It’s been an interesting read…as usual.
Speaking as someone who used to use firearms in the military on anti terrorist ops, I would wholly agree that pilots could be trained to use a simple weapon like a pistol. I do however remember the amount of practice it required to become lethal to our intended targets and not team members and the public. I know you cannot maintain a safe and accurate standard of combat ability by shooting once or twice a year.
When I left the Army and started to shoot competitively in practical pistol and police pistol competitions, I was firing around 1200 rounds a month just to stay good. I was never a champion but my standard was not too embarrassing either. I honestly believe that the vast number of pilots won’t have the inclination or the time to master the art of shooting and thinking at the speed required in a CQB situation. I fully accept that there are more US personnel who can shoot to a very high standard, but adding fear and surprise would reduce that ability to something more mundane. How many employers would be willing to give line pilots the range time needed to maintain that skill?
The only viable solution IMHO is to let dedicated personnel train and serve on A/C throughout the World. They get to train for and maintain the required skills and we don’t have to play “Billy the Kid” or get shot at in the process. It’s got to be a win win situation.
