ZackG he most likely had Bic MP5 {Medium Point #5 Black Ink}Pen as this is the standard issue of a Clerk Typist.Some have been known to carry one strapped to there boot.Primarly they are tasked with processing the nessecary paperwork to get Fighting Men to the fight.Good Luck in the Corp.

If he is a typist, why is he issued a pen?

The first rule for getting someone to sign anything is to hand them a pen with the document. This reduces thier options for procratination and gets you a step closer to the signature on paper. In the urgency of combat ops paper documents do not have to have all errors retyped. Most unit SOPs allow up to three pen corrections per page. A pen is usefull for checking the grease zerk when doing PM on your vehical. If the admin clerk typist is a driver as well he will need a pen to fill out the 'trip ticket' (or whatever army pukes call it) For pushing buttons on the phone. To throw at the newbie E2 who just fell asleep at his desk. A stapler works better, but injury & the wrath of a E6 is risked. Back in the old days, when women wore skirts... oh never mind.

Well, as the age old saying goes, "every good soldier carries a pen". While those who dont want their observations to blur all over the page carry a pencil. :D

Yimmy anyone who has served in the US Army has signed for everything in black ink.The people/paper pushers are usally anal retentive about everything.Hurry up and wait is the real Army Motto.Just a few wittism that every American Soilder has been subjected to.

Yeah, having a "black" pen and small note pad was practically part of the uniform. (subject to inspection) Seriously... and that was in the Infantry.

I've been in OIF for three deployments. Made it for the invasion and all elections. Worked with SF and CAG. NEver seen any regular grunt with an MP-5. Just some ignorant civilian mercs. Iraq is assault rifle country and its foolish to carry any less.