This study establishes desirable characteristics of handguns for use during evasion and survival attempts of aircrew members downed in hostile territory . Based on a quantitative analysis of data from World War II evasion reports of U.S. Army Air Force personnel, the investigation revealed that the primary value of a handgun is affording a psychological sense of security. The weapon can also be used for self-defense, killing small game for food, signaling, and coercion. Recommendations are that effective handguns and ammunition should: be light enough for the aircrew member to carry for long periods of time; be securely attached to the evadee so that they will not be lost during bail out or some other activity where recovery would not be possible; be capable of rapid employment; be very accurate; be capable of disabling an opponent with the first shot; be silent so when employed they will not attract the attention of enemy forces or hostile civilians; be capable of killing small game without destroying the meat. Further, training should also include firing at small moving targets to increase the aircrew member's accuracy.

ADA 076329 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)