yayarx7
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I have heard of some Security Forces types have to qualify with the 12 gauge but I believe that is for DOD base security. ( I looked it up and only one member of the SF squadron needs to be 12 ga qualified) The only 12 gauge I have ever seen on an air base belongs to the guy that shot it to chase off the birds on the runway. I could be wrong though
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I do not know what the current Defense Forces train with and are issued, but I would say that it is very likely dependent on theatre, command, base and unit. I was an 81152 in the late 70s/early 80s when Law Enforcement and Security Specialist were two separate AFSCs. I (and others) went to Camp Bullis, Texas for several weeks after the Security Police Academy for some "extras" that including the M60, hand grenades and the M203 40mm grenade launcher.
At duty stations, in addition to the standard sidearm (S&W model 15s); we had Remington 870s in some patrol vehicles, M16s (some with M203 40mm grenade launchers) and later CAR-15s were available for our "SWAT" unit. Security Specialists carried the S&W model 15s, M16s - and M60s on SAT teams.
I think the pilot weapons issue is probably no doubt like any other time in history during various hostile campaigns; what standard issue is, the rulebook says, and what is seen during the ORIs etc - is not necessarily all that goes into the air on operations.
The hand-carried baggage of pilots and aircrews in general are not searched when they go about their operational business - even on international flights from one U.S. base to another. I flew via Britain once (to take leave there enroute to Germany) with several handguns in a briefcase. When I got off the plane I walked around the terminal (think it was Mildenhall) and
had to ask for British Customs. I could of just strolled out of the terminal and got in a taxi and left.
They were very grateful I'd taken the trouble
to find them.
