US marines set their sights on annual qualification with new M18 service pistol

US marines based in Japan have been carrying out their annual service pistol qualification with the corps' new pistol, the SIG Sauer M18.

The US Marine Corps qualification involves marines engaging human silhouettes at different distances and in various scenarios within a set time limit.

The score they achieve determines the type of marksmanship badge they are awarded, which can be worn on their uniform for the rest of their military career.

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The marines taking part in their qualification at Camp Hansen in Okinawa were explosive ordnance disposal specialists based at nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

The qualification shoot saw the marines shoot at human-sized targets, largely aiming for centre mass - the heart/lung area of the chest.

One of the drills saw the shooters pause in the aim before being cleared to open fire - simulating an armed threat that had to be positively identified before it could be neutralised.

The US military is now largely equipped with two similar SIG Sauer handguns, the full-sized M17 and the slightly smaller M18, the designs being based on the civilian SIG Sauer P320.

While the US Army prefers the M17, the Navy and Marine Corps have mostly opted for the M18, which is 20mm shorter.

The M18, which is chambered for the standard 9mm Nato cartridge, entered USMC service in 2020.

It replaced a number of Marine Corps handguns including the M9, M9A1, M45A1 (a derivative of the M1911) and the Glock M007.

The M18 has increased modularity when compared with previous pistols.

These include interchangeable grips to fit small, medium or large hands and an accessory rail that enables marines to attach lights or lasers underneath.