Originally Posted by
NutLoose
Yes so you could see who was who from behind, you didn't carry it on the front as officers and SNCO would be targets, and you should be able to recognise their faces.Similar reason most officers etc carried the same weapons as the troops, a pistol for example would tend to make you stand out as an officer.
I always tried to hide my pistol. Unfortunately, the ruddy great helicopter strapped to my backside rather gave the game away.