Do you have to wear a helmet on a qualification range?

The only time a helmet is required on a flat range is if you are doing drills that require shooting and moving. For a simple qualification table involving 7.62 or lower ammunition, there isn't a requirement to be in full kit or even wear a helmet unless it is written into your risk assessment placing the requirement squarely in the realm of the approving authority (usually a company or battalion commander). Matter of fact, if I recall correctly there is some language that suggests that the uniform for a static qualification range be tailored to whatever is most comfortable for the shooter in order to achieve maximum results (with the exception of eyepro and earpro which are always requirements).

Honestly, I'm not sure if there are different rules for pistol ranges versus rifle ranges. During the rifle range, we were shooting flak and Kevlar. But considering most pistol ranges are held for SNCOs and Officers, I'm not sure if the same rules apply to them. I personally never went to the pistol range while I was active duty, but my general impression is that it's a lot quicker and their main goal is to get them in and out.

Besides basic, I've always worn it as well as my kit.... I qualed in August and we mounted optics on our M4's, I was stoked... We then proceeded to not use them, but we were expected to look through the optic with our iron sights flipped up... Armeee noledge Sirrrr ......

I know some MP units that qualify with their pistols in PCs because if they have to use their weapon they will probably be in PC anyway. Most Infantry units that I have been in zero M4s slick but wear full kit for qualification. I think the NG and Reserve do whatever they want anyway so,,,Meh!

There is no regulation requiring a "Dome of Obedience" to be worn when shooting non-explosive ordnance for safety. See AR 385-63 and MCO 3570.1C on Range Safety to confirm. Current Army Training Circulars direct Soldiers to conduct initial live-fire training (zeroing and other practice) “slick” with no field gear. Marines have been doing it this way for many decades. Of course, it is wise to practice, qualify, and compete in full gear for training benefit.

Soldiers believe this is a "requirement" because they'd rather follow parroted nonsense instead of looking it up. Soldiers can also be issued certain military-owned weapons to keep and store at home and transport them to civilian shooting competitions. See AR 190-11.

RSO/OIC create the risk assessment. If the CDR blesses off on it, then it's a go. Super hot places like Fort Polk, the heat risk mitigation factor is huge, pc, gloves, eyepro and earpro, is usually so guys won't get a heat injury being in the sun all day. Moving and shooting is different, and usually has a level of risk that requires more PPE.

Local SOP. I've shot ranges where all gear was required and ranges where only ear and eye protection was required. I've shot qual and matches in both.

Depends on where you are and who is running the range. Much like the PT belt on a closed and protected road, some seniors and leaders have common sense and others do not. All battle rattle to include gloves, body armor , eye pro, ACH and more to include a camelback are required at home station, but while deployed a patrol/softcap is acceptable? I like acceptable, I just wish ranges stressed the shooter and had Soldiers on the MOVE and shooting as if they were either chased or in pursuit. But that is another topic.

What has the Miltary lost there minds helmets a is must at Any Firing Range doesn't matter pistols or Rifles it is a must. please tell me that thinks have changed to worst.

Depends on that the Command has established for its Range SOP...