An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Aug. 29, 2019

Andersen’s Defenses Keeping with the Times

By Airman 1st Class Michael Murphy 36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- In an effort to increase the lethality of the warfighter, the Air Force (AF) announced earlier this year that the 30-year-old M9 pistol would be put to rest and that the new workhorse, the Sig Sauer M18 pistol, would be taking its place.

The 36th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) recently received the M18 and have been meticulously inspecting the weapon system, in preparation of instructing future new handlers.

“It’s a move forward,” said Staff Sgt. Will Gonzales, 36th SFS armory NCO in charge. “We’re updating a pistol that has been in service for a long time.”

The most noticeable difference when firing the M18 is the trigger pull. If the M9 was operating under double action, the trigger pull could be anywhere between 9.6 to 16.5 pounds, and 4.5 to 6.5 pounds for single action. The lighter M18’s trigger pull lands consistently at 4.5 pounds.

Double action requires the weapon being fired to undergo two operations. While shooting the M9, upon initial trigger pull under double action means that the trigger is cocking the weapon and firing it, while single action is just firing it. The M18 is has a striker fire system, which provides a calmer pull.

“I believe it’s going to be easier for the more novice pistol user that doesn’t get to shoot as much as our security forces members,” Gonzales said. “For someone who has never shot a pistol before, the M18 will be easier for them to operate then the M9 Beretta.”

The U.S. AF Security Forces Center and AF Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs stated that some additional features of the M18 is that the magazine can hold 17 to 21 rounds, has an ambidextrous safety and slide catch, and tritium night sights.

Those certified on the M9 will have to requalify on the M18, mission requiring said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Dela Cruz, 36th SFS combat arms NCOIC. Mission requirements currently entail the 36th SFS and those who fall under special operations.

“As of right now the course to fire is the same as the M9,” said Dela Cruz. “As soon as the security forces center comes up with a new course they will send it out and implement it. If they are deploying or PCSing and the M18 is required, they will come to us and show us the requirement and we will qualify them.”

Dela Cruz also mentioned that those needing to qualify should contact their unit deployment manager or unit training manager to arrange a time to qualify.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,182
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

AUKUS Trilateral Statement
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense,...

U.S., India launch Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024
Courtesy Photo
March 21, 2024 - Indian and U.S. combined armed forces began Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024 with the arrival of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), March 18 and an opening ceremony March 19.This is the third time U.S. and...

USACE: Ensuring Safety Every Step of the Way
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work in Japan for all military services and agencies. With over 60 years of experience in designing and constructing facilities in Japan, JED possesses the experience in Japanese standards and specifications, regulations, construction practices, maintenance requirements, and culture needed to ensure facilities are built with the utmost safety and professionalism. Photo by Charles Maib.
March 21, 2024 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work...

THAAD Battery in Guam Successfully Completes Table VIII Evaluation
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launcher used by E-3 Air Defense Artillery THAAD Battery as part of their Table VIII certification in Dededo, Guam, March 13, 2024. The THAAD battery, equipped with a state-of-the-art missile defense system, is tasked with defending Guam against ballistic missile threats. (U.S. Army Photo by Maj. Trevor Wild)
March 21, 2024 - In a testament to readiness and operational excellence, Task Force Talon's E-3 ADA THAAD Battery conducted a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam, March 11-15,...