Though far from a jarhead or frontline, when I had to carry a sidearm (M9), it was because I was going somewhere (combat flight or materiel protection) that I was unlikely to survive if we had a problem.
So... more of a bureaucratic vaccine than a real combat weapon.
I am, absolutely, not a fan of the M9. Nor do I like 9mm ball for defense. But 15 rounds is arguably better than 6, for the average troop.
Yes, but the M60 probably gets you an extra roll.
Nah. Just something for other people to look at.
Once upon a time...
After seeing 'bigger' and 'bigger' weapons go through the chow line in a particularly crappy place in Afghanistan, there evlolved an impromptu one-upmanship battle. Over the following weeks, we saw M60s, 249s, 243s, and even an Mk 19 go through the line. The next day after the Mk 19, one of our (larger) guys fashioned a sling for a GAU-2/M134 and a chute running to an ammo can; only to walk into the chow hall to find two guys with M2s strapped to their backs.
Whether it was the pain of carrying them, mutual resignation, or running out of (semi-) man-portable weapons; that was the end. After that, it was a return to normalcy (M4s, M16A2s, M9s, and the odd M14, shotgun, 1911, or HK).
All anyone ever got for carrying a "bigger and better" weapon was a pain in their shoulder and a few 'are you kidding?'-looks from fellow chow hall visitors.