Why don't soldiers carry swords into combat anymore?

Nero

Ok. Swords are no longer used because they have combat knifes that are as effective and im pretty sure when you become a Lt. you get a sword to show your an officer

Joshuah H

What good is a sword going to do for us? We dont ride around on horses anymore, we have side arms for close range, and we have combatives / bayonets for hand to hand combat, why in the world would we need a sword for combat?

DB808

because we have these really cools things called GUNS. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Mikey

Because war has no honor anymore and its not about proving who the better combatant and its hardly fair anymore. guns are used because soldiers are more focused on surviving than they are prepared to die. times have changed. People have changed as a whole, and technology changed. I'm pretty sure soldiers DO bring combat knives though for close quarters combat.

~*Angel Babe*~

sworeds became gay and then we made guns !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol hehehehehehehehehehehe

lovebug

Because swords are outdated compared to the weapons that have been developed.

The 3rd Nipple

Honestly what good is a sword going to do since the method of disarming your enemy is using a gun? Not only that, but soldiers have enough gear to carry and it's heavy. Why would they need more that's not as useful. If they need a sharp object, this is where knives and bayonets come in handy. They're lightweight and small. Lastly....think of the cost to the Army if they had to issue every soldier a sword AND a gun. Without an effective use for the sword (outside of ceremonies...and only officers would get a sword in that case) this is a waste of defense spending.

JackB

modern warfare. ak47 vs sword? noo bad idea

LovesAva

They have knives

Swords are rather heavy

and not all that effective really when you compare them to guns, bombs, grenades, etc.

C C

1- a gun is faster
2- you don't have to approach your partner your fighting
3- bullets are faster to make then a gun
4- possibly weight

Arash

For close combats they carry knifes I think,
swords are too long, heavy and not easy to use but knife are much better...

grenadier8408

Because guns pretty much put swords and all that other crap out of business.

Besides, it would look pretty stupid running around with some big ol' sword hangin' off your battle rattle, plus it'd probably snag on everything getting out of a vehicle.

I think I'll stick with my rifle.

Matt23

I'm assuming you mean why don't they carry Swords, as well as the other military weapons they have.

Well, that is a good question. I'm not going to be sarcastic in my answer, like most of the ones you've received already (typical), but, generally a Gun is more reliant that a Sword.

If you can imagine - yet, a Sword would be more helpful than nothing, if your Gun was to run out of bullets for example. However, they have an alternative - the Knife.

However, a Sword or Knife wouldn't protect you against a Gun - unless you were Rambo.

So, to answer your question - it's pretty pointless, because modern military weapons are so advanced nowadays, it would literally be a waste of Tax Payers money to distribute Swords by the thousands.

Hope that helps.

Vikingrazorblade

even though swords are awesome they are pitifully obsolete to todays assault riffles.

musikluver_7

There's many reasons. I'm glad we don't have battles like that anymore. I can't wait till lightsabers!!!lol. jk

Davis R

Bulkish, heavy, ineffective. They do carry them to memorials and cerimonies

Buckeye Bill

Cause some one invented bullets---------have a great day.

no quater

Ever since the invention of efficient firearms swords have been obsolete.

veteran_of_oif

Well first not only officers get swords CSMs get them as well. As for carrying them in combat swords were never really carried in combat to be used as a weapon yes in a pinch they could but the sword has always been a symbol carried by leaders to signify that they were in charge. And were used to lead a charge on the battle field but since war is no longer that way there is no longer a need for swords to be carried while at war.

Julez

Soldiers do not rate swords, the only service that rates a sword is the USMC. And that is only authorized for Dress Uniforms.

magic man

You are an idiot right? Always remember this, if you never remember anything else, "Never bring a knife (sword) to a gun fight."

Sammie

Our technology advanced.

Jack

Sword Vs. Gun. Who do you think is going to win?

MAGICKSTER

What with their rifles, ammo, knives, water and supplies, med supplies, radio and everything else? Not likely :) Besides, a bullet takes less than a second to do damage, a sword takes so much longer to use and in a war when time is important, a soldier can't afford to stuff about with swords. Especially, when the enemies have guns, cannons etc. themselves.

jeeper_peeper321

Because clubs are so much hipper.

And all the idiots who carried swords, were shot to death.

Lilly

Sword are for close combat if someone has a gun that is going to reach farther than arms length. Sure you can if you want to go right ahead but, the enemy is not going to fight that way when we have better technology. Like the nuclear war in the cold war they are trying to "one up" each other you cant do that with swords. I have also heard they are very heavy. Also, what if you cut your self....some how dangerous there is no safety lock on a sword

wounded knee

Because "Happiness is a Warm Gun", not a warm sword. Bang,bang shoot,shoot.

*~KELLY*~

because nothing can compare to a gunn

Johnny Derp

You don't bring a knife to a gun fight.

Kyle Rajasthan

Issuing swords to military personnel would simply be another item that the average soldier either could not use effectively, or not bother to use at all. Sword vs. Gun is another apples and oranges debate. Firearms have the advantage of range. Swords have the advantage of silence. Swords are also much more reliable that firearms though, because while you can run out of bullets, you will never run out of blade, unless you break it. Firearms can also malfunction or break, although with modern firearms, this is fairly rare. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. As far as lethality goes, both will kill and do so very effectively. Both also require skill to use, although the sword requires a bit more. I would argue that one should carry a pistol, a rifle and something sword like for those times when you have the drop on your opponent and you want to keep things quite. I think that it is tactics which are more important than the actual weapons used. A good example of this is a soldier who is trapped behind enemy lines. The use of a firearm could give his position away, so it should be used as a last resort, a long blade however, with the correct ambush tactic could eliminate the threat without giving away his position. Yes, a knife could do this too, but it requires getting much closer, where a good sword could kill at greater range with one well placed cut. Anyone who doubts the killing ability of a well made sword should rethink that opinion. I have seen what a broadsword can do to a side of beef. It was divided and so would be any man. I would also like to point out one more thing. A tactical vest can stop a bullet, but it can't stop a knife, nor can it stop a sword. Just my two cents worth.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: