Should an Agent's Weapon Be a High-Tech Gun or a Low-Tech Toolkit?
As we delve into the world of secret agents and their equipped weapons, the question arises: should their primary weapon be a high-tech firearm or a low-tech toolkit? The choice is not a simple one, especially when one considers the various missions and environments these agents face.
Standard Shoulder Weapons
Agents and officers are trained on a variety of standard shoulder weapons that include the FN P90 submachine gun, the 9mm HK MP5 submachine gun, and the 12-gauge Remington 870 shotgun. These firearms are favored for their portability and effectiveness in close-quarters combat (CQB).
As of recent years, the agency has begun to transition from the 9mm HK MP5 to the 5.56mm SR-16 CQB rifle. This move underscores the importance of modern and highly accurate precision weapons in today's operational environment.
Non-Lethal Weapons and Specialized Units
Special agents, Special Officers, and Uniformed Division Officers are equipped with the ASP 16. However, for those specialized units that require a diverse set of operational capabilities, a variety of non-standard weapons are authorized. This includes the 5.56mm Knights Armament Company SR-16 CQB assault rifle, utilized by units like the Counter Assault Team (CAT) and the Emergency Response Team (ERT).
Sidearms Customs and Modernizations
The Secret Service's current sidearm, the SigSauer P229 double-action/single-action pistol chambered in .357 SIG, is a powerful weapon that has served well for over two decades. As of 2019, this sidearm began to be replaced with the more contemporary Glock handguns. Special agents are issued the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS, featuring forward slide serrations, Ameriglo Bold night sights, and a Streamlight TLR-7A weapon light. The Special Operations Division of the US Secret Service is issued the Glock 47 with Ameriglo Bold sights and a Surefire X300 Ultra weapon light.
Non-Standard Options and Toolkits
The choice of weapon is not always about the firearm. Many agents do not carry a high-powered weapon at all. Instead, they might rely on a ballpoint pen or a computer keyboard as a 'weapon' in their line of work. These low-tech tools can be surprisingly effective in disabling a computer or recording sensitive information.
Conclusion
The nature of an agent's weapon choice is a balance between high-tech firearms and low-tech tools. In the ever-changing landscape of intelligence and security operations, an agent must have the flexibility to adapt and use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals. Whether it's a high-powered rifle, a modern sidearm, or a simple toolkit, the ultimate weapon for a secret agent is one that is reliable, effective, and adaptable.