The Air Pressure World Strike Command (AFGSC) has reinstated the SIG SAUER M18 sidearm for responsibility use after a command-wide inspection of almost 8,000 pistols.
The pause started in July following the tragic loss of life of an airman at F.E. Warren AFB. One other airman was later charged with manslaughter in that case.
Whereas a mechanical defect didn’t trigger the incident, the Air Pressure quickly suspended the M18 to conduct a full inspection out of “an abundance of warning.”
191 Pistols Flagged for Points
AFGSC reviewed all 7,970 M18s in its stock. Inspectors discovered 191 pistols with what they described as “discrepancies,” largely associated to part put on. The most typical issues have been with the protection lever, striker meeting, and sear. These pistols have been pulled from service for restore.
Importantly, the Air Pressure confirmed that no negligent discharges or security incidents have been linked to mechanical malfunctions of the M18.
Enhanced Inspections Shifting Ahead
To forestall future points, the command is including new inspection steps focusing on the areas of concern. In keeping with Lt. Col. George Hern, AFGSC’s chief of safety forces, semi-annual and annual inspections will now place particular emphasis on the striker, security lever, and sear.
“Our Defenders have to belief their weapons,” mentioned Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC commander. “This inspection confirms the M18s are protected and dependable, and ensures our Airmen have faith of their sidearms.”
Again in Service
Airmen started re-arming with inspected M18s on August 25. Safety Forces commanders and trainers have additionally been tasked with briefing troops on the inspection outcomes, reinforcing safe-handling practices, and giving personnel an opportunity to boost considerations.
The SIG M18—primarily a compact model of the navy’s standard-issue M17—was adopted beneath the Modular Handgun System program. It handed the Military’s rigorous testing protocols, together with drop security, environmental endurance, and long-term reliability requirements.
For now, the M18 stays the Air Pressure’s customary sidearm, with added scrutiny on upkeep and inspections.
Our Ideas
When information first broke of the deadly discharge at F.E. Warren AFB, essentially the most alarming element wasn’t simply that an airman had been killed, however that the M18 allegedly went off whereas nonetheless holstered in a Safariland rig. If true, that might name into query not solely the pistol, but in addition holster compatibility and total weapons dealing with protocols contained in the Air Pressure. That’s why AFGSC’s rapid pause made sense. A gun “going off by itself” is one thing nobody within the firearms group takes frivolously.
Quick ahead a month, and the image appears totally different. Investigators now say a mechanical defect didn’t trigger the tragedy, however by one other airman who’s since been charged with manslaughter. The inspection of almost 8,000 M18s did uncover worn elements in a small share of pistols, however nothing to recommend a systemic flaw or a weapon that fires itself from inside a holster.
So the place does that depart us? AFGSC is reinstating the M18 with new inspection procedures in place. That’s the correct transfer. However this complete episode can be a reminder that firearms coverage selections made within the rapid aftermath of tragedy typically get amplified earlier than all of the details are identified. On this case, the M18 has as soon as once more confirmed itself to be a dependable sidearm — however the preliminary “thriller discharge” narrative unfold shortly, even amongst seasoned shooters who ought to know higher.
The underside line: the M18 wasn’t the issue. Coaching, self-discipline, and management stay the deciding components in how protected and efficient our troops are with their issued sidearms.
