To supplement Whacko's experience, the Military Officers and SNCOs that I've had to process to go to CRC at Ft Bliss enroute to assignments in theater are no longer authorized M9, must draw M4. Only exceptions are with a 1 Star Memorandum.
The M9 is limited use in combat. The USMC has begun transitioning all rifle(wo)men to the M4 specifically because of the Urban Combat issues with the M16A2/A4 (length of weapon).
The Military Police will have the most impact/input to the change. They are required to qualify most often ("Road" MPs are required quarterly quals). Hell, I know some SNCOs who've gone a 20+ year career without being in a position to qualify.
The money could be much better spent on items that would affect the safety of the Soldier. Let's spend it on new flame retardant fabrics, lighter armor, etc....
Aloha
The M9 is limited use in combat. The USMC has begun transitioning all rifle(wo)men to the M4 specifically because of the Urban Combat issues with the M16A2/A4 (length of weapon).
The Military Police will have the most impact/input to the change. They are required to qualify most often ("Road" MPs are required quarterly quals). Hell, I know some SNCOs who've gone a 20+ year career without being in a position to qualify.
The money could be much better spent on items that would affect the safety of the Soldier. Let's spend it on new flame retardant fabrics, lighter armor, etc....
Aloha