted by pdf27

Given that pistols are effing useless as a weapon outside of some very limited circumstances, carrying backups like that is just a waste of weight. Particularly considering that it is extremely rare for a military assault rifle to break down completely, and that soldiers will very rarely be in major firefights at less than Platoon strength. The extra weight is far more usefully used carrying extra ammunition, grenades and water. Carrying extra weight slows you down, and makes you far more likely to get shot.

In fact the only thing that concerns me about that report was that the officer was carrying a pistol. Pistols, radios and the like suddenly make you a priority target for those who don't like you in the vicinity. Radios are unavoidable (although things like PRR help enormously) but pistols are just unneccesary.