The Likelihood of a New Military Recruit Completing Their Career Without Weapons Training

While basic military training is essential for all recruits, the likelihood of completing a military career without undergoing any weapons training varies widely depending on the individual's job, unit, and specialization.

Humanitarian and Administrative Roles

In the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), not all recruits undergo the same weapons training. Individuals assigned to high-ranking or administrative roles often receive minimal weapons training and may not handle a weapon throughout their service. Even in the 1970s, when the author served as a DI, certain desk clerks from headquarters were required to receive refresher training in weapon safety and usage, basic first aid, and gas protection. Today, headquarters are protected by specially trained soldiers, and these previously assigned roles no longer routinely involve weapon handling.

The IDF recruits individuals with low physical fitness or disabilities, including those on the spectrum. These individuals often undergo basic indoctrination with no weapons training at all. For instance, the author met a person with a disability who was unable to complete the basic training and served in a computer unit, even being commissioned without undergoing Officer Candidate School (OCS).

Military Specializations

The likelihood of not receiving weapons training after basic training is highest for roles that do not require it, such as high-ranking administrative positions. In the U.S. Navy, some recruits in accelerated boot camps did not receive any basic weapons training, gas mask training, or practical combat training. The author, stationed in one such command in 1986, did not handle a weapon until 15 years into his service, already serving on his second ship.

Wildfires and similar scenarios can occur, but they are rare. The majority of soldiers in the U.S. Army are required to qualify with their weapons twice a year, with more stringent requirements for elite units. In the U.S. Navy, especially for submarine crew members, there is limited need for individual weapons training, given the specialized nature of their tasks.

Elite Units and Annual Qualification

Elite units in the U.S. military, such as the U.S. Army Rangers, U.S. Special Forces, and the U.S. Marines, require frequent weapons qualification. Annual qualifications for basic infantry weapons, such as the M16 and 45-caliber sidearms, are standard and contribute to the recruit's performance evaluation as part of their promotion score sheet. Even larger crew-served weapons like tank gunnery require additional qualifications and are essential for combat readiness.

The author emphasizes that unless the career length is solely one year, it is highly unlikely a recruit will complete their entire military career without any weapons training. This is due to the importance of combat readiness and the need for soldiers to maintain proficiency with their assigned weapons.

Conclusion

While individual weapons training varies depending on the unit and job, the military places a strong emphasis on maintaining combat readiness. Almost all soldiers, regardless of role, will undergo some form of weapons training after basic training, reflecting the vital role weapons play in military operations.

For anyone looking to join the military, it is vital to understand the requirement for ongoing weapons training and to appreciate the importance of this aspect of military service.