We had two shotguns issued to my platoon my second deployment. The SM that were issused them also had an M4 and 9mm. Although most of the times they just took their shotgun while on patrol...was that the smartest thing....perhaps not. Like a couple guys said....they were used for breeching and crowd control...with lethal and non lethal rounds. IMO everyone should be issued a rifle....however you will find that most FOBBITS only carry and are issued 9mm's. I have seen that a lot in past deployments actually. So unbelievable....no....disturbing yes. Im a Armor guy..and have a strict loyalty to the Armor side of the house. In my 12 years of service Ive come to know and to respect the other MOS's and branches of the Armed Forces. We are all one team....with one mission to protect and defend the consitution of the United States. The includes the Infanty down to the support MOS's...weather you go outside the wire everyday...or not...you still play a role in the deployment. Now how productive you are..is all up to you.
I am not so sure the highlighted portion is true. Some maybe, but I don't think MOST. ALL of the guys I work with you would consider "fobbits", (your words not mine) and in the 6 years I have been out here I have yet to see one of the guys I work with, army or marine, carry a 9mm. They ALL have rifles. They are all comms guys network, help desks, sys admins, tech control, satcom etc. for the most part the guys that I have seen carry pistols are officers, senior NCOs, pilots, and some other aviation type guys.