I know we occasionally drew arms (M16’s, M1911) when performing security details, like payroll guard. When I was in the Army in Germany, I had a loaded M1911 in my center desk drawer, who it was checked out to I never learned. I worked in a room with safes containing Pershing Missile fire tapes and firing codes and I guess I was expected to shoot anyone trying to mess with them. I never received any explicit training or instructions on the use of the weapon or deadly force or anything like that. I suppose they expected me to rely on common sense.
In a fire drill, I reported to the arms room and drew an M-16, the firing batteries sent details to evacuate the safes. We went into the building - armed - during a fire drill.
I agree, having a loaded weapon in CONUS is very unusual.
Pershing Missile
wow....I spent about 6 mos in 2/44th @ Ft Sill late 66/early 1967.....went to WSMR point @ Blanding for joint exercises (about a month) w/German P units, IIRC, they and we each fired 4 rounds, one of which wound up waaaaay out in the Gulf. My first permanent party assignment.....mixed sand/snow storms at nite, blistering hot most days.....