Here’s the real story behind the top general in Afghanistan’s .45 pistol

In 1973, my platoon leader carried a Winchester 30-30 lever action rifle on patrol, I wondered where he got his ammo.
One day after he lead our platoon into a mine field, TOP instructed, in TOP's words to the FNG Lt from West Point, "Get rid of that Cowboy Gun, and start using an M-16. Lol

Such a fine weapon, too bad the ones who don't know have to criticize.

Correct, CW5 Jack Cardwell, and it seems like the public ought to get a grip or research a little. Upon promotion, GOs get a “kit”. This is dated 2010, but I think most of the info is still accurate. It’s the Senior Leaders Handbook for General Officers.

“7. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT (AR 725-1): Immediately following confirmation by the Senate of the selection of an individual for promotion to brigadier general or of general officers confirmed for promotion to higher grades, certain special equipment issue actions take place. The GO or their staff must initiate all contact to these agencies.
a. A general officer “kit” consisting of national and distinguishing general officer flags (indoor and outdoor), flag cases, flag staffs, automobile plate, and buckle under separate cover, is issued by the Clothing and Heraldry Product Support Integration Directorate in Philadelphia. This Activity may be contacted at [login to see] or DSN 444-2521 (FAX: DSN 444-2549), by mail to Mrs. Kimm Arnold, TACOM-ILSC, Clothing and Heraldry Product Support Integration Directorate, 700 Robbins Avenue, PO Box 57997, Philadelphia, PA 19111-7997 or by sending an email to [login to see] . Upon confirmation to 2-star or above, issue consists of distinguishing flags (outdoor and indoor) and automobile plate.
b. The general officer belt will be sent only after the officer’s waist measurement is provided by telephone or fax. The point of contact for belts may be reached at DSN 444-2521 or [login to see] . Allow four to six weeks for delivery. Special fittings and issue also take place annually at ASLDP-Basic as it applies. Wear of the general officer belt and buckle is optional and is not governed by regulation.
c. After retirement, a general officer may purchase additional general officer accessories by sending a request with a check or money order made payable to: “OP LOC ROCK ISLAND” to the Clothing and Heraldry PSID address above. Coordination may be made directly with Mrs. Kimm Arnold via email or telephone as listed above.
d. The pistol and holster will be issued, on a loan basis, from the Director, United States Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, ATTN: AMSTA-LCW-SLL (Ms. Diane Reid), Rock Island, IL 61299-7630. Ms. Reid's phone number is DSN 793-6617 or 10 commercial [login to see] ; fax extension is 2560; email address is: [login to see] .mil. Once Senate confirmation has been obtained, the officer must send an email message to [login to see] .mil, Subject: ‘Requesting a General Officer Pistol.’ The request must include: full name, SSN, email address, shipping address, telephone number (both commercial and DSN). Upon receipt of the request, TACOM will start the process on issuing the weapon. General officers should not contact GOMO concerning the status of their pistols. General officers have an option to purchase their holster and pistol at retirement at a price well below market value. The request form for purchasing your pistol is located on our site.”

I think the sidearm has a special serial number and the officer’s name engraved on it. Who wouldn’t want to keep their original GO sidearm? I guess some don’t, but I damn sure would keep mine and buy it upon retirement!

CPL Douglas Chrysler Maj Robert Thornton SGT (Join to see)

https://quartermaster.army.mil/jccoe/Special_Programs_Directorate/Enlisted_Aide_web_documents/Senior_Leaders_Handbook_for_General_Officers_2010.pdf