Tomb of the Unknowns Guards Begin Use of Custom M17 Pistols

[Bruce McAskill]

There are somethings that are better left the way they were. Sig is using this to help them hold onto the new contract to replace the Beretta pistol and trying to sell them to the civilian side. The pistols are considered to be bad to start with. Do not drop one that is loaded as it may just discharge. Then when you shoot and have fired a full magazine look to the right and half of the rounds are on the ground unfired. The Navy has been holding off on these for the Marines and the Navy because of the problems with them. Sig has know about these all the way back to the Sig 250 and still have not gotten a proper fix for them. In fact the Army designed a new ball ammo round for them and the pistols do not feed them reliably at all. The new hollow point rounds they also designed does feed better. Problematic pistols at best and they are issuing them to our troops over seas in combat.

[pocketshaver]

the m17 pistol is fine, it was the civilian version that had an issue that when dropped a specific way, from a specific height, like upside down with a cocked hammer and a chambered round with the hammer hitting at a 35 degree angle from 6'.... yada yada

the whole ceremonial thing is just a gimmick. Arlington and every other national cemetery is supposed to be a somber event. BLING is bad. Only bling they need and should have is the dress uniform.

as for a side arm they actually don't need one. But if they DID need one it should a standard mil spec 1911A1

[Gil Boyd]

It is a unique location and affords thousands of visitors remembrance of sacrifice on a massive scale by the United States of America.

These men are hand picked to do this roll, and take pride in their respective parts at the cemetery.
Like ANY drill team, including our very own RAF Regiment drill team here in the UK, they formalise dress and customs to suit the fad of their OIC at the time, and because Commonwealth countries discourage sunglasses on ceremonial occasions, this location is slightly different, because they are there 24/7.
To see soldiers in the UK for instance, just wearing their service dress in pouring rain is ridiculous, but those who have served will know what I mean.
These Marines are kitted out for all elements that can be thrown at them and good luck to them, they still look smart and respectful IMHO.

One has to assume the weapons are loaded but as stated, if their pistols are named individually, again that was probably influenced by those who can best make decisions on that and for good reason.
The country is rightfully proud and so are those tasked with their rolls there on a daily basis in rain or shine.

On a lighter note, if you want to see really bad drill, look at The Parachute Regiment changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace.....................we just don't do drill or shiny things including ruining dull boots by making them shiny

[Bruce McAskill]

The report on the problems with these pistols is from the military and not the civilian market place.

[Brian Dick]

Hi Gil, it's the 3rd Infantry Division "Old Guard" in the dress blue uniform. They aren't Marines. As for sunglasses, I'm not on board. It's what we used to call "too Hollywood". I still have vivid memories of them being smashed by drill instructors at Fort Benning when we were fresh off the bus. Not mine of course, I've always been blind as a bat so had regular glasses! I can see them being used in the field but not on the parade ground anywhere.

[Gil Boyd]

Brian,
Thanks for that, yes remembered later who they were. They are of course doing "their own thing" in a cpative audience location.
Good look to them, whichever way you cut it, they are showing respect thats what its all about IMHO!

[Paul S.]

… we just don't do drill or shiny things including ruining dull boots by making them shiny

LOL! I loved that comment, because I could never make sense of shining a pair of boots, and then going bush and trying to hide from people. Shiny anything and hiding? Counter intuitive. I had a pair of 'going bush' only boots back in the day that looked like they were suede leather.

[Gil Boyd]

Paul,
It reminds me of being a very clever young soldier once when a certain brand of leather polish came out that shone like a sixpence on all leather from the U.S.
The brand name escapes me.

All you did was paint it on carefully and no Sergenat Major could really notice unless he got down on the floor, other than to remark how much work had gone into the result and made everyone else take note as to the standard required in future..................................then one day it rained on parade.
No one tells you on the instruction label.............. the boots went white.

I spent a few days in the room where the sun leaves its suntan in stripes on your face, and I had plenty of time to reflect on bulling boots because the CSM gave me the whole Platoons to bull whilst I was in custody..............lesson learnt

[browningautorifle]

CSM gave me the whole Platoons to bull whilst I was in custody.

Well, you had time, didn't you?

[Gil Boyd]

Better than peeling spuds Jim, lost my fingerprint on my right index finger for a few years